When covering your greenhouse, growers should use the highest quality plastic sheeting for full coverage and long-term use. The standard for greenhouse coverings is a 6 mil polyethylene plastic – but which plastic sheeting is the best to use?
Americover has a wide range of greenhouse plastic sheeting options that suit your greenhouse applications, from light deprivation to reinforced plastic. Learn more about which one you should use in the article below.
Is Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting Different?
The short answer is yes. Plastic sheeting used in construction should not be used for greenhouse applications. That is because greenhouse plastic sheeting is more durable and is, most importantly, created with UV stabilizers which allows the material to withstand outdoor applications and weathering. Regular plastic sheeting is inferior and prone to shredding when exposed to the sun for long periods.
Aside from its quality, you will also notice a difference in price. Greenhouse plastic sheeting is more expensive than regular plastic sheeting. However, it can be used over multiple seasons; you’ll save more over time because you won’t be replacing materials in the same frequency as regular plastic sheeting.
Should I Use Clear Plastic Sheeting Only?
Depending on your preference or harvest needs, growers can choose to use clear or black/white greenhouse plastic sheeting. If your growing area needs more sunlight, it’s beneficial to use clear plastic because it diffuses light and reduces the risk of sun damage to plants. If you need to control temperature or light, you may consider a white greenhouse or a light deprivation cover to reduce heat and reflect UV rays. Get an idea of what type of plastic sheeting may work for you in the next section.
Greenhouse Plastic Sheeting Products to Consider
Depending on what your greenhouse harvest needs, you should choose greenhouse plastic sheeting that aids the growth of your plants. Factors such as clear/colored covers and mil thickness may impact your growth. Below are several Americover products we recommend, along with the best uses for application.
8 mil BOLD® Black Out Light Deprivation Cover
Reinforced poly sheeting with a polyester scrim to provide total darkness, reduce heat build-up and protect your crops longer than other black and white covers.
Great for: Growing sensitive plant species such as chrysanthemums, mushrooms, cannabis, and microgreens.
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10 mil SolaScrim™ Clear Reinforced Greenhouse Cover
A premium clear greenhouse cover made with a layer of reinforcement designed to last through rain, sleet, wind, sun, and snow for up to 4 years.
Great for: Growing over multiple seasons in exposed conditions; it saves you time and money.
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Clear Greenhouse Covers (Non-Reinforced)
A clear greenhouse plastic sheeting cover fitted with UV inhibitors that allows for maximum sunlight and long-term use up to 4 years.
Great for: Use of special features like anti-condensate, infrared, thermal, and bee compatibility.
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6 Mil Dura-Skrim® Clear Temporary Greenhouse Cover
A heavy-duty, lightweight construction, and agricultural film used in both indoor and temporary outdoor applications.
Great for: Surface protection, temporary weather protection, and containment.
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10 mil Dura-Skrim® Clear Temporary Greenhouse Cover
A reinforced, heavy-duty construction and agricultural film ideal for indoor and outdoor applications requiring an extremely durable material.
Great for: Outdoor use as a cover or liner – its high concentration UV inhibitors extend service life for up to a year in fully exposed outdoor conditions.
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Tuff-Scrim™ Poly Greenhouse Cover
A string reinforced poly sheeting cover with an expected longevity of at least 4 years in fully exposed outdoor conditions.
Great for: Outdoor use in applications requiring exceptionally strong, puncture, and tear-resistant plastic sheeting.
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Wondering which greenhouse plastic sheeting is right for your application?
Give us a phone call and talk with one of our sales representatives to request pricing and discuss the needs of your greenhouse at 760-388-6294.
Trusted by Growers, Builders, and Distributors
Americover is the smart source for plastic and polyethylene sheeting. Trusted by contractors and distributors across the construction and agriculture industries, our American-made products combine reliability with quality and innovation.
As an Americover client, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for each of your construction projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.