Maya Ellison
Greenhouse plastic is an essential component of any greenhouse that isn't a permanent structure with solid-sheet panels of glass, acrylic, or polyethylene plastic. It is made with additives that provide UV protection so it can withstand the sun day after day. It also needs to be durable enough to stand up to freezing temperatures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thickness | Greenhouse plastic comes in many thicknesses, from as thin as 3 mil to as thick as 11 mil. A thickness of at least 6 mil is recommended for most greenhouse applications. |
| Durability | The thickness of the plastic plays a significant role in its durability. Woven plastic is incredibly strong and puncture-resistant. |
| Light transmission | Thickness also affects light transmission. |
| Insulation | Thicker plastic provides better insulation. |
| Price | Greenhouse-quality plastic is more expensive upfront than regular plastic, but it is more likely to last longer. |
| UV protection | Regular plastic sheeting lacks UV stabilizers, so it will begin to shred quickly when left in the sun. |
What You'll Learn
Plastic sheeting for greenhouses
When selecting plastic sheeting for a greenhouse, there are several factors to consider, including your local climate, the structure of your greenhouse, your budget, and the requirements of your plants.
The thickness of the plastic sheeting is important. A thickness of at least 6 mil is recommended for most greenhouse applications, as it provides a good balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission. Greenhouse plastic comes in many thicknesses, from as thin as 3 mil to as thick as 11 mil.
Regular plastic sheeting that can be found in big box stores is inferior to greenhouse plastic. It lacks UV stabilizers, which are required for plastic to hold up under intense sunlight. This means it will begin to shred quickly when left in the sun. One key difference is the difference in price. You will pay quite a bit more for greenhouse-quality plastic upfront. While the cost of regular plastic is lower, the likelihood that it will make it into the next growing season is low, making it a seasonal recurring cost rather than a farm investment.
If you’re looking for extra durability, or live in an area with frequent thunderstorms and hail, you may want to consider woven greenhouse plastic. Woven plastic (available in 8 mil and 11 mil) is incredibly strong and puncture-resistant. It withstands hail and flying debris very well. Woven plastic also has two sides—a matte side and a shiny side—which means you can get two different levels of diffusion out of it. Depending on which way you put it on, you can get 60% or 30% diffusion.
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UV-treated plastic for greenhouses
Plastic for greenhouses is available in a range of sizes and thicknesses, with prices starting from $23.99. The thickness of the plastic is usually measured in mils, with 6 mil being a common option. This thickness is often UV-treated, which helps to protect the plastic from degradation caused by exposure to the sun. Without this treatment, the plastic can become brittle, discoloured and weak.
Farm Plastic Supply offers 4-year UV-resistant 6 mil clear greenhouse plastic sheeting, which has a high level of light transmission (90%) to allow plants to get the sunlight they need. The plastic is also infused with special resins to keep it flexible in cold weather and stable in hot weather.
Bootstrap Farmer's UV-resistant greenhouse plastic uses a 5-layer film technology for added strength and longevity, and it also comes with a 4-year warranty against UV degradation. This plastic can be cut to any length and should not come into direct contact with PVC as it will cause premature degradation.
When choosing UV-treated plastic for a greenhouse, it is important to consider the size and thickness of the plastic, as well as the level of UV protection it offers. The price of the plastic will also be a factor, with more expensive options typically offering higher quality and longer warranties.
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Polyethylene film for greenhouses
Polyethylene film is a popular choice for greenhouses. It is a type of plastic sheeting that is UV resistant and insulative, providing superior toughness and extra strength. The thickness of the film typically ranges from 6 to 10 mil, with 6 mil being the most commonly used option. This type of plastic film is available from various retailers, including Walmart and Amazon, with prices starting as low as $23.99 for a 20' x 10' sheet.
When choosing polyethylene film for your greenhouse, it is important to consider the thickness, as this will impact the durability and insulation properties. Thicker films, such as 10 mil, will provide greater insulation and are more suitable for colder climates. They will also be more resistant to tearing and punctures, ensuring a longer lifespan. However, thicker films may also reduce light transmission, which could affect plant growth. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between thickness and light penetration when selecting the appropriate film for your greenhouse.
