Polycarbonate Material Products UK
18 products with material “Polycarbonate”, spanning Garden.
#1 Pick
Palram Canopia Harmony 6x8 Silver Greenhouse, Polycarbonate- Polycarbonate
- Small gardens
- 10 Years
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Shatterproof polycarbonate panels with over 90% light transmission
- Rust-resistant aluminium frame with galvanised steel base
- Sliding door and roof vent for airflow
Cons
- Assembly takes a full weekend for two people
#2 Pick
Palram Nature Series Hybrid Hobby Greenhouse, 6' x 4'- Polycarbonate
- Small gardens
- 5 Years
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Polycarbonate roof panels diffuse light evenly
- Clear side panels for maximum visibility
- Rust-resistant aluminium frame
Cons
- Assembly takes a full day for two people
#3 Pick
Palram-Canopia Nature Series Mythos Hobby Greenhouse- Polycarbonate
- Small gardens
- 5 Years
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Robust aluminium frame with polycarbonate glazing
- Twin sliding doors for wide access
- Integrated gutters for rainwater collection
Cons
- Needs a level, prepared base before assembly
#4 Pick
Palram Canopia Glory 8x12 Premium Polycarbonate Greenhouse- Polycarbonate
- Serious/large-scale growing
- 10 Years
£1931.00
Pros
- 10mm twin-wall virtually unbreakable panels
- Integrated gutters and automatic vent opener
- Generous 8x12ft growing space
Cons
- Large structure requires significant assembly time and a prepared base
#5 Pick
Rion Greenhouse Professional Series 48, 507 x 259 x 207cm- Polycarbonate
- Large gardens
- 10 Years
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Tool-free push-n-fit resin connector assembly
- UV-resistant polycarbonate panels resist yellowing
- Large footprint suits serious growers
Cons
- Significant assembly time for a structure this size
#6 Pick
Rion Prestige PL46 Greenhouse with Base, 383 x 259 x 239cm, Accessories Included- Polycarbonate
- Small gardens
- 10 Years
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Includes base and a range of growing accessories
- Twin-wall polycarbonate diffuses light evenly
- Sturdy resin frame resists corrosion
Cons
- Higher price than an entry-level hobby greenhouse
#7 Pick
Grandio Elite 8x8 Greenhouse Kit, 10mm Twin-Wall Polycarbonate- Polycarbonate
- Serious/large-scale growing
- 10 Years
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Heavy-duty 1.6mm profile aluminium frame
- 10mm twin-wall polycarbonate insulates well through UK winters
- Barn-style roofline adds extra headroom
Cons
- Significant investment and assembly time
#8 Pick
GARDEBRUK 'Sunlight' 6 x 8ft Polycarbonate Greenhouse with Slide Door and 2 Windows- Polycarbonate
- Large gardens
- 2 Years
£274.99
Pros
- Aluminium frame with polycarbonate glazing resists corrosion
- Sliding door and two windows for ventilation
- Walk-in size suits growing a full range of crops
Cons
- Assembly takes a full day for two people
#9 Pick
Outsunny 6x8 FT Polycarbonate Greenhouse with Base and Raised Bed- Polycarbonate
- Large gardens
- 2 Years
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Includes integrated raised bed for direct planting
- Aluminium frame with temperature-controlled window
- Steel foundation base included
Cons
- Assembly takes a full weekend for two people
#10 Pick
XEMQENER Walk-in Polycarbonate Greenhouse, 4ft x 6ft- Polycarbonate
- Small gardens
- 1 Year
Currently unavailable
Pros
- 4mm polycarbonate panels block harmful UV rays
- Aluminium frame with sliding door and vent window
- Compact footprint for smaller plots
Cons
- Base not included on this version
#11 Pick
Palram Canopia Glory Greenhouse 6x8, Grey/Clear- Polycarbonate
- Small gardens
- 10 Years
£1609.00
Pros
- 10mm thick UV-resistant double wall panels
- Extra-large door with floor ramp for easy access
- Roof window with automatic opener for ventilation
Cons
- Higher price than standard hobby greenhouses
#12 Pick
Palram 6'x4' (1.8 x 1.2m) Harmony Green Greenhouse, Clear Polycarbonate- Polycarbonate
- Small gardens
- 5 Years
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Rust-resistant aluminium frame
- Polycarbonate blocks 99% of harmful UV rays
- Opening roof vent for ventilation control
Cons
- Base anchoring recommended in exposed spots
#13 Pick
Palram Canopia Harmony 6x10 Silver Greenhouse, Clear Polycarbonate, Base Included- Polycarbonate
- Large gardens
- 5 Years
£508.99
Pros
- Larger 6x10 footprint suits keen growers
- Galvanised steel base included
- High eaves give extra headroom
Cons
- Needs two people to assemble
#14 Pick
Palram Canopia Harmony Grey Aluminium Greenhouse, 6 x 8ft- Polycarbonate
- Growing & Propagation
- 5 years
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Polycarbonate walls protect plants from UV while diffusing light
- Rust-resistant aluminium frame on galvanized steel base
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Assembly is a two-person job and takes several hours
#15 Pick
Palram Canopia Hybrid Greenhouse 6x4, Green- Polycarbonate
- Growing & Propagation
- 5 Years
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Rust-resistant aluminium frame for long life
- Crystal-clear polycarbonate side walls diffuse sunlight
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Base anchoring recommended in exposed, windy gardens
#16 Pick
Palram Hybrid Lean-to Greenhouse - 4' x 8'- Polycarbonate
- Growing & Propagation
- 5 Years
£659.00
Pros
- Lean-to design fits neatly against a wall or fence
- Ideal for smaller backyards, patios and balconies
- Virtually unbreakable polycarbonate panels
Cons
- Needs a suitable wall for mounting
#17 Pick
Palram Canopia 8x12ft Balance Silver Greenhouse with Polycarbonate Panels- Polycarbonate
- Large gardens
- 10 Years
£700.00
Pros
- Twinwall polycarbonate roof adds insulation
- Over 90% light transmission for healthy growth
- Large 8x12ft footprint suits keen gardeners
Cons
- Needs a solid, level base and two people to assemble
#18 Pick
