Canvas Tarp Pros & Cons + 5 Reasons to Switch

When people hear “traditional canvas tarp,” they picture a rugged, old-school cover crafted from cotton canvas—a relic used to protect everything from valuables at construction sites to gear at outdoor events. It’s been the go-to for its natural breathability and nostalgic appeal.

But let’s be honest—nostalgia doesn’t stop mildew. And while canvas might look tough hanging in a garage, out in the wild it folds faster than a lawn chair in a windstorm. Whether it’s unexpected rain, sun exposure, or a rogue squirrel with something to prove, these tarps tend to wear out right when you need them most.

Over time, their weaknesses become painfully clear—mildew growth, heavy fabric weight, and the reality that most are merely water resistant, not truly waterproof. Some have even been known to retain water and get heavier over time! 

Sure, a canvas tarp may have some perks, but does it hold up against the demands of modern use? 

Spoiler alert: Not quite.

If you’re still clinging to heavy duty canvas tarps, it’s time to reconsider. Vinyl tarps, polypropylene-based tarps, and custom tarps have redefined what durable, tear resistant, and UV-resistant really means. 

Think of it like trading in your flip phone for a smartphone—same purpose, wildly better performance. Today’s advanced tarps are lighter, tougher, and built to take a beating without falling apart or turning into a mildew buffet. Whether you’re covering gear, guarding supplies, or bracing for bad weather, there’s simply no excuse to settle for outdated tech wrapped in nostalgia.

In this guide, we’ll break down the real pros and cons of canvas tarps, the difference between treated canvas tarps and untreated canvas tarps, and 5 powerful reasons why it’s time to move beyond outdated materials.

Curious how canvas stacks up against modern tarps? Check out this side-by-side comparison chart.

Below are five urgent reasons it’s time to step up to next-generation tarps like Renegade’s solutions. Each reason tackles a core flaw of the old-school canvas tarp—and proves how advanced tarp covers can deliver better performance and a smaller environmental footprint.

Better Mold Resistance

We’ve seen mildew resistant coatings cave under pressure on a canvas tarp. Once mildew growth invades, you can get stains, a strong odor, and compromised integrity. 

Plus, mold spores? Not exactly a breath of fresh air.

By contrast, polypropylene tarps are inherently more mildew resistant, acting like built-in armor against fungus and bacteria. Renegade Tarps, for instance, stay drier on the surface, leaving mold with nowhere to hide. That’s especially crucial if you rely on these tarps for boat covers or need a cover in muggy climates.

Mold-Resistance Edge Case: Storing antiques in a damp garage? Slapping on tarp covers or custom tarps with superior mold defenses could mean the difference between pristine preservation and a moldy disaster.

Lighter Weight

Ever dragged a waterlogged heavy duty canvas tarp through muddy ground after a night of epic rain? That canvas tarp might feel like it doubled in mass. 

It’s the tarp equivalent of doing squats with a soaked wool blanket—and that’s before you factor in the smell. Once canvas absorbs water, it clings to it like a bad habit, turning every move into a full-body workout no one asked for. You’re not hauling a cover anymore—you’re dragging a swamp.

Untreated canvas tarps soak up water, making them an all-around pain for many outdoor jobs. Even the so-called “lightweight” heavy duty tarps made from heavy duty canvas can be exhausting to haul once they’re soaked.

Modern plastic-based tarps, including Renegade’s, cut the fabric weight dramatically. And because they don’t hold water, you won’t need a forklift to move them around. Haul them through construction sites, toss them over canopies, or cover seasonal gear with ease. Because they are lighter weight, folding and unfolding faster—your back will thank you.

Waterproof

The typical canvas tarp is never truly waterproof. You can find treated or water repellent heavy duty canvas tarps that work for a spell, but a long, pounding storm usually wins. 

If you’re looking to protect electronics or priceless inventory, a “mostly dry” solution won’t cut it.

Enter modern tarps, particularly advanced polypropylene textiles. They provide an unwavering waterproof shield. That matters if you live where rain seems never-ending or if your tarp stays in constant contact with water. 

It’s like using a paper umbrella in a hurricane—looks fine at first, until it turns into a soggy mess. Canvas might handle a drizzle, but leave it out in real weather and you’ll find leaks, saturation, and a whole lot of regret. 

Spoiler alert: “kinda dry” doesn’t protect your tools, your gear, or your reputation.

Plus, a plastic-based cover from Renegade won’t need repeated coatings or treatments to keep water at bay. Just unroll it, secure it, and let it do its job—no tedious upkeep required.

