Tyvek tarp DIY

[SmokyMtnHiker]

At my local Lowes I found a roll of Tyvek (3'x100') for around $35. I'm wanting to make a 4-seaon tarp that is roughly 10'x12' but to do so with this roll I'll need 4 taped seams. By taping the seams with Tyvek tape; would that make it as if it were a solid 10x12 sheet (strength and waterproofness)? Also, would the Tyvek tape be strong enough to use as tie-out loops? What are your thoughts Forum?

I only camp a couple times a year so going with high end equipment just isn't feasible. If this idea works out I'll be able to make multiple tarps for the rough cost of $50 (including Tyvek tape).

Thanks in advance.

[Aardvark]

As you are doing the tarp lengthwise, the tape should be adequate, use on both sides. It will be heavy, but you should have a strong product. Link below is for a tyvek tarp I did using tyvek tape and triangle rings (ABS) that I taped on, it has outlasted a lot of tough winds, 20-25mph max. not so bad!

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=37680

[gargoyle]

Lots of folks start with tyvek...most had a bad experience.
You get what you pay for.
The seams can and eventually will let go, and from 3' matrl., you have more potential.
Tie outs tend to peel away over time.
Hard to sew. Prone to failure.
Tape and material add up.
Noisy in the wind.
Not always waterproof.
Heavy. Large pack size.

Can it work, yes. Is it a good first time diy, sure. You'll learn things to use on future projects..or not to use.
But not a good long term piece of kit, IMO.
Plenty of tyvek tarp threads on this forum.

[gmcttr]

I would call local contractors that build homes or apartment buildings and see if you could buy what you need from a 10' wide roll or just stop by a job site where you see them using it and offer the boss $10 to cut a piece for you.

[SmokyMtnHiker]

I would call local contractors that build homes or apartment buildings and see if you could buy what you need from a 10' wide roll or just stop by a job site where you see them using it and offer the boss $10 to cut a piece for you.

I work with a couple guys that worked in the Home Building scene for years. I asked them to be on the look out for scrap Tyvek from their buddies that are still in the business.

[wesbri]

I just finished a tyvek tarp, and much of what gargoyle says is true. I left it set up under tension for 3 1/2 days of wind and rain, and it actually broke in quite nicely. It's quite quiet now. I did have to rework an adhesive-based grommet tag attachment, but it was surprisingly tough.

I used ultra flat black and green spray paint to make a psuedo-camo on one side, which actually came out looking really good as the paint crinkled up and cracked when the bag was stuffed into its storage bag a couple of times.

It is hopelessly bulky, however. I turned an old sleeping bag stuff sack into a bishop bag, but it just won't compress. I'll use it for car camping since it covers half an acre, but just not practical for backpacking. (I ended up buying an Edge from WarBonett with door kit for bp'ing.)

[cwford]

Instead of tyvek use a cheap blue poly tarp - You can make a nice cat cut tarp for about $15. I've created 2 of these -- 1 for my son and 1 for another kid in his scout troop. They're a bit heavier than silnylon but easier to make and cheaper. Since I cut the tarp from a single piece there was no ridge line to sew and only the edges were cat cut.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=29919

[ggreaves]

Also, would the Tyvek tape be strong enough to use as tie-out loops? What are your thoughts Forum?

I've tried tyvek tape, red (tuck tape) sheathing tape, and vahb tape. Of all 3, the tuck tape works the best. However, once you tape it, leave it for 48 hours or it will eventually peel under tie-out tension. Also, don't use grommets or anything that puts a hole in the tyvek. it won't work under any serious tension.

Having said that, the absolute best way to do tie-outs on tyvek is by using a sheet bend between your tie out cord and the tyvek itself. It's so strong you can hang from it. And it's the best looking way to do it as well.