Acrylic Paneling

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 accommodates 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