PVC VS CANVAS: WHICH MATERIAL IS RIGHT FOR YOUR PROJECT?

One of the most common questions we get is: should I use PVC or canvas? Both are excellent materials, but they have very different properties and ideal applications. Here's an honest comparison to help you choose.

Waterproofing

PVC wins hands down. PVC is inherently waterproof — water cannot pass through the material at all. It's the first choice wherever liquid containment or complete water exclusion is required.

Canvas can be treated to be water-resistant, but it is not naturally waterproof. Over time, the water-resistant treatment wears off and the canvas will wet through. It can be re-treated, but this adds maintenance overhead.

Breathability

Canvas wins here. Natural canvas allows moisture vapour to pass through, which makes it far better for applications where condensation is a problem — tent interiors, chicken runs, and any cover where trapped moisture causes mould or product damage.

PVC is non-breathable. Moisture trapped under PVC cannot escape, which can cause condensation damage on machinery or mould in some agricultural applications.

Durability and Abrasion Resistance

PVC is generally more resistant to abrasion and tearing, especially in heavier grades (600g–700g). It does not rot and is resistant to most chemicals. In outdoor industrial applications, PVC outlasts canvas significantly.

Canvas is strong and tough but can rot if stored wet. Treated canvas (Diklon, Ripstop) improves durability substantially, but still falls short of heavy PVC in abrasion resistance.

Weight and Handling

Canvas is generally lighter and easier to handle for the same size cover. It drapes better and is easier to sew. For applications requiring daily manual handling, canvas is often preferred.

Cost

PVC is typically more cost-effective than treated canvas for equivalent coverage area. However, speciality canvas fabrics like Ripstop or Diklon can be competitively priced for specific applications.

Summary Table

Still not sure? Contact us — we've been matching materials to applications for over 40 years and we'll point you in the right direction.