What’s the difference between Lumber Tarps and Steel Tarps?
The primary difference between lumber tarps and steel tarps lies in their design, size, and intended use. While both are used to protect cargo during transportation on flatbed trucks, they cater to different types of loads—lumber (typically taller and more irregular) versus steel (typically lower, more compact).
Here are the main distinctions between lumber tarps and steel tarps:
- Size and Dimensions
Lumber Tarps:
Larger in size, usually around 24–28 feet long and 20–28 feet wide.
Designed to cover taller loads of lumber that may be stacked high on a flatbed truck. The extra width and length allow the tarp to drape fully over the cargo and cover the sides.
Many lumber tarps feature end flaps that provide additional coverage for the front and back of the load, especially for uneven or irregular shapes.
Steel Tarps:
Smaller and more compact, typically around 16–20 feet long and 10–16 feet wide.
Designed to cover lower, more compact loads like steel sheets, pipes, or other flat or cylindrical cargo. Steel loads usually don’t require the same height coverage as lumber.
Steel tarps do not usually have end flaps, as steel loads tend to be more uniform and lower to the ground.
- Design and Shape
Lumber Tarps:
Feature side and rear flaps to cover the entire height and ends of the load. This ensures complete protection of taller, bulkier cargo from rain, snow, and debris.
Often come with additional D-rings and grommets along the edges and flaps for securing them tightly, especially given the irregular shape of lumber loads.
Steel Tarps:
No flaps or only minimal side coverage. Steel tarps are rectangular and flat, focusing on providing coverage for low-profile loads that don’t need the extra material to cover large side areas.
Typically lighter than lumber tarps due to less material being required, making them easier to handle for drivers.
- Weight and Handling
Lumber Tarps:
Heavier and bulkier due to their larger size and extra flaps.
Can weigh 60–120 pounds, depending on material and dimensions, making them more challenging to handle.
Require more time to secure properly because of their size and extra tie-down points.
Steel Tarps:
Lighter and easier to handle since they are smaller and don’t have the large end or side flaps.
Typically weigh around 40–70 pounds, making them quicker and more efficient to deploy and secure over low-profile loads like steel or machinery.
- Intended Use
Lumber Tarps:
Primarily used for transporting lumber or other tall and irregularly shaped loads that require full coverage from top to bottom.
Also used to cover other materials like insulation or equipment that might be stacked high or exposed to the elements.
Steel Tarps:
Specifically designed for transporting steel or other flat, low-profile cargo like pipes or sheets of metal.
Ideal for protecting cargo that doesn’t require coverage for height or unusual shapes, focusing more on surface protection from rain, dust, and road debris.
- Material and Durability
Both lumber and steel tarps are typically made from durable, PVC-coated vinyl material that is waterproof and UV-resistant. However:
Lumber Tarps may have heavier material to provide better durability against elements like wind and to withstand the strain of covering larger, irregular loads.
Steel Tarps are usually slightly lighter because they don’t need to cover as large or tall a load, though they still provide strong protection against rain, rust, and road debris.
Summary of Differences
| Feature | Lumber Tarps | Steel Tarps |
| Size | Larger (24-28 feet long, 20-28 feet wide) | Smaller (16-20 feet long, 10-16 feet wide) |
| Shape | Includes flaps to cover high stacks | Rectangular with no flaps |
| Weight | Heavier (60-120 pounds) | Lighter (40-70 pounds) |
| Usage | Tall/irregular loads like lumber | Low-profile loads like steel sheets |
| Durability | Made to handle taller and bulkier cargo | Focused on surface protection |
In essence, lumber tarps are larger and heavier, designed to protect tall and irregularly shaped cargo like stacked lumber, while steel tarps are smaller, lighter, and ideal for low-profile, more uniform loads like steel sheets.
