Polycarbonate Greenhouse Guide
In-depth look at polycarbonate greenhouses. Compare panel types, insulation values, and maintenance requirements.
Why Choose Polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate greenhouses represent the perfect blend of durability, efficiency, and value. These modern structures offer superior insulation, excellent light diffusion, and remarkable strength while being lighter and more versatile than traditional glass greenhouses.
Polycarbonate Panel Types
Single-Wall
- • Most affordable option
- • High light transmission
- • Basic insulation
- • 2-3mm thickness
Twin-Wall
- • Better insulation
- • Good light diffusion
- • Most popular choice
- • 4-6mm thickness
Triple-Wall
- • Premium insulation
- • Best heat retention
- • Professional grade
- • 8-16mm thickness
Key Features to Consider
Material Properties
- UV protection rating
- Light transmission percentage
- Thermal insulation value
Construction Features
- Frame material quality
- Panel connection system
- Weather sealing method
Technical Specifications
| Panel Type | Light Transmission | Heat Retention | Typical Cost/sqft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Wall | 90% | Basic | $2-$4 |
| Twin-Wall | 80% | Good | $4-$8 |
| Triple-Wall | 70% | Excellent | $8-$15 |
Top Products Comparison
Backyard Discovery Willow 9 ft. x 6 ft. Cedar Wood and Polycarbonate Walk-in Greenhouse Kit with Temperature-Activated Fan, Hose Hook-Up, Electric, Staging Shelves, for Year-Round Outdoor Garden
With a 4.7/5 star rating from 14 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $1999....
6x12 FT Greenhouse Kit for Outdoor, Polycarbonate Wooden Walk-in Green House with Lockable Door and Adjustable Roof Vent, Backyard Garden, Light Mocha Brown
With a 4.6/5 star rating from 2 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $1049.99....
HOWE 8x8x7.5 FT Polycarbonate Greenhouse Double Swing Doors 2 Vents 5.2FT Added Wall Height, Walk-in Large Aluminum Greenhouse Winter Sunroom Greenhouse for Outdoors, Black
With a 4.5/5 star rating from 12 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $699.99....
AMERLIFE 14x9.5x9 FT Hybrid Polycarbonate Greenhouse Quick Connector Fast Assembly, Swing 2 Doors Clear Panels, Walk-in Large Aluminum Greenhouse Winter Greenhouse for Outdoors, Black
With a 4.5/5 star rating from 2 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $2499.99....
Polycarbonate Greenhouse Kit,8x6x6 FT Outsides Heavy Duty Green House with Windows Door for Backyard Garden, Outside Walk in Plant Greenhouses,Black Thick Frame
With a 4.2/5 star rating from 8 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $379.96....
HOWE 8x12x7.5 FT Polycarbonate Greenhouse Double Swing Doors 4 Vents 5.2FT Added Wall Height, Walk-in Large Aluminum Greenhouse Sunroom Winter Greenhouse for Outdoors, Black
With a 4.1/5 star rating from 67 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $999.99....
6x7.5 FT Greenhouse for Outdoors, Polycarbonate Greenhouse with Quick Setup Structure and Roof Vent, Aluminum Large Walk-in Greenhouse for Outside Garden Backyard, Black
With a 4/5 star rating from 153 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $179.99....
VEIKOU 6’x12’ Greenhouse for Outdoors, Upgraded Rivet Structure Greenhouse with 2 Vents, Lockable Door, 4mm Twin-Wall Polycarbonate, Aluminum Heavy Duty Greenhouse for Winters, Gray
With a 4/5 star rating from 62 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $329.99....
6x8 Ft Polycarbonate Greenhouse, Walk-in Aluminum Greenhouse for Outdoors with Roof Vent, Pc Panel Garden Plant Green House for Lawn, Patio, Sliding Door, Rain Gutter, Black
With a 4/5 star rating from 5 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $319.99....
12x6ft Polycarbonate Greenhouse, Heavy Duty Walk-in Aluminum Greenhouse for Outdoors, with Ventilation Window, Sliding Door, Rain Gutter for Garden, Backyard
With a 4/5 star rating from 4 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $403.99....
Palram Canopia Greenhouse Kit 4' x 8' Hobby Lean-To Polycarbonate Heavy Duty Aluminum Frame Hybrid (Silver)
With a 3.8/5 star rating from 1,210 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $699.99....
Palram Canopia Greenhouse Kit 6' x 8', Hobby Walk-In Polycarbonate Heavy Duty Aluminum Frame Lockable Door and Vent Hybrid (Silver)
With a 3.8/5 star rating from 1,210 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $576.24....
8x12 FT Greenhouse for Outdoors, Quick Setup Polycarbonate Greenhouse with Roof Vent, Aluminum Large Walk-in Greenhouse for Outside Garden Backyard, Black
With a 3.8/5 star rating from 108 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $449.99....
VEIKOU 6x12FT Greenhouses for Outdoors, Wooden Greenhouse with Cedar Frame & Adjustable Vent, Green House with Multi-Layer Polycarbonate Panel for Outside, Garden, Backyard, Light Brown Mocha
With a 3.8/5 star rating from 23 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $949.99....
Outsunny 6' x 4' Greenhouse for Outdoors, Polycarbonate Greenhouse with Rain Gutter and Roof Vent, Aluminum Walk-in Green Houses for Outside Patio Backyard Garden
With a 3.7/5 star rating from 393 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $239.99....
