Lumber Tarps

Tarps used for transporting come in two types: lumber and steel. A lumber tarp is used most of the time to transport lumber in a truck with an eight-foot height, although the tarp can be used to transport any other materials in a truck with a similar height. To cover a lumber truck, two to three pieces of tarp are needed to cover a truck 48 feet long. Each piece costs between $300 to $400, or a set of two or three tarps can cost $850. In addition, the tarp is shaped to accommodate the specific load of lumber. Steel tarps, although designed for a load of steel, are used for a shallower bed of truck.

Although canvas can be used as a truck or lumber tarp, the most common tarp materials used are mesh or polyethylene, as they are both lightweight and will protect the lumber from rain, ice, and UV rays. The material is coated with heavy duty polyethylene and reinforced with triple braided roping and double stitched hems. Typically, the material is colored black, the stock color for lumber and steep tarps.

A trailer carrying a load of lumber is often 24 feet wide, 8 feet high, and 27 feet long. A lumber tarp will fit those dimensions and also have a flap to fit over the front of back of the load. To keep the tarp in place, both grommets and D-rings come on the tarp. A lumber tarp will have three rows of grommets on both sides and two or three rows of D-rings. However, bungee cords should be used to keep the tarp down if it is being attached manually.