Ripstop Canvas 300/400/500gsm in South Africa

Protect cover and create with Ripstop. Perfect for outdoor awnings, tents and outdoor curtains.

Ripstop Canvas South Africa | ripSMART 300/400/500gsm Midrand Gauteng

Quick Specifications: High-tenacity Ripstop Canvas (Acrylic-Coated Polyester fabric). Cross hatch weave. 300gsm / 400gsm / 500gsm. 1.8m Width. Waterproof, UV-Stabilised, Fungal Resistant. Cut lengths or 50m rolls. Midrand stock. No minimum orders. Bulk orders welcome.

Ripstop Canvas supplied by Smart Ikhaya is a premium, high-tenacity outdoor textile manufactured in South Africa. Engineered to be 100% waterproof and UV-stabilized, this 1.8m wide fabric is the industry standard for car seats, bakkie covers, safari tents, and heavy-duty industrial applications. Our reinforced construction ensures maximum tear resistance and zero delamination even in the harshest field conditions. You can also add Block-Out, DWR water repellent or fire-retardant coatings (lead times apply).

How to order: Choose your Fabric, GSM, Colour and let us know how many linear meters you require. WhatsApp us for a quick reply on availability and pricing. Need advice? WhatsApp/mail/call us for assistance.

We maintain high stock levels at our Midrand warehouse to support high-volume manufacturing demands and urgent project deadlines across the country. Whether you need a precision-cut length for a weekend project or bulk orders for industrial production, we provide the same high-tier technical support and expert guidance to ensure you select the optimal GSM and finish for your specific project needs.

Note: 1. Duo colours aka (also known as 2-tone (including Ripstop Aluminised; Silver-coloured (aluminium-pigmented) bakcing finishes) are also available, including combinations such as Howard Green_Sand, Olive_Silver and Light Grey_Silver. Please enquire about which colours are available. 2. While every effort is made to represent colors accurately, actualfabric shades may differ slightly from what is seen on digital screens due to display settings and lighting. 3. Furthermore, minor color variations may occur between different production batches (dye lots). For large-scale projects where an exact match is critical, it is recommended to purchase the full required meterage in a single order.

Use the table below to match our available colour range with the correct fabric grade and project type. Different shades can be mixed within a single order to suit specific branding or project aesthetics. WhatsApp for current availability and specific shade inquiries.

Colour RangePopular UsesKey Performance Benefits
Charcoal / BlackBakkie covers, canopy sides, industrial machine covers.High Soil Hiding: Best for concealing road grime, oil, and dust in automotive/industrial use.
Olive Green / Howard GreenSafari tents, camping gear, military-spec equipment.Natural Blending: The industry standard for wildlife environments; maximum UV stability.
Dark BrownLuxury lodge tents, outdoor furniture, bakkie canopy covers.Premium Aesthetic: Provides a high-end look while hiding organic dirt and mud stains perfectly.
Sand / Beige / TaupePatio blinds, lapa screens, luxury glamping tents.Heat Reflection: Lighter tones reflect sunlight to keep interior spaces significantly cooler.
Dove Grey / Light GreyModern outdoor furniture, garden gazebos, equipment bags.Aesthetic Versatility: A neutral, modern shade that hides light dust while remaining cool.
Navy Blue / Red / Rust Branded covers, marine upholstery, promotional gear.High Visibility: Bold colours ideal for branding or easy identification of specialized equipment.
Camouflage (various patterns)Hunting hides, wildlife photography, tactical gear.Specialized Pattern: Available on request for maximum concealment in bushveld environments.
Custom / PrintingCorporate branding, unique projects.Brand Consistency: Manufactured to specific Pantone shades (MOQs apply).

In addition to the standard range, Smart Ikhaya facilitates specialized orders for unique applications:

Camouflage Patterns: While not featured in the standard gallery, Camo Ripstop is available for military, hunting, and wildlife photography gear.

Custom Corporate Colours: For large-scale branding projects, fabric can be manufactured in specific Pantone shades.

Branding & Printing: Custom printing can be arranged for branded covers or promotional outdoor gear.

Note: Minimum order quantities (MOQs) and extended lead times apply for custom colors and printed rolls.

Heat Management: Lighter shades like Sand, Beige, and Dove Grey reflect more sunlight, keeping the area under the cover significantly cooler – ideal for patio blinds and camping tents.

Visibility & Maintenance: Darker shades like Charcoal and Black are excellent for hiding dust and oil marks in industrial settings, while Olive Green remains the gold standard for blending into natural safari environments.

Use the table below to quickly match your project needs with the right GSM and colour. WhatsApp us for current availability or to mix shades.