Outsunny 10' x 6' Greenhouse for Outdoors, Polycarbonate Greenhouse with Rain Gutter and Roof Vent, Aluminum Walk-in Green Houses for Outside Patio Backyard Garden
With a 3.7/5 star rating from 393 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $311.69....
Palram - Canopia Rion Sun Room 6 Ft. x 8 Ft. Lean-to Greenhouse DIY Kit, Large Twin Wall Polycarbonate Extra Room with 100% UV Protection for Porch, Deck, Or Patio Outdoors with Window Vent (White)
With a 3.7/5 star rating from 53 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $1999.82....
Outsunny 6' x 4' Greenhouse for Outdoors, Polycarbonate Greenhouse with Rain Gutter and Roof Vent, Aluminum Walk-in Green Houses for Outside for Patio Backyard Garden, Gray
With a 3.4/5 star rating from 508 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $264.99....
Outsunny 6' x 8' Greenhouse for Outdoors, Polycarbonate Greenhouse with Rain Gutter and Roof Vent, Aluminum Walk-in Green Houses for Outside for Patio Backyard Garden, Dark Green
With a 3.4/5 star rating from 508 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $254.59....
Polar Aurora 4x6 FT Greenhouse, Quick Aluminum Assembly Structure Polycarbonate Greenhouse, Walk-in Greenhouses for Outdoors with Ventilated Windows, Green Houses for Outside Backyard Garden
With a 3.3/5 star rating from 24 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $189.99....
6x2ft Lean-to Polycarbonate Greenhouse, Small Walk-in Greenhouse, with Adjustable Roof Vent, Rain Gutter and Sliding Door, Outdoor Greenhouse for Terrace, Backyard Greenhouse 6'x2'
With a 3.2/5 star rating from 8 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $269.99....
Outsunny 6' x 4' Aluminum Lean-to Greenhouse Polycarbonate Walk-in Garden Greenhouse with Adjustable Roof Vent, Rain Gutter and Sliding Door for Winter, Clear
With a 3.1/5 star rating from 39 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $246....
Machrus OGrow Small Greenhouses for Outdoors-Portable Walk in Large Greenhouse Kit for Plants - 4X6 Green Houses for Outside-Polycarbonate Greenhouse Panels with Vent Window, Heavy Duty Aluminum Frame
With a 2.7/5 star rating from 88 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $401.62....
Outsunny 8' x 4' x 7' Hobby Greenhouse, Walk-in Lean-to Polycarbonate Hot House Kit with Aluminum Frame, Sliding Door, Roof Vent, Green
With a 2.3/5 star rating from 88 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $299.99....
Outsunny 6' x 4' Lean-to Polycarbonate Greenhouse, Walk-in Hobby Green House with Sliding Door, 5-Level Roof Vent, Rain Gutter, Garden Plant Hot House with Aluminum Frame and Foundation, Black
With a 2/5 star rating from 9 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $239.99....
Aluminum Polycarbonate Greenhouse with Ventilation and Rain Gutter, Polycarbonate Greenhouse, Walk in Greenhouse for Outdoor Backyard Garden 8 x 10 FT
With a 2/5 star rating from 3 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $479.99....
Outsunny 8' x 4' Lean-to Polycarbonate Greenhouse, Walk-in Green House with Sliding Door, 5-Level Roof Vent, Rain Gutter, Hobby Garden Plant Hot House with Aluminum Frame and Foundation, Black
With a 1.3/5 star rating from 4 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $294.99....
6 x 10 FT Greenhouse, Greenhouse for Outside, Polycarbonate Greenhouse with Aluminum Frame, Lockable Door and Ajustable Roof Vent for Backyard, Green Houses for Outside Garden Backyard, Patio
With a 0/5 star rating from 0 customers, this greenhouse offers reliable performance at $349.99....
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a polycarbonate greenhouse?
Polycarbonate greenhouses offer superior durability, excellent insulation, and UV protection. They're virtually unbreakable, provide better temperature control than glass, and maintain high light transmission. They're also lighter and easier to install than glass greenhouses.
What thickness of polycarbonate should I choose?
For most home greenhouses, 4mm twin-wall polycarbonate is standard. 6mm offers better insulation for colder climates, while 8-10mm is ideal for commercial use. Single-wall panels (2-3mm) are more affordable but provide less insulation.
How long do polycarbonate greenhouses last?
Quality polycarbonate panels typically last 10-15 years with proper maintenance. UV-protected panels resist yellowing and degradation. The aluminum frame can last 20+ years. Regular cleaning and proper installation significantly extend lifespan.
Are polycarbonate greenhouses energy efficient?
Yes, polycarbonate greenhouses are highly energy efficient. Twin-wall and triple-wall panels create air pockets for insulation, reducing heating costs by up to 40% compared to single-layer materials. They maintain heat better than glass while diffusing light effectively.
Maintenance & Care Tips
Regular Cleaning
Clean panels with mild soap and soft brush. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the surface.
Seal Maintenance
Check and maintain seals annually. Replace any damaged seals to prevent heat loss and water infiltration.
Snow Load Management
Remove heavy snow accumulation to prevent stress on the structure. Use a soft brush or specialized tool.