In addition to thickness, UV resistance is another critical factor to consider when purchasing polyethylene film. UV-treated plastic helps protect your plants from harmful ultraviolet rays, ensuring their healthy growth. It also prolongs the lifespan of the film itself by preventing degradation and discolouration caused by prolonged sun exposure. When shopping for greenhouse plastic, look for options that offer a warranty, as this indicates a higher quality product that is less likely to degrade prematurely.
Finally, ease of installation is an important consideration. Polyethylene film should be easy to install without tearing or requiring extensive expertise. This user-friendliness allows for convenient replacement when necessary, ensuring that your greenhouse remains functional and well-maintained. When shopping for greenhouse plastic, look for options that offer a warranty, as this indicates a higher quality product that is less likely to degrade prematurely.
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Greenhouse plastic from Amazon
Greenhouse plastic comes in many thicknesses, from 3 mil to 11 mil. The thickness of the plastic you choose will depend on your local climate, the structure of your greenhouse, your budget, and the requirements of your plants. A thickness of at least 6 mil is recommended for most greenhouse applications as it provides a good balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission.
If you're looking for extra durability, or live in an area with frequent thunderstorms and hail, you might want to consider woven greenhouse plastic. Woven plastic is incredibly strong and puncture-resistant, and it withstands hail and flying debris very well. It comes in 8 mil and 11 mil thicknesses and has a matte side and a shiny side, which provide different levels of diffusion.
Regular plastic sheeting that can be found in big box stores is inferior to greenhouse plastic. It lacks UV stabilizers, which means it will begin to shred quickly when left in the sun. While the cost of regular plastic is lower, it is unlikely to last more than one growing season, making it a seasonal recurring cost rather than a long-term investment.
Amazon offers a range of greenhouse plastic products, including:
- A&A Greenhouse White Plastic Film Polyethylene Covering 4 Year 6 Mil (12ft Wide X 25ft Long)
- 6 Mil Clear Polyethylene Greenhouse Plastic
- High Diffusion 6 Mil Open UV Greenhouse Plastic
- 10 mil greenhouse hard plastic
- 6 mil plastic sheeting
- Greenhouse Covering Plastic with 4.5 out of 5 stars and free delivery on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon.
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Greenhouse plastic from Walmart
When selecting the best greenhouse plastic, you need to take into account several factors, including your local climate, greenhouse structure, budget constraints, and plant requirements. The thickness of your greenhouse plastic plays a significant role in its durability, light transmission, and insulation properties. A thickness of at least 6 mil is recommended for most greenhouse applications, as it provides a good balance between strength, longevity, and light transmission. Greenhouse plastic comes in many thicknesses, from as thin as 3 mil to as thick as 11 mil. Regular plastic sheeting that can be found in big box stores is inferior to greenhouse plastic. It lacks UV stabilizers that are required for plastic to hold up under intense sunlight. This means it will begin to shred quickly when left in the sun. One key difference you will notice is the difference in price. You will pay quite a bit more for greenhouse quality plastic upfront.
Walmart offers a range of greenhouse plastic products, including:
- KFFKFF Greenhouse Film 10 x 25 Feet, Greenhouse Polyethylene Film 6 Mil Thick, Greenhouse Plastic Greenhouse Clear Plastic Film UV Resistant, Polyethylene Film Insulative, Superior Toughness from $30.58
- Farm Plastic Supply 6 Mil Clear Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting, 4-Year UV Resistant Polyethylene 20' x 10' from $23.99
- ZENY - 57" x 57" x 77" - 3-Tier 8 Shelves - Portable Mini Walk-In Greenhouse
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Frequently asked questions
For an 8’x12’ greenhouse, the minimum size should be about 24’x36’. This allows for plenty of room for it to extend down and onto the ground.
It is recommended to use a commercial-grade polyethylene sheeting with UV and condensation-resistance.
The thickness of plastic you use will depend on the type of greenhouse you are building. If you are building a permanent structure with solid-sheet panels, you can use glass, acrylic, or polyethylene plastic. For a temporary structure, you can use 6 mil plastic film with UV-resistant materials.
You can attach plastic to a wooden base using a staple gun. It is recommended to place a few pieces of wood trim on top of the plastic once it’s stapled down to prevent the wind from ripping the plastic up from the staples.
You can buy plastic for your greenhouse online or at a local hardware store such as Home Depot or Lowes.
