The Differences Between Lumber Tarps and Steel Tarps
Published on 01/06/25
What Are Flatbed Trailer Tarps?
Flatbed tarps are commonly used to protect cargo underneath while in transit to the next location. Flatbed tarps are commonly made from either a light-duty or heavy-duty PVC-coated tarpaulin material that is cold crack-rated to -40° C/F.
This material offers excellent protection against weather and provides tear resistance to prevent the tarp from being cut or damaged from the rigorous demands that flatbed trailers face. From various weather conditions or debris such as branches that may rub against the flatbed tarp while on the road.
Flatbed tarps offer protection against rain, snow, ice, strong wind gusts, direct sunlight, mold, mildew, moisture, dust, dirt, and general road grime. These are just a few of the many reasons why flatbed tarps can become damaged.
The two main types of flatbed tarps are Lumber Tarps and Steel Tarps. The main difference between the two tarps is the type of cargo they are used to protect.
Let’s begin with the key differences between Lumber Tarps and Steel Tarps.
What Is A Lumber Tarp?
The most common type of flatbed tarps are lumber tarps and is used for securing a wide range of oddly shaped and oversized cargo. Some of the most popular cargo secured include lumber, building materials, construction supplies, and general cargo. While lumber tarps work great for these specific applications they can also protect just about any cargo that can fit underneath the lumber tarp.
Lumber tarps are most frequently used for wooden and lumber products but can also be used for general freight. Lumber tarps are made with three rows of D-Rings that are spaced every 24 inches apart and include reinforced grommets at the bottom of the tarp to make finding the ideal spots when securing your tarp a breeze using rubber tarp straps.
Lumber tarps are available in either 14 oz light duty or 18 oz heavy duty tarpaulin. This ultimately depends on the type of cargo you are securing and if you are hauling multiple shorter routes or one long route OTR. For flatbed drivers making numerous short routes, the light-duty tarps offer excellent maneuverability and are less weight than the 18 oz heavy-duty alternatives.
Drivers driving on longer or multiple-day trips typically opt for the 18 oz heavy-duty PVC-coated tarpaulin material due to the risk of arriving with damaged cargo. The heavier-duty tarpaulin helps offer ultimate protection and peace of mind for flatbed operators and is often worth the minimal difference in pricing to ensure the load arrives safely.
For average-size flatbed trailers that are either 50-foot or 53-foot long, depending on where the trailer is measured, you will need to use two lumber tarps to ensure the cargo on the flatbed is entirely protected. The weight of lumber tarps ranges up to 121 lbs for our heaviest sizes, and having a tarp that covers the entire trailer could make it extremely hard for most drivers to maneuver otherwise.
If you have any questions, need a quote, or need a recommendation on which flatbed tarp works best for your flatbed hauling needs contact our experts today at 800-444-0956 or by using our Contact Us form at the top of the website if you prefer communications via email.
Light Duty Lumber Tarps
Light Duty Lumber Tarps are made from a 14 oz PVC-coated material that protects against rain, snow, ice, strong wind gusts, road grime, direct sunlight, and general debris. The 14 oz material is lighter than our heavy-duty lumber tarps which use a 18 oz material and are much heavier in physical weight.
Light-duty lumber tarps are ideal for those securing multiple loads per day and want a more easily maneuvered tarpaulin. Light-duty tarps work great for solo drivers or an aging workforce due to the general weight of flatbed tarps not being the easiest to move around.
Another benefit of using light-duty tarps is the tarp is made with less PVC-coated material which helps make the tarp more affordable when initially purchasing or replacing for fleets.
This tarp is also 100 percent waterproof, prevents mold and mildew, and is UV-resistant to direct sunlight. It also includes three rows of d-rings with padding behind the d-rings to increase durability and prevent water from finding its way inside.
D Rings are spaced every 24 inches on each of the three rows to make securing your tarp and protecting your cargo easy. Lumber tarps include grommets at the bottom of the tarp that are also spaced every 24 inches to provide ultimate flexibility when securing your tarp system to the flatbed trailer.
If you have any questions, need a quote, or are interested in our large quantity discount pricing on our light-duty tarp systems call us today at 800-444-0956 or our Contact Us page at the top of the website if you prefer communications via email. We look forward to helping you find exactly what you need to protect your cargo from damage on your next trip.
Heavy Duty Lumber Tarps
Heavy Duty Lumber Tarps are made from an 18 oz PVC-coated material providing heavier-duty durability and protection to your load compared to light-duty lumber tarps. While heavy-duty 18 oz tarps do come at a more expensive price point they also add longer durability to ensure that your load arrives from one destination to the next.
