So for a racing-shelter project I ordered a tarp from https://billboardtarps.com/
If you don't know, these are used billboards. They are literally what is put up on billboards with graphics, etc. So, they're used and have whatever graphic was on the billboard it came from (you don't get to choose, so it's kind of fun seeing what you'll get).
The standard ones are 11 mil thick (compared to I think 7 or 9 mil for the "heavy duty" HF tarps. In addition, these have a ripstop material, so inside the tarp material is a fiber mesh that makes them really hard to rip/tear. The one I got had a small hole and I tried to rip it a bit more by hand it it was extremely difficult to do. So, they're tough.
They go for about $14 for an 8x20 tarp, and more for bigger sizes. And you can get HUGE sizes, like a hundred feet long. Shipping was another 10 bucks or so, so $25 for a large, tough tarp. They also have thicker ones up to like 19 mil for people who want something really heavy-duty.
As noted, the front is a graphic and the backside is just plain black if you like to be boring :)
Here's what I received. Well, it's car-related at least :) This one is 8x20
Here's a close-up of the material
And the hole at one edge where you can see the ripstop mesh inside it. They have a "no holes" policy in which they'll replace one that comes with holes, but I'm not gonna bother since I'm just going to put a grommet there anyhow.
Speaking of grommets, I picked up a cheap Harbor Freight grommet kit for a few bucks years ago and finally am able to use it, since these tarps dont' come with grommets. The punch works well, it comes with like 50 grommets (two halves for each) and a tool to "join" them. Seems to work great, the grommets are tight and seem strong. I guess time will tell, but another recommended product.
