Looking to upgrade your greenhouse siding in 2024? That’s good because a well-built greenhouse relies on having the right panels and materials to manage the temperature and humidity… and create amazing plant growth! 🌱

That’s why – in this article I will be talking about some of the best greenhouse siding panels and materials that you should be using in 2024.

Let’s get into it.

Looking for the best polycarbonate greenhouses in 2024? The Best Polycarbonate Greenhouses To Buy In 2024 For People On A Budget

What Are The Different Greenhouse Siding Materials Available?

When you take a deep dive into greenhouse siding, you’ll notice that the common materials that keep coming up over and over again are polycarbonate (clear and multi-wall), acrylic panels and polyethylene sheeting.

Let’s take a quick look at each of these so that we are both on the same page:

Polycarbonate (Clear and Multi-Wall)

• Clear Polycarbonate: This is a tough, durable plastic that’s transparent like glass but much stronger. It lets in lots of light, making it great for plant growth. Plus, it’s resistant to impacts, so it won’t break easily.
• Multi-Wall Polycarbonate: This version has layers with air pockets in between, which makes it great at insulating. It keeps the greenhouse warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s not as clear as the single-layer type but still lets in plenty of light.

This is an example of multi-wall polycarbonate panelling

Acrylic Panels

Acrylic panels are clear like glass but lighter and much more impact-resistant. They allow lots of sunlight to reach your plants, which helps them grow well. Acrylic is durable and doesn’t yellow over time, so it looks good for a long time.

Polyethylene Sheeting

Which Greenhouse Siding Material Should You Use?

Each of them have their own strengths and weaknesses, but here is a quick summary of best uses.

If You Want a Long-Lasting, High-Quality Greenhouse:

Polycarbonate (Clear or Multi-Wall)

• Clear Polycarbonate: Go for this if you need something that looks nice and lets in a lot of light. It’s super durable and can handle rough weather.
• Multi-Wall Polycarbonate: Choose this if you live in a place with extreme temperatures. It insulates well, keeping your greenhouse cozy in winter and cool in summer.

If You Need a Budget-Friendly, Temporary Solution:

Polyethylene Sheeting

• This is your go-to if you’re just starting out or need something cheap and easy to install. It’s perfect for a temporary setup or if you’re covering a large area without spending a lot.

If You Want Something Attractive and Sturdy:

Acrylic Panels

• Use acrylic panels if you want a greenhouse that looks great and lasts long. They’re clear, letting in lots of light, and are more impact-resistant than glass. Plus, they don’t yellow over time, so your greenhouse stays nice and bright.

If You Live in an Area with Harsh Weather:

Multi-Wall Polycarbonate

• This material is excellent for dealing with tough weather. The multiple layers help with insulation, protecting your plants from both cold and heat. It’s also very strong and can withstand hail, wind, and heavy rain.

If Light is Your Top Priority:

Clear Polycarbonate or Acrylic Panels

• Both materials are great at letting in a lot of sunlight. Choose clear polycarbonate for more durability and impact resistance, or acrylic if you want a clearer, glass-like look.

Each material has its strengths, so think about what’s most important for your greenhouse and pick the one that fits your needs best!

Now that we know the different greenhouse siding available and have an idea which to choose, let’s get into some recommendations for you.

Greenhouse Siding Material Recommendations In 2024

Here are the different brands that I’m going to recommend:

Category	Greenhouse Siding
Acrylic Polycarbonate Hybrid	Spectra Glass
Clear Polycarbonate Roll	Glassfiber Panel Sheet
Polyethylene Roll	Inslat PE Film Sheeting
Multi-Wall Polycarbonate Panels	Tatuo 6-Pack Panels

Let’s go through them one by one to make sure that you have all the information that you need to make a good decision for your greenhouse siding needs.

#1: Spectra Glass

The Spectra Glass acrylic polycarbonate sheet is a strong, clear plastic sheet that’s great for greenhouses. It’s made in the USA and measures about 47.8 x 23.8 inches. This polycarbonate sheet is super tough, much stronger than traditional glass or plexiglass, and it won’t break easily. It’s also lightweight and lets in lots of light.

