Lumber Tarps
Heavy-duty 18 oz and lightweight lumber tarps with 4, 6 and 8 ft drops, D-rings and tail flaps.
About Lumber Tarps
Lumber tarps are the workhorse of flatbed hauling: a large rectangular body with a long drop on each side and a tail flap that closes off the rear of the load. They are built for tall, square freight — lumber, drywall, roofing, palletized building materials and general freight. Most drivers run a pair of 24' × 27' tarps with an 8 ft drop to cover a full 48–53 ft trailer, while 16' × 27' (4 ft drop) and 20' × 27' (6 ft drop) sizes suit shorter stacks.
- 4 ft, 6 ft and 8 ft drop options
- Tail flap to seal the rear of the load
- 18 oz heavy-duty vinyl or 14–15 oz lightweight fabric
- 3 rows of D-rings, roughly every 2 ft, for strap points
How to choose lumber tarps
- Drop height. Pick a drop equal to your typical load height. 8 ft drop tarps cover tall loads and still fold up neatly on short ones.
- Weight vs durability. 18 oz vinyl lasts longest; 14 oz and combo (18/14 oz) tarps are noticeably easier to throw and fold.
- Color. Black absorbs heat and helps snow slide off; lighter colors stay cooler. Color has no effect on strength.
Lumber Tarps FAQ
How many lumber tarps do I need for a 48 ft flatbed?
Two 24' × 27' lumber tarps cover most 48 ft loads with overlap. For a 53 ft trailer with a full-length load, drivers often add a third tarp or use a 3-piece lumber tarp set.
What does the drop on a lumber tarp mean?
The drop is the height of the side panel that hangs from the top of the load down toward the deck. A 24' wide tarp with an 8 ft drop has an 8 ft top section and an 8 ft drop on each side.
What is a combination (18/14 oz) lumber tarp?
A combo tarp uses 18 oz vinyl on the top, where abrasion is highest, and lighter 14 oz vinyl on the sides, cutting weight while keeping a tough wear surface.
Do lumber tarps come with straps?
Usually not. Tarps are secured with rubber tarp straps or bungee cords hooked to the D-rings; see our flatbed tarp kits for bundles that include straps.
Affiliate disclosure: Global Cargo Control is a product guide. Products are sold and shipped by the retailer we link to, and we may earn a commission when you buy through our links — at no extra cost to you. Prices are shown in US dollars and may change; the final price is the one shown at checkout on the retailer's site. Learn more