You’ve picked your perfect backyard greenhouse—perhaps something sleek and modern from Arcadia or a rustic beauty from Alton’s cedar range. But before your first seed is sown, you’re faced with a critical decision: glass or polycarbonate? This isn’t just a matter of looks. The type of glazing you choose will shape everything from how your plants grow to how much you enjoy tending them.
At Mulberry Greenhouses, we know this choice can feel overwhelming. Both clear tempered glass and polycarbonate have passionate fans—and for good reason. In this expert-led greenhouse glazing comparison, we’ll walk you through how each material performs across seasons, plant types, and design goals, so you can make a confident decision that pays off with every harvest.
Clear Tempered Glass: Classic Beauty, Crystal Clarity
There’s something undeniably elegant about a greenhouse made of glass. Popular among brands like Janssens, Arcadia, and Alton, clear tempered glass offers a timeless look that turns any backyard greenhouse into a feature piece.
But it’s not just about appearances. Glass is strong—especially when it’s tempered for added durability. It can withstand wind, snow, and general wear without warping or clouding over time. Gardeners love it for its unfiltered light transmission, which helps light-hungry plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and citrus trees thrive.
That said, glass greenhouses don’t diffuse light. This means your plants may be exposed to direct sun intensity, which can lead to leaf burn during peak summer heat. Without added shading (like retractable screens or shade cloths), managing light can become a full-time job. And while glass looks fantastic, it’s heavier and more brittle than polycarbonate—so transporting or expanding your structure later may take more effort.
If the clarity and elegance of a glass greenhouse resonate with your vision, now’s the perfect time to invest — select Janssens models are currently 6% off for a limited time.
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Polycarbonate: Modern Performance with a Soft Touch
On the other end of the spectrum lies polycarbonate, the glazing material featured in greenhouse lines like Solexx and select polycarbonate greenhouses in our collection. It may not have the same museum-quality shine as glass, but don’t underestimate it—this material is engineered for performance.
Thanks to its construction, polycarbonate creates a thermal barrier that keeps heat in during cooler months and out during summer spikes. If you live in an area with temperature swings, polycarbonate is your ally for year-round growing.
Polycarbonate also diffuses sunlight, softening it into an even glow that reaches every corner of your greenhouse. That’s especially helpful for delicate plants like lettuce, orchids, and leafy greens, which don’t thrive under harsh light. Gardeners who focus on vegetables or flowers that are prone to wilting often prefer the stable, indirect lighting that polycarbonate provides.
Lightweight and nearly shatterproof, this material is also more forgiving when it comes to storms or accidental bumps. While it may lack the transparent clarity of glass, many growers find its functionality outweighs the aesthetic trade-off—especially when paired with sleek modern frames.
Climate Considerations: Match Your Glazing to Your Zone
Your local climate plays a massive role in choosing the right greenhouse glazing. If you're gardening in a hot southern climate, where summer temperatures soar, clear glass might require additional shading systems to prevent overheating. That’s where our greenhouse accessories come in—ventilation fans, roof vents, and shade cloths can offset some of the intensity.
In contrast, if you’re in cooler northern zones, polycarbonate’s insulating properties give you a major advantage. You’ll be able to maintain a steady temperature inside your greenhouse without cranking the heater constantly. It acts like a thermal blanket, keeping plants cozy and reducing energy costs—especially important if you’re growing year-round.
Aesthetic Goals vs. Practical Needs
Let’s be honest—your greenhouse isn’t just a grow space. It’s a part of your backyard. If your goal is to create a garden showpiece that elevates the look of your entire landscape, you may lean toward a glass model. Our customers love the refined design of Alton Cedar greenhouses with their Victorian cresting and architectural flair. They're not just functional—they're photogenic, heirloom-worthy structures.
But if your focus is strictly on productivity and ease, polycarbonate is hard to beat. Its low-maintenance nature, combined with high performance and energy efficiency, makes it the go-to option for serious growers who want high yields with minimal stress.
Which Glazing Suits Which Grower?
To simplify your greenhouse glazing comparison, here’s a helpful breakdown:
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Choose glass if: You prioritize style and visibility, grow sun-loving crops, and are ready to manage temperature and shading manually for that picture-perfect garden.
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Choose polycarbonate if: You’re looking for thermal insulation, grow more delicate or varied crops, want lower heating costs, or need a more forgiving material for kids and pets.
Both materials can serve you well—it comes down to how you prioritize beauty, insulation, light diffusion, and ease of care.
Final Verdict: There's No Wrong Choice—Only the Right Fit for You
When it comes to the greenhouse glazing comparison, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal glazing material depends on where you live, what you grow, how you garden, and how you want your greenhouse to feel in your backyard. Both clear glass and polycarbonate offer powerful benefits—it’s just a matter of aligning those with your vision.
Luckily, you don’t have to decide alone. At Mulberry Greenhouses, we carry a wide selection of glass and polycarbonate greenhouse kits from the most trusted names in the industry, including Janssens, Solexx, Riga, Arcadia, and Alton. Whether you’re after striking beauty or rugged functionality, we’ll help you create a growing space that works for you—and your plants.
If you’re ready to take your gardening to the next level, start by exploring our full range of glass greenhouses and polycarbonate greenhouses. Want something uniquely yours? Our custom greenhouse kits let you design a structure that fits your space, climate, and growing style—right down to the glazing, frame, and roof type.
Looking for a deal? Don’t miss our Today’s Deals page for limited-time savings on top brands.
Have questions about glazing, accessories, or building permits? Our team of greenhouse specialists is always happy to help—because every grower deserves a structure that reflects their goals, their climate, and their dreams.
Mulberry Greenhouses—built for your backyard, ready for your future.
