How Using a Grill Tarp Can Shield Your Grill From Harmful Weather

With Canopies and Tarps, you can learn how a simple tarp can function as a high-quality grill tarp.

Perhaps you have noticed: Grills are getting expensive these days. Part of the reason for that is that grills are getting more advanced and packed with features. We've seen some pretty impressive grills lately, as well as griddles, smokers and even open fire pits on grill-like platforms. Some are metal, some are ceramic. Some have intricate fuel burners, some use specialized pellets or chips and some are new takes on traditional charcoal kettles.

Whether you swear by your favorite brand or will use anything that has a grill, it's in your best interest to protect it from the elements. Most grills are not made to be wheeled inside, after all.

Whether you are looking for Charbroil grill covers, Weber grill covers, a precisely cut cover for your Big Green Egg or just a typical grill tarp, you're smart for putting that on your must-have list. Those grills can have openings that leave the internal workings vulnerable to damage from the weather.

At Canopies and Tarps, we have a selection of grill covers that fit kettle and traditional grills. We also have economy tarps that can protect your grill from the elements.

How to Transform a Tarp into a Grill Cover

First, wait until a hot grill has cooled. It takes longer for charcoal grills to cool than for propane grills. Unless you buy a heat-resistant tarp designed to handle high temperatures (a welding blanket would do the trick), a hot grill can melt the tarp.

Pick the right size and material. An economy tarp will get the job done, but a heavy-duty poly tarp will last longer and offer more protection as a durable barbecue cover.

Secure as tightly as possible. Just draping the tarp over the grill won't work. It will require anchoring it to prevent a strong wind from picking up the tarp from beneath and uncovering your grill. Choose tarps with grommets, to thread rope through to achieve a close all-around fit.

More Tarp Tips for Barbecues

Tarps make outstanding outdoor grill covers, but that's not the only way they can prove useful at your barbecue. You can use a tarp as a canopy over your grill, making a grilling area cover, so that you can prepare burgers or anything you want in any weather. Just install it high enough to prevent heat damage.

If you already have a covered area, you can use mesh tarps as fencing. They keep insects out, but let fresh air circulate inside your mesh shade enclosure.

To protect your lawn, spread an economy tarp over the ground as a designated play area for kids. Kids can avoid scrapes and stickers when playing on the wipe-clean portable picnic play area.

At Canopies and Tarps, we have waterproof vinyl tarps and water-resistant outdoor canvas tarps. Here, you'll find vinyl tarps with heat-sealed seams, and super heavy-duty vinyl tarps with rope-lined edges. Shop tarps by size to compare features of different styles of same-size tarpaulins.