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Specifications are based on standard full 1.8m wide rolls. While custom cut lengths are available, please note that packaging dimensions and volumetric weight will vary. The data below can be used as a baseline to calculate logistics for custom-cut orders or smaller shipments.

👜 300GSM_50m🛻400GSM_50m500GSM_50m
180 cm x 19 cm x 19 cm @ 30.5 kg180 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm @ 36 kg180 cm x 21 cm x 21 cm @ 46 kg

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If the requirement is for a fabric that balances “breathability” with extreme strength, Ripstop is the industry standard. Unlike traditional canvas, Ripstop uses a specialized weave to handle the South African outdoors.

Ripstops grid weave stops rips from spreading.

The fabric is woven with a reinforcing crosshatch weave or “grid” of thicker yarns.

The Benefit: If the fabric is punctured (e.g., by a thorn or tool), the grid stops the rip from spreading.

Why it matters: This significantly extends the life of the product, as small accidents don’t result in total fabric failure.

300gsm (Lightweight) 👜Best for gear bags, linings, and flexible outdoor covers.
400gsm (Standard) 🛻The “all-rounder.” Ideal for Bakkie Covers, lapa blinds, and vehicle covers.
500gsm (Heavy-Duty) The choice for Safari Tents, car seats, and industrial tarps.

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GradeStrengthWaterproofData Sheet
300gsm (Lightweight) 👜Warp >70 N
[ISO 13937-2:2000]
Weft > 50 N
[ISO 13937-2:2000]
> 1,000 mm/H2O [ISO 811][Download TDS]
400gsm (Standard) 🛻Warp >100 N [ISO 13937-2:2000]
Weft > 120 N [ISO 13937-2:2000]
> 1,000 mm/H2O [ISO 811][Download TDS]
500gsm (Heavy-Duty) Warp >180 N [ISO 13937-2:2000]
Weft > 200 N [ISO 13937-2:2000]
> 1,000 mm/H2O [ISO 811][Download TDS]

Our ripstop canvas (300-500gsm) available on special request with water repellent (WR), block-out, and fire retardancy treatments. Lead times might apply.

  • Water Repellent (WR/DWR): Water forms big bulges that roll off. Breathable for safari tents.
  • Block-Out (BO): Blocks sunlight/UV for glamping covers.
  • Fire Retardancy (FR): Perfect for lodges/events.
Ripstop being cut for custom length roll.

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Protective machine covers, factory dividers, and agricultural equipment protectors

Heavy-duty bakkie covers, car seat upholstery, spare wheel covers, and rugged trailer tarps.

Luxury safari tents, camping tents, gazebo roofs, lapa blinds, and patio roll-up screens.

Rooftop tent covers, awnings, tool rolls, and high-performance equipment bags.

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Chemically stabilized to prevent fading and brittle-failure caused by the harsh South African sun.

Treated to withstand moisture and humidity, making it ideal for permanent outdoor structures.

The acrylic treatment creates a 100% waterproof seal while maintaining the flexibility needed for precision sewing. Note: While the fabric itself is 100% waterproof, needle holes from stitching can allow moisture to penetrate. We recommend using a Seambinder or paste on all stitched joints to ensure a fully waterproof finished product. Smart Ikhaya sells both Seambinder and Colour-specific paste.

Durable and tear resistant.

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Rolls of fabric including ripstop.

Located in Midrand, Gauteng, our facility at Tilbury Business Park is the central distribution point for industrial-grade textiles across South Africa. We offer total logistics flexibility from our Tillbury Business Park hub:

  • Wholesale Access: We supply everyone from small-scale artisans to large-scale factories with consistent, high tenacity ripSMART fabric.
  • Collections: Customers can collect directly from our warehouse during business hours.
  • Nationwide Delivery: We offer fast courier shipping for both full rolls and precision cut lengths to any location in the country.

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We want to make sure you get exactly what you need without the waste. Whether you are looking for a full 50m roll or just a precision-cut length for a smaller project, we’ve got you covered.

A quick tip on calculating your order: Most people plan their projects in square meters (m2), but we sell our ripSMART canvas by the Linear Meter. To convert your square meters into linear metres, just use our roll width (which is 1.8m wide).

The simple math: Just take your total m2 and divide it by 1.8 (the width of the roll). Example: If you need to cover an area of 18m2, you’ll just order 10 Linear Meters (18÷1.8=10).

Since each linear meter you buy actually gives you 1.8m2 of fabric, you often end up needing fewer meters than you might think!

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Where can I buy ripstop fabric in South Africa?