Some trips may take several days to reach while on the road this is a small price to pay to ensure that the cargo arrives safe and free of damage. Heavy-duty tarps offer higher durability, better waterproofing, and better protection against tears, direct sunlight, water, and wind.
If you are looking for a tarp with ultimate protection and built to last this is the lumber tarp selection you have been looking for. Made with our heaviest-duty 18 oz fabric and includes three rows of D-rings spaced 24 inches apart with installed backing pads behind the d rings for added durability.
Around the exterior edges of the tarp are reinforced edges and grommets to make securing the heavy-duty tarp to your flatbed trailer easy and provide added flexibility and load security. Heavy-duty flatbed tarps are in stock and ready to ship normally within the same business day.
If you have any questions, need a quote, or are interested in our fleet pricing call us today at 800-444-0956 or by using our Contact Page at the top of the website if you prefer communications via email. We look forward to working with you to help find everything you need to equip your flatbed trailer.
What Is A Steel Tarp?
Steel tarps are designed to secure stacked steel coils, sheets, fabrications, or other metal products during transit on flatbed trailers. They are also made with a waterproof 14 oz light-duty or 18 oz heavy-duty PVC-coated material that is cold-crack rated to -40° C/F. Steel tarps are available in different lengths and widths to fit a wide range of cargo applications.
Steel tarps are made with reinforced grommets and D-rings spaced every 24 inches along the sides for ultimate load security and flexibility. Due to the overall measurements of the flatbed tarps, steel tarps are much lighter in weight compared to lumber tarps which may have several large drops making them easier to maneuver.
Steel tarps work great for low-profile loads that are not stacked or taller, as they provide less wind resistance and wind drag during transit which could cause quicker wear and tear. This helps your steel tarp last longer and receive better fuel mileage from improved aerodynamics.
If you have any questions, need a quote, or are interested in our fleet pricing call us today at 800-444-0956 or by using our Contact Us page at the top of the website if you prefer communication via email.
The Differences Between Lumber Tarps and Steel Tarps
| Feature | Lumber Tarps | Steel Tarps |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Primary Use | Covers large, flatbed loads like lumber, building materials, and pallets. Protects from weather and UV rays. | Protects stacked steel coils, sheets, and other metal products during transit. Ideal for low-profile loads. |
| Load Type | Best for taller or bulkier loads requiring full coverage with larger side drops. | Best for shorter or stacked loads that require fewer side drops. |
| Material | 14 or 18 oz vinyl for weather resistance and durability. | 14 or 18 oz vinyl for abrasion resistance and long-lasting use. |
| Weight | Heavier due to larger size and thicker material. | Lighter and easier to handle compared to lumber tarps. |
| Best Applications | Construction materials, pallets, lumber, building materials, oversized loads. | Raw metal, steel coils, building materials, or metal fabrications. |
As you can tell by the table above there are several key differences between Lumber Tarps and Steel Tarps. While both tarps are frequently used for specific applications, they can be used for any general cargo securement applications that fit underneath the flatbed tarps.
Before purchasing either tarp it is a good idea to get a general feel of what type of cargo you will secure the most on your flatbed to help determine which tarp is better for your applications. If you are securing taller, longer, wider, or oddly shaped cargo you will likely want to go with a Lumber Tarp. These tarps are designed specifically for larger or stacked cargo, ensuring that they provide full coverage and protection from the weather and road debris.
If the cargo you are securing is smaller or if the cargo is not stacked, then steel tarps are normally the better option, as they are more aerodynamic and easier to move around due to the lighter weight. Lighter-weight tarps are quicker to install and maneuver around which also helps less strain on the operator when installing or placing the tarp into storage.
About Trucking Depot
Trucking Depot has been a leading manufacturer and supplier of quality cargo control products and flatbed equipment since 1993. At our location in Bellville, Ohio we have a wide selection of products in stock and ready to ship to keep you on the road. Orders placed before 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) for products in stock normally will even ship out within the same business day.
We have a wide selection of flatbed tarps, such as our lumber, steel, coil, and parachute (Ripstop) available in different sizes and optional light-duty or heavy-duty material. For most flatbed trailers you will need to use two tarps for full coverage on the flatbed trailer.
Make sure to check out our full selection of Flatbed Equipment such as our Tie Down Straps, Winches, Transport Chain & Binders, Coil Racks, Rubber Tarp Straps, and Oversize Load & Safety Flags.
If you have any questions, need a quote, or are interested in our flatbed fleet pricing, contact our experts today. We would be happy to assist you with further information. You can reach us best by calling 800-444-0956 or using our Contact Us page at the top of the website if you prefer email communications. We look forward to helping you find exactly what you need for your next securement.
