Blue Tarp, Tarps Heavy Duty Waterproof 40x60, Waterproof Pla
✅ PROS
- 16 mil thickness handles serious weather without tearing at stress points
- Reinforced corners and double-stitched hems survive high winds when properly tied down
- True 40x60 coverage — no shrinkflation, dimensions verified by multiple buyers
❌ CONS
- Blue color fades noticeably after 2-3 months of direct sun exposure
- Grommets are spaced every 36 inches — you'll want extra rope or bungees for a tight fit
The Verdict
A 40x60 tarp is a commitment. You’re not buying a weekend camp cover — you’re buying something meant to shield a boat, a haystack, or a construction pile through seasons of abuse. The Blue Tarp Heavy Duty Waterproof 40x60 stakes its claim on a 16 mil polyethylene build, and after digging through 225 ratings and the spec sheet, here’s what actually matters.
What you’re actually getting
This is a 40-foot by 60-foot sheet of 16 mil blue polyethylene. That’s not the flimsy 5-7 mil stuff you find at the hardware store checkout aisle. For reference, most “heavy duty” tarps at big-box retailers run 10-12 mil. The 16 mil rating here means it’s roughly 30-40% thicker than the average tarp in this size class. As shown in the product image, the tarp folds into a dense, manageable bundle — but don’t mistake that for lightweight. At this size and thickness, you’ll want two people to handle unfolding it without dragging it through dirt.
The package includes the tarp itself, reinforced corners with double-stitched hems, and rust-resistant grommets along the perimeter. No ropes or bungees included, which is worth noting since you’ll need roughly 80 feet of tie-down material to secure this properly.
Real-world performance
The thickness translates directly to durability. Multiple buyers report leaving this tarp over wood piles and equipment through full winters without the material breaking down or flaking — the classic failure mode of cheaper tarps. One reviewer noted, “Used it to cover a hay barn roof section for 8 months through snow and wind. Still intact, no rips at the grommets.” That’s the strongest signal in the review data: the stress points hold.
Waterproofing is genuine. The polyethylene is treated on both sides, and buyers using it as a ground barrier for camping or as a roof patch report zero leakage. The 16 mil also means it’s puncture-resistant enough to handle branches or tools dropped on it — not indestructible, but forgiving.
Where it falls short
Sun exposure is this tarp’s enemy. The blue color — that classic “Blue Tarp” aesthetic — fades to a washed-out gray within a couple months of full sun. That’s cosmetic, not functional, but if you care about appearance (say, for a permanent shade structure), factor that in.
The grommet spacing is another practical gripe. They’re set 36 inches apart, which is standard, but on a 60-foot side, that’s only 20 tie-down points. In high winds, the middle sections can flap and abrade. Buyers who used extra bungee cords or rope across the middle reported far better wind performance than those who only used the edge grommets.
Also note: this is not a “tarp tent” or a breathable cover. It’s a solid waterproof barrier. If you’re covering something that needs airflow — like a damp boat or green firewood — condensation will form underneath.
Who should buy this
This tarp earns its keep for three specific users:
- Farmers and ranchers covering hay, feed, or equipment through wet seasons — the 16 mil thickness is the difference between replacing tarps annually and getting 3-4 years of service.
- Contractors protecting materials or open structures during renovation — the size covers a full roof section or a large lumber stack.
- Serious DIYers with long-term outdoor storage needs — boats, RVs, or machinery that need a true weather barrier, not a dust cover.
Skip it if you need a lightweight tarp for a weekend camping trip or a quick rain cover for a patio — you’re overpaying for thickness you won’t use, and the size is unwieldy for small jobs.
FAQ
Is this tarp actually 40x60 feet, or is it smaller? Multiple buyers measured it and confirmed true 40x60 coverage. One noted it was “right at 40x60, maybe an inch or two over.” No shrinkflation here.
Can I walk on this tarp? Yes, carefully. At 16 mil, it handles foot traffic, but the polyethylene is still plastic — sharp heels or tools can puncture it. It’s not a replacement for a ground cloth under a tent, but it works as a temporary walking surface.
How do I store it when not in use? Fold it dry, keep it out of direct sun, and avoid sharp creases. Buyers who folded it loosely and stored it in a shed reported no cracking or stiffening between uses.
The verdict
Buy it if you need a genuinely heavy-duty, large-format tarp that will survive real weather and repeated use. The 16 mil thickness, reinforced corners, and true dimensions justify the price for anyone covering equipment, materials, or structures long-term.
Skip it if you need a lightweight, disposable tarp for occasional short-term use, or if you’re sensitive about sun fading. For everyone else, this is the last tarp you’ll buy for a while.
Rating: 4.6/5 — loses half a star for the grommet spacing and UV fading, but the core durability is excellent.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.