Lumber tarps for flatbed and step deck loads of bundled lumber, plywood and other tall freight. Ours come in 6, 8 and 10 ft drops, as single tarps or as 2- and 3-piece sets sized to cover 48 and 53 ft trailers, with 3 or 4 rows of stainless steel D-rings. Every tarp is built in our own facility with heat-sealed, 100% waterproof seams, 2″ webbing in the hems and grommets stitched every 2 ft.
Lumber Tarp Sizes
Every lumber tarp and set in this category, with the specs from its product listing.
Hybrid = ripstop vinyl top and flap with ripstop parachute-fabric sides. Parachute fabric = parachute fabric throughout, the lightest build. Looking for a 6 ft set? See the 2-piece 6 ft drop set.
2-Piece or 3-Piece Set?
Both are sized to cover a full 48 or 53 ft flatbed. A 2-piece set uses two large 27′ × 24′ tarps that overlap in the middle, so there are fewer pieces to throw and tie. A 3-piece set uses two 21′ end tarps and one 16′ center tarp; each piece is smaller and easier to lift onto a load alone, and the center tarp can be left off on shorter loads.
Choosing the Drop
Match the drop to the load height above the deck. Our listings recommend 6 ft drops for standard flatbed loads, 8 ft drops for taller lumber on flatbeds, and 10 ft drops for tall freight on step decks. If the load sits between two sizes, the longer drop covers more of the side. The flatbed tarp sizes guide has the full size breakdown.
Lumber Tarp or Steel Tarp?
In our catalog, lumber tarps are 20 to 27 ft wide with 6 to 10 ft drops for tall bundles. Steel tarps are 16 ft wide with a 4 ft drop for steel sheet, pipe and other low-profile loads, so they use less material and are quicker to throw. For a longer comparison, read steel tarp or lumber tarp.
Tarping a Lumber Load
- Secure the bundles with straps first. A tarp is not a tie-down.
- Cover sharp bundle corners with corner protectors or felt padding so they do not wear through the tarp.
- Unroll the tarp over the load and let the drops fall evenly on both sides.
- Tie the tarp down through the D-rings and grommets with tarp bungee cords, working from the front of the load to the back.
- Close the ends with the flap or the overlap between pieces so wind cannot get under the tarp.
The step-by-step tarping guide covers each step in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lumber Tarps
Why do lumber tarps have several rows of D-rings?
So the tarp can be tied down at more than one height along the drop. Our 6 and 8 ft drop lumber tarps have 3 rows of stainless steel D-rings, and the 10 ft drop tarps have 4 rows.
Should I buy a 2-piece or 3-piece lumber tarp set?
Both are sized to cover a 48 ft or 53 ft flatbed. A 2-piece set uses two large 27 x 24 ft tarps. A 3-piece set uses two 21 ft end tarps and one 16 ft center tarp, so each piece is smaller and easier to handle alone.
Which drop size is right for a lumber load?
Choose a drop that covers the load height above the deck. On our listings, 6 ft drops are recommended for standard flatbed loads, 8 ft drops for taller lumber on flatbeds, and 10 ft drops for tall freight on step decks.
What is the difference between a lumber tarp and a steel tarp?
Our lumber tarps are 20 to 27 ft wide with 6 to 10 ft drops for tall bundles. Our steel tarps are 16 ft wide with a 4 ft drop for low-profile loads.
Are these lumber tarps waterproof?
Yes. They are 100% waterproof with heat-sealed seams, which matters for lumber and plywood that must arrive dry.
Shop lumber tarps below. For every tarp type, see truck tarps.