Can you use a tarp as a sail shade

GSM stands for grams per square meter. It is the weight of the one square meter of the fabric. The bigger this number, the heavier the fabric and more structurally sound it is.

A regular tarp will have a GSM around 90. This will make them incredibly easy to tear or rip. They will also develop holes if something pointy is blown into them. A regular strength tarp would last a matter of hours or days used as a sail shade.

A heavy duty tarp will be 120 GSM which is suitable for something that is always on the ground. It won’t be pulled in different directions, and it just needs to not develop holes or rips when something falls on it. Barring any storms, a heavy duty tarp could be used days or weeks before tearing. This may be a suitable option as a last record for camping or in an emergency.

The entry level sail shade will have a GSM of 150, and this is the absolute minimum that we’d ever consider. This will be thick enough fabric to be hung in the air and be strong enough not to start ripping. A 150 GSM tarp will a couple of seasons when taken proper care of.

These budget sail shades cost around $10 more than the heavy duty tarps so it really doesn’t make financial sense to scrimp on the initial purchase price since it will last a tiny fraction of the time.

At GSM 180, you are getting into good quality sail shades. These are built to last and you can feel comfortable hanging them.

Tarps are not designed to be hung from their corners with tension. As such, the amount of wind they can withstand is minimal. Even small gusts of wind will lead to the grommets tearing from the corner.

We’ve written a complete guide to sail shades and wind, but when it comes to tarps just assume they are working at their maximum capacity on a completely clear sunning day.

Tarps are single or double stitched depending on the quality. We have a very cheap tarp under our bunny cage to protect the floor. It doesn’t need to be strong or tear resistant. Just something that is waterproof that our little bunny won’t eat. We picked up an 6′ x 8′ tarp like this for $5 at Walmart.

Heavy duty tarps are going to be double or triple stitched with a heavier thread. They will run you about double the price of the cheap tarps, but they will last much longer. This is good if you are going to keep them outside or need them for long-term protection.

The switch for sail shades, even the least expensive, is far, far more secure than tarps. They are designed to provide support and not tear when the fabric is held under tension for long periods of time. Tarps are not designed to standup to prolonged tension, and the won’t.

When you attach the connector via a single screw, you are creating a single point of failure. This also means that all the force is pulling against this lone screw. By using a bracket that is held in place by 4 or 6 screws, you are dividing the on the connection.

Remember sail shades are primary composed of a fabric sail. They are designed to catch wind and use that energy for movement. By anchoring the corners down, you are putting the force of the shade against the strength of the bolt or screw holding it in place.

That’s it for this post, and thanks for the question. This came from one of our readers who asked us if we thought they could use a tarp as a sail shade. I hope we’ve given them the reasons they’d want to spend the extra few bucks to get a proper sail shade.

If you’d like more information on sail shades, we’ve created a beginner’s guide to sail shades. This is an excellent resource if you are new to shade structures and considering adding this to your home. If you’re a little more experienced, we’ve also written a complete guide to sail shades. This targets users who are more into the DIY space with several home improvement projects under their belts.

In closing, we’ve included a link to our favorite budget sail shade. The extra couple bucks over a heavy duty tarp will well be worth it give the lifespan will be significantly longer.

Royal Shade 8' x 10' White Rectangle Sun Shade Sail Canopy Outdoor Patio Fabric Screen Awning RTAPR0810 - UPF50+ 95% UV Blockage, Heavy Duty, Water & Air Permeable (We Make Custom Size)

• 【UV PROTECTION & COOLING】This sunshade sail is made of 200GSM high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection factor, providing cooling effect of 10-15℉ and protecting furniture and swimming pool areas from direct sunlight.
• 【BREATHABLE & DRY】The permeable weave lets air flow through tight porch corners easily. Rainwater flows right down without pooling on the fabric surface, preventing heat buildup and stuffiness.
• 【STRONG & STEADY】The shade sail features curved edges and thickened stitching, ensuring both aesthetics and enhanced tensile strength. Each corner is equipped with a stainless steel D-ring for stable hold, even in strong winds.
• 【EASY SETUP】Easily hang this sail on any structure. Low maintenance and easy to store, making it flexible choice for backyards and carport.Leave 0.5-1 ft for installing hardware to achieve optimal tension. Hardware kits help ensure stable setup (hardware kit not included).
• 【CUSTOMER CARE】As a direct manufacturer, we stand behind our craftsmanship for three full years. From small balconies to large sports facilities or outdoor restaurants, we can customize to achieve the perfect fit.Your satisfaction is our commitment!