Woven polyethylene is now one of the most widely used materials for manufacturing outdoor tarpaulins and covers. Durable, waterproof, and lightweight, it is used on construction sites, in gardens, and on golf courses. And unlike some rigid or heavy plastics, it combines flexibility and strength in a single fabric.
But what exactly is it? How does it compare to PVC? Is it really waterproof? And how can you recognize it? We break it all down, without unnecessary jargon.
What is woven polyethylene?
Woven polyethylene is a technical textile made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) yarns or ribbons, interwoven in the same way as fabric. Once woven, an additional layer of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is often applied to one or both sides to reinforce the material’s waterproofing properties and extend its lifespan.
This weaving gives the material its flexibility and strength. To the naked eye, you can usually see the characteristic square or rectangular weave, which is sometimes slightly shiny and sometimes matte, depending on the surface treatment.
The practical advantages of woven polyethylene
Beyond technical specifications, it is above all the actual performance in the field that defines the value of a material. Woven polyethylene meets practical requirements that are tested on a daily basis. Here is what it offers in practice.
Resistance to tearing
Thanks to its tight weave, the material can withstand tension without splitting. A cheap tarpaulin will tear at the eyelets at the first gust of wind. Not here. The grid pattern acts as a safety net: even if cut, the tear will not spread.
Withstands cold and frost
In northern climates, many plastic materials become brittle or rigid in winter. Woven polyethylene, on the other hand, remains flexible, even at -30°C. It neither cracks nor contracts excessively. This makes it an excellent choice for all-season outdoor applications.
Waterproof and breathable (when needed)
When coated, woven polyethylene becomes waterproof. However, some models can retain slight breathability, limiting condensation under the tarp. This is an important feature for furniture covers or germination cloths.
Lightweight and easy to handle
It folds, unfolds, transports, and installs effortlessly, even in large formats. Where a PVC tarpaulin requires two people, a woven polyethylene fabric can often be handled alone.
UV resistant
UV-treated versions are resistant to the effects of the sun for several seasons. This prevents cracking, discoloration, or loss of flexibility, which are common with low-end tarps.
Versatile
Whether used to cover firewood, protect a construction site, insulate an ice rink, or shelter a BBQ, woven polyethylene is up to the task. It is a multifunctional material that can be cut, assembled, eyeleted, and is compatible with all types of anchoring.
Are there any disadvantages to woven polyethylene?
Like any material, woven polyethylene has its limitations. It remains flexible, so it is less rigid than thick PVC, which can be a problem for certain permanent structures or vertical installations stretched without support. Its utilitarian appearance may also seem less attractive for decorative uses. Without UV protection, it tends to become brittle when exposed to prolonged sunlight.
It is also more sensitive to repeated friction, particularly against abrasive or sharp surfaces. Finally, although it is easier to recycle than some heavy plastics, its composition (woven fabric + coating) requires specific treatment in suitable sorting centers. When used correctly, for its intended purpose, woven polyethylene remains a robust, versatile, and durable solution.
What is the difference between PVC and woven polyethylene?
Although these two materials are often used in similar applications (tarpaulins, canvas, curtains, covers), their characteristics are very different:
| Criteria | Woven polyethylene | PVC |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier |
| Flexibility | Flexible and easy to handle | More rigid, especially in cold weather |
| Cold Resistance | Excellent | May harden or crack |
| Waterproofing | Yes, if coated or laminated | Yes, naturally waterproof |
| Lifespan | Long if properly treated for UV protection | Very long in static use |
| Recyclability | Better (HDPE/LDPE) | More difficult to recycle |
| Cost | More economical | More expensive |
PVC is denser and more stable at very high temperatures, but less pleasant to handle in the field. It is mainly used for permanent installations. Woven polyethylene, on the other hand, offers an excellent intermediate solution: mobile, robust, and economical.
Is woven polyethylene waterproof?
Yes—provided it is coated. The weave alone is not enough to block water: the structure remains microporous. It is the surface coating (often low-density polyethylene) that makes the fabric completely waterproof.
This coating can be unilateral or bilateral:
- One side coated: keeps the surface breathable while stopping water from above.
- Two sides coated: for maximum waterproofing in both directions, often used for protective tarpaulins on the ground or in exposed areas.
Attention must also be paid to the density of the weave: the tighter the fabric (e.g., 10×10 threads per inch), the more resistant the fabric is to water pressure and infiltration.
How can you tell if it is polyethylene?
There is not always a visible label. Here are some practical tips for recognizing woven polyethylene:
- Appearance: a clearly visible square or rectangular weave, resembling a plastic grid.
- Texture: flexible, slightly rough; does not stick to the skin like PVC.
- Weight: lighter than most PVC tarpaulins.
- Reaction to folding: folds easily without cracking, even in cold weather.
- Fire test (not recommended at home): polyethylene melts and gives off a yellow flame and a smell of melted wax. PVC gives off black smoke and stings the eyes due to the chlorine content.
To be sure, reputable manufacturers often indicate “HDPE woven” or “woven polyethylene” in the technical data sheet or directly on the product label.
What is woven polyethylene used for?
This material has found its place in all outdoor environments, and it’s no coincidence. It meets the specific needs of both professionals and individuals.
On construction sites and in buildings
Woven polyethylene construction tarpaulins are used as temporary structural coverings, material protection, work area separation, and wind and dust screens. Their resistance to tearing, UV rays, and daily handling makes them a reliable tool for both heavy construction and light renovations.
At Toiles GR, our woven polyethylene construction tarpaulins are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of construction sites. They feature:
- Reinforced weave: 8 ribbons x 8 per square inch, 850 denier.
- Coating on 1 side: 1 mil (25 microns) of polyethylene.
- Reinforcements: reinforced edges with rope inside the hem.
- Fastening: eyelets every 3 or 4 feet and rope attached after each eyelet.
Available in different sizes and colors, these tarps are ideal for protecting materials and equipment on construction sites.
On golf courses
Woven polyethylene germination fabrics retain heat in the ground while preventing evaporation. In winter, they are also used to protect greens from frost or mold.
For the home and garden
Garden furniture, parasols, outdoor fire pits, barbecues: anything that stays outside benefits from being covered with a woven polyethylene cover. Unlike cheap tarpaulins, these covers are resistant to wind, sun, standing water, and will not tear after only a few months.
In recreational facilities
To create a backyard ice rink, woven polyethylene provides a reflective white canvas that accelerates freezing and protects the ice from heat rising from the ground. Lightweight, it is easy to install and hassle-free to store.
In industrial settings
It is also used in the form of partition curtains or movable partitions. Its resistance to mild chemicals, washability, and mechanical strength make it a popular choice in workshops and warehouses.
Trust the expertise of specialists
Choosing a high-quality fabric or tarpaulin means first understanding the material it is made of. Woven polyethylene combines the mechanical properties of a technical fabric with the durability of a plastic designed to last.
If you are looking for a customized solution tailored to your specific needs, rely on professionals who are experts in cutting, assembling, and applying this material in real-world contexts. There are variables to consider: weight, UV treatment, weave density, wind resistance, and type of fastening.
At Toiles GR, manufacturers of custom tarps and covers, we understand the realities of construction sites, golf courses, backyards, and Quebec winters. Woven polyethylene holds no secrets for us. And that changes everything.
