A tarpaulin is a material which has been designed to be treated to be waterproof or water resistant. Tarpaulins used in a large range of applications for everything from providing shelter from inclement weather to protecting flooring. It is sold in hardware stores sell tarpaulins or Tuffpaulin as they are sometimes called and it is also possible to purchase large sheets of tarpaulin material and cut them down into a specific desired size.

Tuffpaulin is a special type of tarpaulin. A typical tarpaulin is very thick and heavyweight, that resists high air, winds and airborne objects. Tuffpaulin tarpaulins are produced in a woven pattern, that makes them rough and stiff to the touch. They also typically have thicker folded and sealed edges with eyelets, making it possible for people to run rope and hence the tarpaulin can be tied it to various objects. Tarps are available in many color options which makes them very easy to spot.