Both sides of the sheet have a UV coating to protect it from yellowing in the sun, and it comes with a protective film that can be reused for storage. It’s easy to cut, drill, and shape with a heat gun, making it very versatile for various projects. This material meets industry size standards and is crafted by skilled workers for top-notch quality. If you need a reliable, clear, and durable siding for your greenhouse, then Spectra Glass polycarbonate is a great choice.

Check Best Price ➡️ Amazon

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#2: Glassfiber Panel Sheet

The polycarbonate clear roofing sheet is a durable, transparent panel made from high-quality resin and glass fiber, with a thickness of 1mm. It’s lightweight, waterproof, leak-proof, and resistant to heat, cold, and UV rays, making it perfect for greenhouses. This sheet won’t fog up in the sun and helps protect your plants from harmful UV rays while promoting growth and providing frost protection.

Installation is a breeze—you can cut it with scissors and easily bend it to fit your design, whether you need arches, half domes, or windows. It’s stronger and safer than glass, resistant to impacts like gravel and hail, and won’t change color when exposed to sunlight.

Ideal for greenhouses, this material provides excellent light transmission and insulation, keeping your plants warm in winter and cool in summer. Its high transparency and toughness make it a reliable choice for creating a protected environment for your plants all year round.

Check Best Price ➡️ Amazon

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#3: Inslat PE Film Sheeting

This 6 mil plastic film sheeting by Inslat is a 12′ x 100′ white polyethylene cover designed to create an optimal environment for your greenhouse. With a thickness of 6 mil, this plastic is tough and tear-resistant, ensuring it lasts for years. It allows light to pass through evenly, providing consistent lighting for all your plants, which helps them grow better.

This greenhouse film is UV resistant and has an anti-aging treatment, so it won’t degrade quickly over time. It also has an anti-drip feature to prevent damaging drips inside your greenhouse, and it reduces dust absorption, promoting healthier plant growth.

The 12 ft by 100 ft size makes it easy to cover large areas, whether you have grow tunnels, mini greenhouses, or vegetable and flower patches. You can also cut it to different sizes to fit your specific needs. This plastic film protects your plants from extreme weather, including heat, heavy rain, frost, and strong winds, keeping your greenhouse environment stable and your plants thriving.

Check Best Price ➡️ Amazon

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#4: Tatuo 6-Pack Panels

The Tatuo polycarbonate greenhouse siding set is perfect for replacing or building new greenhouse siding. Each panel is 4′ x 2′ and 0.32 inches thick, providing sturdy and thickened protection for your plants. Made from polycarbonate, these panels feature a hollow honeycomb design that offers excellent heat insulation. This design helps keep your greenhouse cool in the summer and warm in the winter, ensuring a stable environment for your plants year-round.

These panels are UV resistant and can be easily cut to the required size with a utility knife. Installation is simple, even with basic tools, and the lightweight, shatterproof panels can be formed into arches to fit your greenhouse frame perfectly.

While these panels are primarily designed for greenhouses, they are also versatile enough to be used for other outdoor structures. However, their primary benefit is providing excellent insulation and protection for your greenhouse, helping your plants grow healthily regardless of the season.

Check Best Price ➡️ Amazon

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Factors to Consider When Choosing Greenhouse Siding

Durability and insulation play key roles in your decision-making process. Ensure the material you choose can withstand harsh weather conditions and provide effective temperature control.

Durability

Greenhouse siding replacement materials need to withstand various weather conditions. Polycarbonate panels offer excellent durability, known for their strong resistance to impacts and harsh elements.

Acrylic panels also provide substantial sturdiness, ensuring long-term use without frequent replacements.

High-quality greenhouse materials resist wear and tear from UV rays, rain, and wind. This resilience helps maintain an optimal growing environment inside the greenhouse. Reliable siding options such as twin-wall polycarbonate ensure your structure remains intact even during severe storms or heavy snowfall.

UV resistance

High-quality polycarbonate sheets often come with a UV-protective coating that shields them from sun damage, preventing yellowing and brittleness over time. This feature ensures long-lasting performance and keeps maintenance costs down.