Palram 4 x 4ft Plant Inn Garden Bed Mini Greenhouse, Clear Polycarbonate- Polycarbonate
- Small gardens
- 5 Years
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Raised garden bed doubles as growing space and storage
- Compact 4x4ft footprint suits smaller gardens
- Polycarbonate glazing is virtually unbreakable
Cons
- Limited headroom for tall plants
Related attributes
At a glance
- Products
- 18
- Price range
- £139.98–£1931.00
- Average price
- £686.94
- Average rating
- 4.42 / 5
- Total reviews
- 6,257
- Top brand
- Palram (12)
- Price tier split
- Budget1Mid-range4Premium13
- In stock
- 6
Polycarbonate – a robust and versatile material rapidly gaining popularity across UK homes and gardens – offers a compelling blend of durability, weather resistance, and often, a distinctive aesthetic. For many homeowners, polycarbonate’s primary appeal lies in its ability to withstand the often-harsh British climate; it's significantly more impact-resistant than traditional glass or acrylic, making it ideal for areas prone to heavy foot traffic, particularly in gardens where children and pets are present. This makes it a smart investment for structures like garden furniture, greenhouse roofs, patio covers, and even decorative features requiring resilience against the elements – think translucent panels for creating shaded areas or stylish lighting installations.
When searching for polycarbonate products, it’s crucial to pay close attention to specifications beyond just ‘polycarbonate’. Check the UV resistance rating; a higher number (e.g., 80+) indicates better colour retention and reduced degradation from prolonged sun exposure – essential in the UK. Also examine the thickness of the sheet or panel; thicker polycarbonate is generally stronger and more resistant to impact, although it may be slightly heavier and potentially more expensive. Across various product categories, you’ll find polycarbonate used for its strength and light transmission, but consider whether a particular application requires the highest possible clarity or increased structural support.
Ultimately, choosing polycarbonate reflects a desire for long-lasting performance and design flexibility within the UK home and garden landscape. While it can often command a slightly higher price point than some alternatives like acrylic, the added durability and weather protection frequently justify the investment, especially when considering replacement costs for less robust materials. Selecting the right grade of polycarbonate – alongside appropriate installation techniques – is key to maximising its benefits and ensuring a beautiful, functional addition to your property for years to come.
FAQ
What exactly *is* polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is a type of thermoplastic polymer known for its exceptional strength, impact resistance, and transparency. Unlike standard acrylic or glass, it’s significantly more resistant to shattering under pressure, making it suitable for outdoor use where impacts are likely. It's often described as ‘safety glass’ due to this characteristic.
How does polycarbonate compare to glass?
Polycarbonate is considerably stronger than standard glass – up to 30 times more impact resistant. While glass offers superior scratch resistance, polycarbonate excels in withstanding heavy impacts without shattering, making it safer for areas like patios and gardens where children or pets might accidentally bump into structures.
Is polycarbonate more expensive than acrylic?
Generally, yes, polycarbonate is typically more expensive than acrylic. However, the increased durability and impact resistance of polycarbonate often outweigh the price difference in the long run, particularly when considering reduced replacement costs.
What UV protection should I look for?
UV protection is crucial as prolonged sun exposure can degrade polycarbonate over time, causing it to become cloudy and lose its clarity. Look for products with a high UV resistance rating – ideally 80% or higher – which indicates the material’s ability to block harmful ultraviolet rays.
How thick should polycarbonate be?
The required thickness depends on the application. For garden furniture, a minimum of 5mm is recommended for good strength and weather resistance. Larger panels like greenhouse roofs may require 8mm or even thicker polycarbonate for maximum durability against snow loads and impacts.
Can I cut polycarbonate myself?
While some thinner grades can be cut with a fine-toothed saw, it's generally recommended to have polycarbonate cut professionally. Precise cuts are crucial for structural integrity, and improper cutting can compromise the material’s strength and clarity – plus, safety equipment is vital.
Is polycarbonate suitable for greenhouse roofs?
Yes, polycarbonate is a very popular choice for greenhouse roofs due to its excellent light transmission properties and resistance to high winds. However, ensure you select thicker panels (at least 8mm) specifically designed for agricultural use to handle snow load and potential impacts.
What’s the best way to clean polycarbonate?
Clean polycarbonate with a mild detergent solution and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads which can scratch the surface. Never use solvents like acetone, as these can damage the material permanently.
Does polycarbonate fade in colour over time?
While polycarbonate is resistant to fading, prolonged exposure to UV light will eventually cause some colour change, particularly with lighter colours. Choosing a darker shade or applying a UV-protective film can help mitigate this effect.
Are there any specific installation considerations for polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate requires careful installation; use appropriate fixings designed for the material to avoid stress points that could lead to cracking. Ensure panels are properly sealed against the elements and follow manufacturer’s instructions precisely for optimal performance.