Greenhouse Materials Advantages / Disadvantages

AcrylicPaneling
Advantages:

High visibility
Durable
Impact-resistant
Disadvantages:

Potential plant damage due to sun overexposure

Glass Paneling
Advantages:

High visibility
Maximum light and heat absorption
Strong and durable
Low maintenance
Disadvantages:

Poor insulator unless double layered
Heavy; difficult to install
Breakable
Potential plant damage due to sun overexposure

Polycarbonate Paneling
Advantages:

Lightweight, durable, impact-resistant
Energy-efficient
Light diffuses through, reducing plant damage due to sun overexposure
Easy to install
Disadvantages:

High initial cost
Lower visibility than glass

Polyethylene Paneling
Advantages:

Easy to install
Low cost
Effective transmitter of light
Disadvantages:

Replacements required about every couple years
Prone to rips and tears
More than one layer is needed for maximum energy-efficiency

PVC Paneling
Advantages:

Lightweight
Portable, lightweight
High visibility
Retains heat
Disadvantages:

Less effective in larger greenhouses

Aluminum Frame
Advantages:

Strong, durable
No maintenance required
Will not deteriorate over time
Disadvantages:

Higher initial cost
Requires more material to make as strong a structure as steel (therefore increasing shadow in the greenhouse)

Plastic Frame
Advantages:

Lightweight, portable
Low cost
Energy efficient
Disadvantages:

Not as strong as metal frames; requires more material to make a sound structure (therefore increasing shadow in the greenhouse)
More prone to damage; less durable than metal frames

Steel Frame
Advantages:

Strongest material available
Low cost
Less material is needed to create a strong frame (therefore decreasing shadow in the greenhouse)
Disadvantages:

Heavier than other materials
Will eventually rust and wear, requiring replacement

Wood Frame
Advantages:

Aesthetically pleasing
Strong
Easily acgemodates mounting of accessories
Disadvantages:

Will deteriorate over time
Requires more material to make as strong a structure as metal (therefore increasing shadow in the greenhouse)
Requires regular maintenance