Why Renegade Tarps are Superior to Canvas Tarps

Ready to ditch the drama of a conventional canvas tarp? Our tarps are engineered for:

• Mildew resistant performance that doesn’t rely on short-lasting chemical treatments
• Zero toxic junk like PFAS or BPA—no flaking, no polluting, no excuses
• Perfect for outdoor use, boat covers, and heavy-duty industrial tasks
• A sustainability ethos that ensures each tarp gets a real afterlife, not a landfill fate

Choose Renegade and get a tarp that stands for longevity, cost savings, and genuine environmental responsibility. Skip the waterlogged headaches and dreaded strong odor. Rip off the bandage that is the limp, old canvas tarp—embrace the future and leave the dead weight behind.

Superior Afterlife

A standard canvas tarp doesn’t age gracefully. Even the best canvas tarps wear out, and then you’re stuck dealing with disposal. Cotton canvas sounds eco-friendly—until you factor in dyes, chemicals, and treated or wax-based finishes. Those treatments can render it anything but biodegradable.

Renegade Tarps? Different story. 

Our tarps—tougher than most vinyl tarps—are created with a circular lifespan in mind. When they finally retire from outdoor service, you can send them back for responsible recycling. That’s a stark contrast to many heavy duty tarps or custom tarps that are destined for a landfill once they’re toast.

Plus, a polypropylene-based tarp holds its own for far longer than a canvas tarp. With built-in resilience to mold and rodents, you won’t be buying replacements every season—saving both your wallet and your sanity.

Versatile Options in Various Sizes and Custom Sizes

The last nail in the canvas tarp coffin? Limited versatility. 

Old-school canvas tarp products aren’t exactly known for wide-ranging tarp sizes or shapes—unless you’re willing to shell out more cash for custom tarps. And even then, the results can be underwhelming thanks to ongoing water absorption, strong odor, and structural quirks.

Our tarps come in various sizes and can be adapted to custom sizes when needed, serving everyone from boat enthusiasts to contractors planning expansive canopies. Whether you need a petite cover for your garden or a mega-sized solution for construction sites, these tarps deliver performance across the board. 

Switching from large job sites to a cozy family campout is simple—no more messing with specialty canvas tarp after specialty canvas tarp.

5 FAQs About Canvas Tarps

Below are answers to the most common questions about tarps made from heavy duty canvas, untreated canvas tarps, and the best canvas tarps. Let’s cut through the haze so you know exactly where you stand.

1. Are all canvas tarps water resistant? Mostly, yes—but rarely fully waterproof. Treated coatings can make them water repellent for a bit, but this protection fades, especially when confronted by unrelenting rain.
2. Why do canvas tarps sometimes have a strong odor? That strong odor often comes from waxes or chemicals used to make treated canvas tarps more robust or mildew resistant. Unrolling heavy duty canvas tarps fresh from the package can fill a room with a pungent smell—especially if you’re in a tight space like a garage.
3. Can canvas tarps serve as boat covers? You can try using a canvas tarp for boat covers, but it’s a risky move. Mildew growth thrives in moist environments, and canvas tarp material tends to retain water. Polypropylene alternatives, on the other hand, shrug off moisture and keep your equipment drier.
4. Is there an advantage to untreated canvas? An untreated canvas tarp isn’t overloaded with all the “fire retardant” or treated chemicals. But it’s also more prone to mildew growth, damage from uv rays, and infiltration by rain. You’ll need to coat it yourself to survive any serious outdoor use.
5. Do canvas tarps come in various sizes and custom sizes? Sure—you can find various sizes or custom sizes for a canvas tarp, but brace yourself for a potential price spike. And even the most high quality canvas needs regular TLC if you’re using large swaths at construction sites or under canopies.

Break Free from Canvas: It’s Time for a Renegade Revolution

The “humble” canvas tarp has been around for millennia, patching up leaks and doubling as a makeshift tent at construction sites everywhere. But it’s plagued by weak waterproofing, big-time strong odor, a short shelf life, and as an oh so tempting chew toy for rats and mice. Meanwhile, modern plastic-based tarp covers can shred these limitations—and the best canvas tarps can’t compete.

If you crave a cover that conquers everything—boat covers, canopies, or heavy-duty industrial feats—Renegade Tarps have your back. Our tear resistant, eco-forward solutions blow past the feeble performance of a standard canvas tarp. Whether you need heavy duty tarps for construction sites or custom tarps for niche jobs, Renegade answers the call without cutting corners.

• Stop battling mold. 
• Stop soaking up rain. 
• Stop wasting money on worthless replacements. 

Step up from the outdated canvas tarp to a future built on durability and zero-hassle performance. Protect what matters most. Swap that relic of cotton canvas for a Renegade Tarp, and witness how modern materials push boundaries. You’ll wonder why you waited this long to leave the past behind.