Brown Heavy Duty Tarp: How a Reversible Tarp Handles Summer Heat and Winter Cold
Most people choose a tarp by size and price. Few think about color, but color changes how a tarp behaves in the sun. A dark surface absorbs heat, while a light one reflects it. A reversible tarp lets you choose which effect you want. That is the core idea behind The Tarp Co.’s Cover All, a brown heavy duty tarp with a white reverse side.
The basics
The Cover All is a heavy-duty polyethylene tarp. The product page describes the design as reversible: flip it white side out to beat the heat, or brown/silver side out to hold warmth. The listing also notes that the product is transitioning from the original brown and white design to a version with a silver side and white on the reverse, so you may receive either one.
Prices start from $32.86, and the tarp comes in sizes from 6' x 8' all the way up to 60' x 60'.
What “heavy duty” means here
Here are the specifications from the product page.
Aluminum grommets every 18 inches
Plastic-reinforced corners
3mm rope in the hem
14 x 14 weave, meaning 14 threads in each direction per square inch
850 denier HDPE threads with an LDPE coating
3% U.V.I. treatment in the coating
Approximately 10 to 11 mil thick
5.2 ounces per square yard
The 18-inch grommet spacing is a good sign. More grommets mean more places to tie down, which spreads wind stress and reduces tearing. The rope-reinforced hem and plastic corners protect the most vulnerable parts of any tarp, the edges and corners.
The 3% U.V.I. treatment helps the tarp resist sun degradation, which matters for a tarp meant for long-term use.
Summer: white side out
In hot weather, the goal is to keep what is underneath cool. A white surface reflects more sunlight than a dark one, so the tarp stays cooler and so does what is beneath it.
This is useful for covering stacked lumber, stored equipment, hay bales, or anything that suffers from heat. It also helps if you are setting up shade for a workspace or campsite. Keep in mind that a solid tarp does not breathe like mesh does, so make sure there is some airflow under the cover if you are protecting items that can sweat.
Winter: brown or silver side out
In cold weather, you want to hold warmth and absorb a little sun. The brown side, or the silver side on the newer version, is the one to use. A dark outer surface absorbs more sunlight, which can help keep a covered area slightly warmer.
This helps in situations like protecting stored equipment from frost, covering firewood so it stays drier, or wrapping materials on a job site. It will not replace insulation, but it adds a useful bit of protection.
One more winter note. Snow can build up on a flat tarp and add serious weight. Create a slope so snow and water slide off, and clear heavy snow if you can.
Spring and fall: the in-between
During shoulder seasons, weather swings. Mornings are cold and afternoons are warm. A reversible tarp gives you the flexibility to adjust. If rain is coming, either side works for keeping water out. If you expect warm, sunny weather, flip it to white. If a cold snap is coming, flip it back.
Choosing a size
With sizes ranging from 6' x 8' to 60' x 60', there is a lot of choice. Cut sizes are larger than finished sizes. For example, a 10' x 14' tarp finishes at about 9'4" x 13'6", and a 20' x 30' finishes at about 19' x 29'4".
When sizing, measure what you want to cover, then add enough extra to anchor the tarp and shed water. A tarp that barely fits is hard to tie down and will flap. Leave a margin.
Large sizes like 30' x 40' or 50' x 50' are suited to covering hay stacks, construction materials, or big equipment. Small sizes like 6' x 8' or 8' x 10' work well for camping, boat covers, and small woodpiles.
Real-world uses
Camping and hunting. The product page lists camping, boating, and hunting as ideal uses. A brown tarp blends into many outdoor environments.
Firewood. Cover the top of the pile and leave the sides open so air can circulate. This keeps rain off while letting wood dry.
Boats and trailers. A heavy-duty cover protects from sun and rain during storage.
Equipment and materials. For job sites and farms, it protects machinery, lumber, and supplies.
Hay and feed. Large sizes can cover stored hay or other agricultural goods.
Tying it down properly
A heavy tarp still needs proper anchoring. Use all the grommets you can, or at least spacing that keeps tension even. Secure corners first, then work along the edges. Use rope, bungee cords, or rubber tarp straps. Avoid pulling so hard that you stress individual grommets. Even tension is better than extreme tension at a few points.
If you are using it as a cover over a load on a vehicle, secure the load first and then secure the tarp. A tarp is a cover, not a load restraint.
Care and longevity
Polyethylene tarps do not need much care, but a few habits help. Clean off dirt and debris, since grit can abrade the surface. Dry the tarp before long-term storage to prevent mildew on trapped moisture. Fold it loosely and store it out of the sun. Check grommets and corners periodically for wear.
Even with the UV inhibitor, long-term exposure to sun will eventually break down any tarp. If you plan to leave it outdoors for years, expect gradual aging, and replace it when you see cracking or brittleness.
Is it right for you?
If you want one tarp that handles different seasons and different jobs, the Cover All is a practical choice. It is not a premium industrial tarp or a vinyl cover, but it is a strong middle-to-upper option in polyethylene, with real reinforcement and a reversible design that gives you some control over heat.
Final thoughts
A brown heavy duty tarp that flips to white is a simple idea that solves a real problem. Reflect heat in summer, retain it in winter, and enjoy the durable construction year-round. With a wide range of sizes and prices starting at $32.86, it fits many budgets and many uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a brown heavy duty tarp?
It is a heavy-duty polyethylene tarp with a brown or silver side and a white reverse side. Here the product is The Tarp Co. Cover All.
Which side should I use in summer?
White side out to reflect heat.
Which side should I use in winter?
Brown or silver side out to retain warmth.
How thick is it?
Approximately 10 to 11 mil thick.
How many grommets does it have?
Aluminum grommets every 18 inches, plus plastic-reinforced corners.
What sizes are available?
From 6' x 8' up to 60' x 60'. Sizes are cut sizes, so check the finished size chart.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $32.86.
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