At Smart Ikhaya, we know that PVC fabric is one of the hardest-working coated textiles in South Africa. You’ll spot it everywhere – from pool covers in Pretoria, to truck curtains along the N1, to outdoor blinds in Cape Town’s windy suburbs and wedding tents in KZN.

At Smart Ikhaya, we stock high-performance PVC fabrics by the metre – in various thicknesses, textures, and colours – ready for dispatch across South Africa. Whether you’re crafting, covering, or manufacturing, consider this your go-to guide to understanding PVC.

But what makes PVC 400gsm, 550gsm, 700gsm, or 800gsm such a reliable choice for South African conditions? If you’re a tent manufacturer in Mpumalanga, a pool cover installer in Gauteng, or a shade specialist in Durban, here’s everything you need to know about PVC fabric in South Africa – how it’s made, why it works, and where you can use it.

What Is PVC Fabric Made Of? Smart Ikhaya’s South African Guide to This Waterproof Powerhouse

PVC fabric is a coated textile made by bonding polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to a woven polyester base cloth. This combination creates a waterproof, flexible, and incredibly strong material designed for heavy-duty outdoor and industrial use.

PVC comes in different grades depending on the thickness of the coating and the base fabric – making it customisable for anything from lightweight covers to industrial-scale tarpaulins.

Our tarpSMART PVC range at Smart Ikhaya includes:

• PVC 400 gsm – lightweight and flexible, ideal for rain covers, and light-duty tarps.
• PVC 550 gsm – popular for bags, lighter tarps, covers, tents, and blinds where durability meets easy handling.
• PVC 600 gsm – pool cover
• PVC 700 gsm – versatile for heavy-duty tents, truck tarps, and outdoor blinds that need extra strength.
• PVC 700 gsm – grain cover
• PVC 800 gsm – heavy-duty strength for long-term industrial protection and extreme weather exposure like truck side curtains, mining tarps, or permanent outdoor covers

Every roll is carefully sourced for maximum durability to suit South African weather and terrain.

Why Does PVC Fabric Perform So Well in South Africa?

Quite simply – it’s made in Africa to handle Africa.

From Johannesburg’s blazing summer sun to the Cape’s winter rains, PVC-coated fabric performs where other materials fail.

• 100% Waterproof – keeps water out in heavy rain
• UV Resistant – won’t fade, crack, or degrade under harsh sunlight
• Weldable
• Customisable – choose from a variety of colours and thicknesses

Whether you’re covering cargo or building a canopy, PVC fabric South offers unmatched protection.

Where Is PVC Fabric Used in South Africa?

PVC is everywhere because it’s versatile, tough, and easy to maintain. Our tarpSMART PVC is widely used, amongst other applications, for:

• Truck curtains & trailer tarps
• Pool covers
• Tents, marquees, tent floors & waterproof

• Outdoor blinds & patio screens
• Construction tarps & agriculture covers

• Industrial curtains
• Shade solutions
• Tarps
• Car covers and tonneaus
• Boat and Jet Ski canopies

If your project needs to protect, enclose, shield, or stretch — there’s a PVC for that.

Buy PVC Fabric by the Meter from Smart Ikhaya (… or by roll)

We make it easy to work smart:

• No minimum order lengths required
• Courier dispatch/collection from our Midrand warehouse
• Multiple colours and weights in stock
• Fast turnaround for bulk and custom orders

Whether you’re a manufacturer, upholsterer, or DIYer — we’ll match you with the right material for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about PVC Fabric

1. Is PVC fabric fully waterproof?

 Yes, it’s 100% waterproof and ideal for pool covers, tent floors, and rain protection.

2. What is the difference between 550gsm and 800gsm PVC?

The gsm (grams per square metre) measures thickness and strength. Heavier GSM = more durability.

3. Can I weld PVC fabric?

Yes! PVC can be joined using hot-air welders for strong, leak-proof seams—perfect for large tarps and truck curtains.

4. Where can I buy PVC fabric in small quantities in South Africa?

From Smart Ikhaya! We supply all weights by the meter, no minimums.

5. Can I buy small quantities of PVC fabric?

Yes! Smart Ikhaya supplies PVC by the metre—no minimum orders required.

Ready to Work Smarter?

Need canvas fabric for your next project?
👉 Browse our tarpSMART range of PVC Fabric in various weights and colours.
👉 Order only what you need—no minimums, no waste.
👉 Based in South Africa, we ship nationwide.

Smart Ikhaya – It works. Dit werk.

Explore our ripSMART Ripstop PVC Range ›