When choosing which greenhouse to buy, you will inevitably be faced with the decision of purchasing a polycarbonate greenhouse, or a glass greenhouse. It’s easy to get confused as to which is best, so we’ve put together a little guide to help you choose.

What is Polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate is a type of engineered plastic that can be made crystal clear like glass, but is much more lightweight, durable and cost effective. Polycarbonate can found in such items as bullet-proof glass, DVDs, and drinking glasses.

Why Choose Polycarbonate?

• Our polycarbonate greenhouses boast twin walls, which provides better insulation, thus helping to keep temperature constant

• The polycarbonate panels are ribbed, which diffuses the sunlight better, reducing the need for shading
• Our panels are 4mm thick with UV protection glazing, which protects your plants against the sunlight
• Shatter resistant polycarbonate panels mean that this greenhouse is stronger than the glass equivalent, meaning lower maintenance costs
• Polycarbonate panels do not require sealing like glass, making it cheaper, quicker and easier to assemble
• Being lighter than glass, a polycarbonate greenhouse is lighter and easier to assemble and move in your garden should the need arise
• Easier to assemble than glass greenhouses, as each piece is made to measure, and ground pegs are included free with our greenhouse kits
• Due to the increased insulation compare with glass greenhouses, polycarbonate greenhouses experience less condensation
• Due to it’s strength, polycarbonate is easier to transport, meaning fewer delivery delays and costs due to breakages

Cons of Polycarbonate Greenhouses

• According to some, polycarbonate greenhouses are not as aesthetically pleasing as their glass counterparts
• Does not offer as much visibility into your greenhouse as glass

Weighing up the pros and cons above, polycarbonate greenhouses have more features that provide a strong, insulated and long-lasting greenhouse. Whilst traditional glass greenhouses may look a little nicer, it will last longer only if it manages not to get hit and shattered by stones, cricket balls, footballs, or even heavy hail!

Obviously your choice of polycarbonate greenhouse or glass greenhouse will come down to individual preference, but for a durable, cost-effective, value-for-money greenhouse, polycarbonate is the definite choice.

Check out our superb range of Polycarbonate Greenhouses:

8' x 6' Gardman Greenhouse	8' x 6' Extra Tall Green Greenhouse
6' x 6' Extra Tall Silver Greenhouse	3 x 2 Gardman Wooden Cold Frame