Plastic Greenhouse: How Much Is Too Much?

Greenhouse plastic is typically between 4 and 8 mils thick, with thinner plastic used for short-term structures and thicker plastic providing greater durability and insulation. Leading manufacturers recommend polyethylene plastic ranging from 4 to 8 mils for most greenhouse applications. The ideal thickness depends on several factors, including the climate and whether the greenhouse is for commercial or personal use.

The typical thickness range for greenhouse plastic is 4 to 8 mils

The ideal thickness depends on several factors. For short-term structures, thinner 3-4 mil plastic is suitable. For full-season greenhouses in moderate climates, 6 mil plastic is often recommended for good performance. In cold climates and commercial operations, thicker 8-12 mil plastic provides the greatest insulation and durability over many seasons.

The main benefit of thicker plastic is much greater tenacity and insulation capability. 8-12 mil films will withstand weather and last 4-6 years, versus 1-2 years for thinner 4-6 mil plastic. Thicker plastic films have slightly lower light transmission, but the effect is minimal. Going from 4 mil to 8 mil plastic only reduces light by 1-2%.

Thicker plastic provides greater durability and insulation

The typical thickness range for greenhouse plastic is 4 to 8 mils. Thinner 3-4 mil plastic is suitable for short-term structures, but thicker plastic in the 8-12 mil range provides greater insulation and durability for commercial operations.

The ideal thickness depends on several factors. Leading manufacturers recommend polyethylene plastic ranging from 4 to 8 mils for most greenhouse applications. The recommended amount is around 4 square feet of plastic film per square foot of greenhouse, which allows for sufficient overlap and surface tension for maximum infrared light transmission and insulation. Thicker plastic films have slightly lower light transmission, but the effect is minimal. Going from 4 mil to 8 mil plastic only reduces light by 1-2%.

The main benefit of thicker plastic is much greater tenacity and insulation capability. 8-12 mil films will withstand weather and last 4-6 years, versus 1-2 years for thinner 4-6 mil plastic.

Thinner plastic is suitable for short-term structures

The typical thickness range for greenhouse plastic is 4 to 8 mils. However, thinner plastic of 3 to 4 mils is suitable for short-term structures. This is because thinner plastic has a lower durability and will only last for 1-2 years, whereas thicker plastic will last 4-6 years. Thinner plastic is also more suitable for short-term structures as it has a lower insulation capability.

The ideal thickness of greenhouse plastic depends on several factors, including the climate and whether the greenhouse is for commercial use. For full-season greenhouses in moderate climates, 6 mil plastic is often the recommended thickness for good performance. In cold climates and commercial operations, thicker 8-12 mil plastic provides the greatest insulation and durability over many seasons.

The recommended amount of plastic film per square foot of greenhouse is around 4 square feet, which allows for sufficient overlap and surface tension for maximum infrared light transmission and insulation. Thicker plastic films have slightly lower light transmission, but the effect is minimal. Going from 4 mil to 8 mil plastic only reduces light by 1-2%.

The recommended amount of plastic film is 4 square feet per square foot of greenhouse

The recommended amount of plastic film for a greenhouse is 4 square feet per square foot. This allows for sufficient overlap and surface tension for maximum infrared light transmission and insulation.

The ideal thickness of the plastic film depends on several factors, including the climate and the length of time the greenhouse will be in use. For short-term structures, thinner 3-4 mil plastic is suitable. For full-season greenhouses in moderate climates, 6 mil plastic is often recommended for good performance. In cold climates and for commercial operations, thicker 8-12 mil plastic provides the greatest insulation and durability over many seasons.

The typical thickness range for greenhouse plastic is 4 to 8 mils, though 3 to 12 mils is also used. Leading manufacturers recommend polyethylene plastic ranging from 4 to 8 mils for most greenhouse applications.

Thicker plastic films have slightly lower light transmission, but the effect is minimal. Going from 4 mil to 8 mil plastic only reduces light by 1-2%. The main benefit of thicker plastic is much greater tenacity and insulation capability. 8-12 mil films will withstand weather and last 4-6 years, versus 1-2 years for thinner 4-6 mil plastic.

Thicker plastic films have slightly lower light transmission

The typical thickness range for greenhouse plastic is 4 to 8 mils. Thicker plastic films have slightly lower light transmission, but the effect is minimal. Going from 4 mil to 8 mil plastic only reduces light by 1-2%. The main benefit of thicker plastic is much greater tenacity and insulation capability. 8-12 mil films will withstand weather and last 4-6 years, versus 1-2 years for thinner 4-6 mil plastic.

For full-season greenhouses in moderate climates, 6 mil plastic is often the recommended thickness for good performance. In cold climates and commercial operations, 8-12 mil plastic provides the greatest insulation and durability over many seasons. With proper installation and care, quality greenhouse plastic can last multiple years. Proper support and UV protection are key to maximising lifespan.

Commercial greenhouse contractors and distributors across the construction industry typically recommend at least 6 mil, UV-treated polyethylene plastic. The recommended amount is around 4 square feet of plastic film per square foot of greenhouse, which allows for sufficient overlap and surface tension for maximum infrared light transmission and insulation.

Thinner 3-4 mil plastic works for short-term structures. Thinner plastic like 3 to 4 mils may be suitable for short-term season extension on tunnels or cold frames.

Frequently asked questions