If you can't find the answer you're looking for, just ask.
We offer an extensive range of outdoor fabrics with flame-retardant finishes, including PVC-coated fabric, heavy-duty canvas fabric, clear PVC fabric, and PU-coated fabric. The flame-retardant finish is typically integrated into the finishing chemical, which is then impregnated into the fabric during manufacture, making it more resistant to fire. Our flame-retardant fabrics are generally tested to BS7837 standards, ensuring suitability for use in tents, marquees, and similar textile structures.
Cotton canvas and polyester/cotton canvas fabrics are naturally breathable, regulating temperature and moisture. Ideal for canopies, marquees, and camping tents, they stay cool on hot days and warm on cold nights, managing condensation better than man-made fabrics. Unlike nylon and polyester tents, canvas tents are breathable, waterproof, environmentally friendly, and insulating, offering superior durability and weather resistance.
Traditional marquees are made from polyester/cotton canvas. Polyester/cotton canvas fabric is naturally breathable – its ability to regulate temperature and moisture make it unique. Cotton canvas is often used to make canopies, marquees, and camping tents due to its breathable nature – a cotton canvas marquee or camping tent will keep cool on hot days and warm during cold nights.
Cotton canvas fabric’s ability to manage condensation is superior to most modern, manmade fabrics. Modern marquees and tents are made from PVC coated fabric. PVC coated fabric is easy to clean, weather-resistant, and has excellent strength and durability. PVC coated fabric is made up of a woven base fabric (normally polyester), a bonding or adhesive agent, and exterior PVC coatings to give it these qualities.
Camping tents are made from PU coated fabric. PU coated fabric is made up of a synthetic woven base fabric (usually polyester or nylon) with a waterproofing polyurethane coating or laminate. The polyurethane coating is applied to a single side of the base fabric, this makes the fabric water resistant, light weight and flexible. Applications include: camping tents, light duty covers, clothing and bags.
Canvas fabric is commonly available in 91cm (3ft) and 183cm (6ft) widths. We also offer 150cm and 200cm widths. Roll lengths vary due to the canvas manufacturing process. This is experienced throughout the industry.
Yes, we are open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. We have a trade shop with fabric samples on display. You are welcome to visit without an appointment, but please note that we may need to check if we have the size and colour of the tarpaulin you require.
John Attwooll & Co (Tents) Ltd
Bristol Road,
Whitminster,
Gloucester,
GL2 7LX
Most tarps require a seam because it is typically impossible to fabricate a tarpaulin without heat-sealing multiple pieces of polyethylene together. However, smaller sizes may not need a seam as they can be made from a single piece of material. This principle also applies to canvas sheets, where a seam is stitched rather than heat-sealed.
For small orders – parcels under 30kg in weight and 1m in length we use DPD.
For large orders – parcels over 1m in length we use DX Delivery.
For Pallet deliveries we use Freight Movement.
All fabrics, including canvas and tarpaulins, will be rolled onto a cardboard spool to prevent creasing.
Online orders are processed and dispatched within 3 working days (subject to availability). Orders are delivered by courier on a next working day service to the UK mainland. For prices and full delivery & returns details, please go to our delivery & returns page.
We offer PVC tarpaulins, PE tarpaulins, canvas tarpaulins, clear tarpaulins, heavy-duty tarpaulins, flame retardant tarpaulins, and Heras fence tarpaulins & nets.
Yes, we specialise in manufacturing made-to-measure covers for a variety of applications. Our covers are designed to meet your specific requirements and are crafted using either heavy-duty canvas fabric or PVC-coated polyester fabric. 610g/m² or 680g/m² PVC is generally recommended for its excellent strength, durability, and water-resistant properties.
Design Features:
Once the design and measurements have been confirmed, products normally take around 2 weeks to manufacture depending on the scale of the product and current order levels. Please contact us for exact lead times.
While we do not offer a specific guarantee on the lifespan of our tarpaulins, we provide comprehensive care guidelines to help ensure your product lasts as long as possible.
Securing Your Cover:
It is crucial that your cover is correctly secured and tensioned. The more fixing points, the better. This prevents unwanted flapping in high winds and stops water from collecting on the cover.
Cleaning Canvas Fabric:
Clean your cover 1-2 times a year.
Allow mud or dirt to dry, then gently brush off with a soft, lint-free fabric pad or vacuum.
Use a damp soft cloth or sponge with pure cold water for regular cleaning.
For heavy dirt, use a water and soft soap solution (max temperature 30°C) and rinse with cold water.
Avoid detergents and pressure washers to preserve rot-resistant and waterproof finishes.
Regular reproofing is recommended.
Cleaning PVC Fabric:
Clean the fabric with a damp sponge and dilute washing-up detergent, then rinse with cold water.
Clean your PVC fabric cover 1-2 times a year.
Do not use abrasive detergents, solvents, or pressure washers.
Storing Your Cover:
Never pack and store fabrics while damp. Ensure they are completely air-dried.
Store fabrics in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent mildew, which grows in heat and moisture.
When rolling up side panels and doors, roll towards the inside to prevent rainwater from collecting in the crease.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly extend the life of your tarpaulin.
The flame retardant finish is normally built into the finishing chemical which is then impregnated into the fabric during fabric manufacture. Additional flame retardant treatments can be applied to natural and synthetic fabrics including cotton canvas, polyester/cotton canvas, hessian and nylon.
If you use your poly cotton tent frequently then we recommend regular waterproofing. Fabsil Waterproofing Liquid replicates the original finish applied at manufacture. By using it you can restore the waterproofing of tents and other equipment, allowing them to perform like new. Fabsil is a silicone based waterproofer suitable for all types of fabrics. Sold in store.
Yes, we offer made-to-measure options to fit any gazebo size.
Customization Features:
Bespoke Design: Our design team ensures a perfectly fitting side panel, with no detail too small.
Zipped Doorways: Heavy-duty YKK vertical zips can be added for entrances.
Optional Windows: Choose from 1.2m or 1.65m high clear PVC windows for crystal clear visibility.
Colour Coordination: Fabric, thread, webbing straps, zips, and ropes are colour coordinated for a stunning finish.
Marine Quality Hardware: Includes cam buckle roll-up straps, top timber support battens, bottom poles, turn buttons, stainless steel screws, and washers.
Fitting Instructions: Detailed fitting instructions are provided for easy installation.
Our curtains are made from durable PVC-coated fabric designed to withstand harsh conditions.
Yes, our trailer covers are made from waterproof materials to protect your trailer from the elements.
We offer a variety of high-quality trailer covers, tailored to meet the needs of different types of trailers:
Types of Trailer Covers:
Yes, many of our fabrics are weather-resistant and designed for outdoor use, including gazebo covers and outdoor roll-up blinds.
We offer a wide range of fabrics including PVC-coated fabric, canvas, acrylic canvas, clear PVC, PU coated material, hessian, and mesh fabric.
