Best Tarps for Picnic Tables and Outdoor Furniture Covers (2026 Guide)

How to Choose the Right Product

How to Choose the Right Tarps for Picnic Tables and Outdoor Furniture Covers

Choosing the right tarp comes down to material, thickness, size and fastening. Material: Polyethylene (PE) tarps are lightweight, affordable and available in many sizes; they work well for season-to-season furniture protection. PVC/vinyl tarps are heavier, clearer and generally more weather-resistant—good for porch enclosures or places where visibility matters. Thickness (mil): Tarps are commonly rated in mils (thousandths of an inch). For occasional coverage or short events, 6–8 mil will do. For seasonal protection of cushions and furniture, 12–14 mil is a solid balance. For multi-season or heavy-duty exposure, choose 14–16 mil or higher to reduce tearing and improve longevity. Fastening and fit: Look for reinforced edges, a stitched rope hem and grommets spaced every 12–24 inches. Closer grommet spacing (every 12–18 in) gives more secure tie-downs for windy areas and irregular furniture shapes. Consider grommet material—aluminum and metal grommets resist rust better than plain holes. Size and allowance: Measure the furniture and add at least 12–18 inches to each side so you can secure the tarp under legs or anchor it down. For picnic tables, measure tabletop plus overhang and bench footprint if covering the whole set. UV and weather treatments: Tarps with UV inhibitors will last longer in sun-exposed settings. If you expect snow or ice, look for heavier mils and reinforced corners to resist tearing when stressed. Portability and storage: If you need a tarp for occasional events or camping, prioritize lighter mils and compact folding. For long-term storage use heavier, more durable tarps and pair with breathable covers for cushions to avoid trapped moisture. Common complaints and how to avoid them: Size mismatches are frequent—order a tarp slightly larger than measured furniture. Durability issues often stem from using thin tarps in harsh conditions; upgrade mil thickness for longevity. Seams can fail on PVC tarps—pay attention to reinforced corners and double-stitched hems. Budget tiers: Budget tarps (8–12 mil) are great for short term or light use. Mid-range (12–14 mil) gives the best value for seasonal protection. Premium (14–16+ mil or PVC options) is best when you need long-term, heavy-duty coverage and UV longevity.

Budget Tiers

Budget: Lightweight HDPE tarps around 8–12 mil—cheap, waterproof, portable but less resistant to repeated stress. Mid-Range: 12–14 mil tarps—balanced durability, frequently reinforced hems and reasonable grommet spacing for most backyard furniture. Premium: 14–16+ mil or PVC—thicker material, better UV resistance and longer life; ideal if you want low maintenance and dependable multi-season protection.