Cut Size vs. Finished Size: Understanding Your Tarp Dimensions

Note:

Cut size tarps may vary by 2-4 inches based on material size. Reach out to us at sales@tarpsamerica.com if precise measurements are needed.

Cut Size vs. Finished Size: Understanding Your Tarp Dimensions

When ordering a tarp from Tarps America, you might encounter the terms "cut size" and "finished size." Understanding the difference between these two is essential to ensure you receive the tarp that perfectly meets your needs. This article will explain what these terms mean and why tarps are often manufactured with a slight difference between their cut size and finished size.

The Raw Materials and Manufacturing Process

As we discussed in our previous article on seam placement, the dimensions of the raw materials we use play a significant role in the final size of your tarp. For example, our durable 18 oz vinyl typically comes in rolls that are 61 inches wide.

When your order comes in, our manufacturing team cuts panels of the material to the necessary dimensions to create your desired tarp size. This initial size of the material panels before any hemming or seaming is referred to as the cut size.

The Impact of Hems and Seams

The process of finishing a tarp involves several crucial steps that contribute to its strength and longevity. These steps, however, do result in a slight reduction in the overall dimensions of the finished tarp compared to its initial cut size. The primary factors contributing to this difference are:

• Heat Sealing: When joining multiple panels of vinyl to create a wider tarp, we use a process called heat sealing. This involves overlapping the edges of the material and fusing them together with heat and pressure, creating a strong, waterproof seam. This overlap typically accounts for about 2 inches of material width at each seam.

• Edge Folding and Webbing: To provide reinforcement and a secure attachment point for grommets or other hardware, we fold over the edges of the tarp and sew heavy-duty webbing around the perimeter.  This folding process typically uses about 1 inch of material on each edge.

Why the Difference? An Example

Let's consider an order for a 10 ft x 20 ft tarp made from 18 oz vinyl.

1. Cut Size: To achieve a finished length of approximately 20 feet, we would cut two panels of vinyl, each measuring 61 inches (just over 5 feet) wide and 20 feet 6 inches long. This extra 6 inches in length allows for the 1-inch fold on each end for the webbing.

2. Seaming: When these two 61-inch wide panels are heat-sealed together with a 2-inch overlap, the total width of the joined material becomes approximately 122 inches - 2 inches = 120 inches, or 10 feet.

3. Hemming and Webbing: Finally, we fold over 1 inch on each of the four edges to sew on the 2-inch webbing. This consumes an additional 1 inch of material along each edge.

Therefore, the finished size of what was initially cut as a 10 ft x 20 ft tarp will be approximately 9 feet 10 inches x 20 feet. The 2-inch loss in width comes from the heat seal, and there's a slight reduction in the other dimension due to the edge folds.

The Stretch Factor

It's also important to note that many tarp fabrics, including vinyl and poly, have a degree of elasticity. This means that the material can stretch slightly, often in the range of 4 to 6 inches over a larger tarp. This inherent stretch can sometimes compensate for the slight difference between the cut size and the finished size in practical applications.

The Importance of Specifying Exact Dimensions

While the slight difference between cut size and finished size is standard in the tarp industry due to the manufacturing processes that ensure durability, we understand that some applications require tarps with very precise dimensions.

If your tarp must be an exact size (e.g., 10 ft x 20 ft finished), it is crucial that you clearly indicate this requirement when placing your order.

Creating a tarp to an exact finished size often involves additional steps and material. For our 10 ft x 20 ft example, to achieve an exact 10-foot width after seaming and hemming, we would need to incorporate an additional strip of material. This might involve:

• Cutting two 61-inch x 20 ft 6 inch panels.

• Heat-sealing a separate 6-inch wide strip (cut to 20 ft 6 inches long) to one of the 61-inch panels. This would create a wider panel before the final heat seal.

• The resulting tarp would then have two 2-inch seams running the length of the tarp instead of just one.

Due to the extra material and labor involved in creating tarps with exact finished dimensions, there will typically be additional costs associated with such orders.

Contact Us for Exact Size Requirements

At Tarps America, our goal is to provide you with the perfect tarp for your needs. If you require a tarp with exact finished dimensions, please contact our customer support team before placing your order. We will be happy to discuss your specific requirements, explore the available options, and provide you with an accurate quote. Understanding the difference between cut size and finished size will help ensure a smooth ordering process and a tarp that meets your expectations.