You can buy 300gsm, 400gsm and 500gsm ripstop canvas from Smart Ikhaya in Midrand, with collection from our warehouse or nationwide delivery on request.

Can I buy cut lengths by the meter?

Yes! Whether you’re a DIY project owner, a small business, or a larger company with custom requirements, you can order ripstop fabric by the meter. Full rolls are also available for bigger projects or bulk orders.

What GSM ripstop fabric should I choose?

300gsm suits lighter bags, linings and covers, 400gsm is a versatile choice for tents, awnings and general outdoor covers, and 500gsm is best for heavy‑duty bakkie covers, tarps and high‑wear applications. For tents and tent roofs, also consider our PVC range. Not sure which GSM is right? Contact us on WhatsApp or call us – we’ll help you choose.

What is GSM?

GSM (grams per square meter) measures the weight and thickness of the fabric – higher GSM means stronger, heavier, and more durable material. For example, 300gsm is light and ideal for covers or DIY projects, 400gsm works for tents and awnings, and 500gsm is heavy-duty for industrial use.

Is ripstop fabric waterproof?

Acrylic‑treated ripstop canvas is highly water‑resistant and performs well outdoors when seams and stitching are correctly sealed.

Can I sew ripstop canvas with a domestic sewing machine?

Yes, our 300gsm and 400gsm grades can generally be sewn on a sturdy domestic machine using the correct needle and high-quality polyester thread. For the 500gsm or multiple layers, we recommend an industrial machine for the best results.

How do I clean and maintain ripstop canvas?

Brush off loose dust and dirt regularly, spot clean marks with mild soap and water, and always let the fabric dry completely before packing away to help prevent mould and odour. For step‑by‑step care tips, see our How to Clean & Maintain Ripstop Canvas guide.

What colours are available?

Our ripstop canvas comes in Navy, Olive, Rust, Red, Dark Brown, Light Grey, Dark Grey, Black, Taupe, Beige, Sand, Howard Green, Howard Green/Sand, Olive/Silver, Light Grey/Silver, Charcoal, and Ecru. Custom colours on request. Colour availability may vary depending on stock.

Do you offer samples?

Yes, sample pieces are available so you can see the fabric before making a larger purchase. Contact us to request a sample.

How do I measure how much ripstop I need?

Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover, then add 5–10% for overlap and seams. If unsure, our team can help you calculate the exact amount.

Is there a minimum order for ripstop canvas?

No minimum order is required for cut lengths. Full rolls are available for larger or industrial projects.

What does “Warp” and “Weft” mean in the technical specs?

These terms refer to the direction of the fibers in the weave: Warp: These are the longitudinal fibers that run the length of the 50m roll. Weft: These are the fibers that run across the width (the 1.8m side) of the fabric. Why it matters: Our ripSMART 500gsm is engineered for maximum stability, offering balanced tear resistance of over 180N in the Warp and 200N in the Weft, making it ideal for structural safari tents and heavy-duty industrial use. Check out our Ripstop datasheet.

Can I get DWR on 400gsm ripstop?

Yes, contact WhatsApp for quotes. You can also add DWR to 500 gsm Ripstop. Other coatings such as Block out and DWR are also available. DWR = Durable water repellant.

Can I add DWR or fire retardant to ripstop canvas?

Yes, ripSMART supports DWR for breathable waterproofing and FR for safety compliance. Lead times may apply for custom coating – WhatsApp specs for fastest quotes. Ideal for game lodges or outdoor projects.

Do you deliver nationwide?

Yes. You can collect from our Midrand warehouse or have your ripstop delivered anywhere in South Africa. Delivery times depend on order size and location.

Why choose Smart Ikhaya?

When manufacturing with Ripstop, precision and material integrity are non-negotiable. We provide the technical backbone for your production through: Engineered Reliability: We don’t just sell fabric; we provide full technical data sheets and batch traceability. You’ll know the exact specs and origin of your material, ensuring your finished products meet your quality standards. Logistical Precision: Plan your production and shipping with ease. We provide exact packaging dimensions, allowing you to calculate shipping costs and warehouse space with total certainty. Flexible Supply in Midrand: Eliminate the need for massive overhead. With our local Gauteng stock, you can order exactly what you need – from bespoke cut lengths for repairs to full rolls for bulk manufacturing. No minimums required. Expert Fabric Selection: Not sure which GSM or coating is right for your environment? We provide practical technical support to ensure you choose the correct Ripstop variant for your specific application.

How do I buy from Smart Ikhaya?

Provide our team with your fabric specifications (type, GSM, Colour and Quantity) and your delivery address (or indicate ‘Collection’). We will respond promptly with a finalized quote and a lead-time confirmation.

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