A good tarp (tarpaulin) these days is hard to find

In a world of high tech gadgets and labour saving devices we often forget the simplest things are often the most useful when embarking on a major renovation. Introducing the often forgotten, cost effective yet highly desireable (but only when you need one) Tarpaulin.

A "tarp" to its friends is simply a a big piece of material that helps keep the weather out (or off) what you're storing or working on. Traditionally made from canvas but increasingly being found in various coted forms of polyester, the tarpaulin usually sports some reinforced holes around the edge to assist with fastening the unwieldly material down.

My first experience of a tarp was with boats where they were an essential aid in battling bird droppings, precipiation and badly equiped burglars. I've also made use of tarps as a ground sheet when camping and covering garden furniture through winter.

Now that I've entered the world of home building projects I've found the tarp becomes really handy. Covering the gaps where windows used to be (at least until you can get the area borded up) and covering cabinets and appliances whilst electricians and plumbers make a mess of your masonry.

So go get yourself some tarps, they're not particularly cool but they're really handy to have lying arounf (literally).