Whether it’s clear or twin-wall polycarbonate, these materials serve as reliable options to keep your greenhouse thriving under direct sunlight.

Impact resistance

Durability ensures a greenhouse siding can withstand harsh conditions. Polycarbonate panels excel in impact resistance, making them an ideal choice for your greenhouse construction.

Acrylic panels also offer good protection against impacts, though not as robust as polycarbonate.

Impact-resistant materials help prevent damage from hail or debris. This quality extends the lifespan of your greenhouse and reduces maintenance costs. Investing in strong paneling safeguards plants and maintains optimal growing conditions year-round.

Insulation

Effective insulation is crucial for maintaining the right temperature inside your greenhouse. Polycarbonate panels provide excellent insulation compared to other materials like glass or acrylic.

They help keep the heat in during colder months, reducing energy costs.

Twin-wall polycarbonate sheets offer double-layer protection and superior thermal efficiency. This design traps air between the layers, acting as an extra barrier against extreme temperatures.

Film plastic panels can also be a cost-effective option but may require more maintenance over time.

Here are some ideas on how to insulate a greenhouse: 16 Genius Ways To Insulate Your Greenhouse For Year-Round Growth

Compatibility with other greenhouse components

Proper insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining the right temperature inside your greenhouse. Equally important is ensuring that your siding panels are compatible with other greenhouse components such as frames, doors, and vents.

Different materials like polycarbonate or acrylic need to fit seamlessly with the structural elements. For example, if you’re using aluminum frames, check that your chosen panels can attach securely without gaps or misalignments.

Proper fitting ensures stability and prevents issues like drafts or moisture buildup.

Conclusion:

hoosing the right siding for your greenhouse is crucial for creating the perfect environment for your plants. In 2024, there are several excellent options to consider, each with its own strengths. Polycarbonate panels, whether clear or multi-wall, offer durability and insulation. Acrylic panels provide a clear, sturdy alternative that doesn’t yellow over time. Polyethylene sheeting is a budget-friendly choice for temporary or large setups.

Each material suits different needs, from handling harsh weather to ensuring optimal light transmission. By considering factors like durability, UV resistance, impact resistance, and insulation, you can select the best siding for your greenhouse.

Whether you’re looking for a long-lasting solution or a cost-effective temporary cover, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. Happy gardening, and here’s to a thriving greenhouse in 2024! 🌿

Here are our favorite accessories to boost any greenhouse: 14 Best Greenhouse Accessories That You Need In 2024

FAQs

What are greenhouse panels called?

Greenhouse panels are commonly referred to as polycarbonate sheets, acrylic panels, or polyethylene sheeting. These materials are designed to create an optimal environment for plant growth by allowing light to enter while providing insulation and protection.

How do I stop polycarbonate greenhouse panels from blowing out?

To prevent polycarbonate greenhouse panels from blowing out, make sure they are securely fastened to the greenhouse frame. Use proper screws, washers, and sealing strips to hold the panels in place. Additionally, check for any gaps and seal them with weatherproof tape or sealant to prevent wind from getting underneath the panels.

What is the strongest greenhouse panel?

Polycarbonate panels, especially the multi-wall type, are considered the strongest greenhouse panels. They offer excellent durability, impact resistance, and insulation, making them ideal for withstanding harsh weather conditions and providing long-term protection for your plants.

What is a cheaper alternative to polycarbonate sheets?

A cheaper alternative to polycarbonate sheets is polyethylene sheeting. It’s a flexible plastic material that is easy to install and replace. While it may not be as durable or long-lasting as polycarbonate, it’s a good option for temporary setups or for gardeners on a budget.

How long will polycarbonate panels last in the sun?

Polycarbonate panels are designed to be UV resistant and can last for many years in the sun. With proper installation and maintenance, they typically last around 10-15 years before they may start to show signs of wear.

References:
1 – Virginia Clark, Greenhouse ideas: From Victorian glasshouses to compact options for small gardens, taken from: https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/greenhouse-ideas