What Is Keder and Why Is It Needed: A Complete Guide for Manufacturers and Installers
If you have ever assembled a tarpaulin, awning, or tent structure, you have definitely encountered keder — even if you did not know its name. It is the strip along the edge of the tarpaulin fabric that slides into the groove of an aluminum profile and keeps the entire structure properly tensioned. Without it, the tarpaulin sags, wrinkles, and wears out quickly. With it, the structure can last for years.
In this guide, we explain what keder is, what types exist, what materials it is made from, how to choose the correct size, and where it is used. This material will be useful both for beginners making their first tarpaulin and for manufacturers looking for a reliable supplier.
What Is Keder (Luff Tape)
Keder is a flexible tape made of a PVC cord wrapped in polyester fabric with PVC coating. It is sewn or welded (using HF welding) along the edge of a tarpaulin fabric and then inserted into the groove of an aluminum or steel profile. The keder fixes the tarpaulin to the frame without additional fasteners, hooks, or holes.
In different industries and regions, this product may also be called keder, luff tape, or keder tape. These names refer to the same product — only the terminology differs depending on the country or professional environment.
How Keder Works: Fastening Principle
The principle is simple but extremely effective. The keder is welded or sewn along the edge of the tarpaulin fabric, becoming an integral part of the cover. This edge is then inserted into the groove of an aluminum profile mounted on the frame structure.
The cord inside the keder is thicker than the groove opening, preventing it from slipping out. The tape flaps (single or double) distribute tension evenly along the entire length and prevent the fabric from shifting. As a result, the tarpaulin remains evenly tensioned without wrinkles or sagging, while still being easy to remove by simply sliding the keder out of the groove.
Types of Keder: Single and Double
The main classification of keder is based on the number of flaps.
Single keder (single-flap) — has one side flap. Suitable for lightweight tarpaulin structures with low loads: small canopies, seasonal shelters, and decorative tarpaulin curtains.
Double keder (double-flap) — has two symmetrical flaps on both sides of the cord. This is the standard solution for industrial and commercial tarpaulins. Two flaps distribute tension more evenly, hold the fabric more securely, and withstand repeated installation and removal better.
For most applications — truck tarpaulins, tents, awnings, industrial canopies — double keder is recommended. It is more reliable and durable.
What High-Quality PVC Keder Is Made Of
Keder consists of two main components: the cord and the outer layer.
The cord is the core that determines the diameter and rigidity. High-quality cords are made from frost-resistant PVC. They remain flexible at temperatures down to –30°C and do not crack in freezing conditions.
The outer layer is polyester fabric with PVC impregnation or coating. It protects the cord from mechanical damage, ensures proper bonding with the tarpaulin fabric during welding or sewing, and affects how smoothly the keder slides inside the profile groove.
What to pay attention to when choosing:
- Thread density — 1100 dtex and higher means increased tear resistance. Lower density is suitable for lightweight structures.
- Coating weight — 460 g/m² is considered a good indicator for outdoor use. Materials with this coating resist UV exposure and moisture.
- Color — the most common options are white and black. White looks cleaner on light-colored tarpaulins, while black suits darker and technical structures.
How to Choose the Right Size: 7.5 mm or 10 mm
The size of keder is determined by the cord diameter and must exactly match the width of your aluminum profile groove.
Double Keder 7.5 mm White PVC is the most common standard. It fits most aluminum profiles used in trade tents, awnings, tarpaulin curtains, and lightweight industrial structures.
Double Keder 10 mm White PVC is designed for profiles with wider grooves. It is typically used in large structures: tents from 6×6 m, industrial pavilions, and tarpaulins for heavy-duty trailers and semi-trailers.
Before ordering, measure the groove of your profile. If the keder is too thin, it will not hold securely. If it is too thick, it simply will not fit into the groove. The ideal fit should require slight effort but without deformation.
Where PVC Keder Is Used
The application range of keder is much wider than it may seem at first glance.
Transport and logistics. Tarpaulins for trucks, trailers, and semi-trailers are one of the largest application areas. Here, keder works under constant loads, vibration, and temperature changes.
Trade and events. Tents, trade booths, and exhibition pavilions — everywhere fast assembly and dismantling are required. Keder allows tarpaulins to be installed or removed within minutes without tools.
Awnings and canopies. Retractable terrace awnings, balcony canopies, and entrance covers — here keder secures the fabric inside the guide rail and ensures even tension during extension.
Tarpaulin curtains. PVC curtains for warehouses, production facilities, cold rooms, and restaurant terraces are also fixed using keder in the upper profile.
Greenhouses and agriculture. Tarpaulin shelters for agricultural structures, protective covers for machinery, and grain storage facilities.
How Keder Is Attached to Tarpaulin Fabric
There are two main methods.
HF welding (high-frequency welding) is the most reliable and widely used industrial method. The keder is literally welded to the PVC fabric at the molecular level, creating a joint stronger than the material itself. This is the method we use at Techno Tent Plus production.
Sewing is suitable for fabric-based materials or where HF welding equipment is unavailable. The seam should be made with strong polyester threads and double stitching.
Common Mistakes When Choosing and Installing Keder
The most common mistake is choosing the wrong size. A 7.5 mm keder inside a 10 mm profile simply will not hold securely. Always check the groove size before ordering.
The second mistake is cheap keder without UV protection. Such material turns yellow and becomes brittle after just one season outdoors. Always pay attention to coating specifications.
The third mistake is an excessively tight fit inside the groove. If the keder enters with too much force, it may damage the fabric during installation or make winter removal difficult.
Where to Buy PVC Keder in Ukraine
Techno Tent Plus manufactures tarpaulins, awnings, canopies, and PVC products — and uses keder in its own production every day. That is why we know exactly which materials withstand real loads and which only look good in photos.
Available in our store:
- Double Keder 7.5 mm White PVC — for standard profiles and most tarpaulin structures
- Double Keder 10 mm White PVC — for large structures and wide profiles
Available from 1 meter (retail) or full rolls (wholesale). Delivery across Ukraine via Nova Poshta. Not sure which size fits your profile? Call us — we will help you choose.
+38 095 165 70 70
+38 050 337 73 27
Choose solutions that really work. Techno Tent Plus — always a plus for you.
