Are you sitting on your terrace like on a platter? Is the wind whistling around your ears during the afternoon coffee table? You definitely don't have enough privacy on the balcony? With the help of a patio tarpaulin, you can remedy the situation in no time at all. Read why and how you can use and attach such a tarpaulin and what you should look out for when buying one.
With a patio cover, the patio can be used even when it rains
Our recommendations
our recommendation
QUICK STAR 2 side parts with PVC windows for Rank Pavilion 3x4m side wall anthracite RAL 7012
45.99 EUR To the product| material | polyester |
|---|---|
| grammage | 180 grams / square meter |
| Dimensions | 300/ 400 x 195 centimeters |
| color | Gray |
| attachment | Velcro |
Here the manufacturer Quick Star offers two PVC side parts with windows, which can be used both as a terrace tarpaulin and to design a self-built pavilion. The robust material is water-repellent and easily withstands a light shower. It only gets difficult when it rains heavily, but you probably don't want to spend such weather on the terrace. It is easily attached using loops on the individual walls, which can be opened or closed with Velcro. This also makes it easy to move the "walls" so that you can create entrances and exits as you wish.
our recommendation
Truck tarpaulin, 700 g, eyelets every 50 cm with hem with desired dimensions (green, 4.00 m x 4.00 m)
165.00 EUR To the product| material | coated PVC |
|---|---|
| grammage | k. A |
| Dimensions | different |
| color | different |
| attachment | eyelets |
Truck tarpaulins, unless too heavy, are not suitable for covering truck loads, woodpiles and pools, but can also be used as a patio tarpaulin. This product is ideal for this, as it is waterproof as well as windproof and available in different colors and sizes. In addition, the tarpaulin with a weight of approx. 700 grams and a size of 400 x 400 centimeters is significantly lighter than other truck tarpaulins, so there is no need to worry about overloading the patio roof. It is attached using eyelets spaced 50 centimeters apart.
our recommendation
Tarpaulin fabric tarpaulin Premium Line 140g/m² white, 1.5m x 2m = 3m², 25 different sizes to choose from!! Protective tarpaulin boat tarpaulin wooden tarpaulin with eyelets for poll garden furniture trampoline car waterproof tear-resistant waterproof
To the product| material | polyethylene |
|---|---|
| grammage | different |
| Dimensions | different |
| color | white or green |
| attachment | eyelets |
This tarpaulin can also be used excellently as a terrace tarpaulin. It is made of waterproof and UV-stable polyethylene, does not mold and is easy to clean. Because the material is coated on both sides, no moisture can get through. The product is available in different strengths, sizes and colors. It is attached using eyelets that are spaced one meter apart.
Purchase Criteria
material
As the name "tarpaulin" already suggests, a patio tarpaulin is always a plastic product. However, the qualities differ considerably, for example the tarpaulin can be thick or thin, opaque or transparent, flexible or rather stiff. What you prefer depends on the intended use: for example, a privacy screen should be more opaque, while a windscreen needs a thicker and stronger material. Should the tarpaulin be moved more often? Then a more flexible fabric is advisable.
weather resistance
Since this is an outdoor product, it should definitely be weatherproof. This means that solar radiation, rain, wind, heat and cold must not affect the material, otherwise you will not be able to enjoy your patio cladding for very long. The material should be particularly resistant to heat and UV light, as you will most likely be using it mainly in the summer. However, suitable, cold-resistant tarpaulins can also be used to overwinter sensitive potted plants, by using them to transform the terrace into an (unheated) conservatory.
size
Before you buy a patio cover, you should first thoroughly measure your patio or balcony. Many terrace claddings are only available in certain dimensions / sizes, which is why you have to look very carefully. Alternatively, you can also select tarpaulins that can be cut to size, which you can have cut to size or you can cut to size yourself.
attachment
As a rule, terrace tarpaulins are attached to integrated eyelets, which also requires the purchase of suitable ropes or wire. Some terrace tarpaulins are simply hung on a support (e.g. a wire rope stretched at the desired height), while others can be stretched and thus have more of the character of a solid wall. Both types of fastening have their specific advantages and disadvantages: The first variant allows the tarpaulins to be simply pushed up and down like a curtain, but it does not offer sufficient protection against strong winds.
door and/or window
A firmly stretched terrace tarpaulin, on the other hand, cannot simply be pushed aside, which is why built-in windows (for more brightness in the interior with opaque materials) and / or a door can sometimes make sense. In this way, you have maximum protection with light at the same time and the option of being able to enter and exit the additionally created space as you wish.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a patio cover?
The terrace tarpaulin is an opaque or transparent, solid tarpaulin made of thick plastic (e.g. PVC), with which the open sides of the terrace or balcony can be easily closed. Terrace tarpaulins can be hung from eyelets, can be pushed back and forth or you can choose a product in the integrated windows and doors.
Why do you need a patio cover?
The patio tarpaulin is one of several ways to equip your patio or balcony with privacy and weather protection. It can be attached quickly and easily, removed just as quickly if necessary, and protects against both prying eyes and wind. In addition, a patio cover can also be used for other purposes, such as for the carport or for a marquee in the garden.
Which is better - an opaque or a transparent patio cover?
It all depends on what you want! An opaque terrace tarpaulin does not let any prying eyes through from outside, but it is also quite dark inside. Instead, you can attach this tarpaulin to just one or two sides, or choose a product with windows and doors. A transparent tarpaulin, on the other hand, is the right choice if you mainly need weather protection.
Can you make the terrace cladding yourself?
Of course, you don't necessarily have to buy a ready-made patio cover, you can also do the cladding yourself. For this you need a suitable and sufficiently large tarpaulin, such as a truck tarpaulin, in which you can work eyelets and finish the edges if necessary. You can also incorporate windows and/or a door yourself.
What alternatives are there to the patio cover?
Instead of a patio tarpaulin, you can also provide the sides of your patio with a different view or wind protection. A flexibly erectable outdoor partition wall ("Spanish wall"), a safety mat or side awning, a wall or fence, a hedge or raised beds, etc. are suitable for this. Glazing is also conceivable or the installation of roller blinds / shutters.