Glass or Polycarbonate?

[susieq100]

I have saved up for a greenhouse and can just about afford a 6' x 6' one, which is ideal for my little garden. The choice is quite extensive, even for a limited budget and I don't know if it's better to have glass (can't afford the toughened glass, but that should not be an issue) or double thickness polycarbonate? I know that glass is heavier, but we were going to screw it down anyway.

In terms of erecting it, keeping it clean and how efficient it is 'warmth wise', which is best? Do any grapes have any advice? I have followed the thread about the Greenhouse People and they are here in Stoke-on-Trent so I could go and visit, but I'd like an unbiased opinion.

Thanks very much.

[plantsbypost.com]

Are there likely to be any footballs or cricket balls flying around near your greenhouse?

Worth thinking about as we have broken my neighbours glass greenhouse 3 times now!!!

[pigletwillie]

One caveat about polycarbonate, it does discolour in strong sunlight and gets brittle over time. Personally, its glass for me every time.

[allotmentlady]

i went for polycarbonate when I acquired my first greenhouse, thought I would save money on glass. WRONG!!! First winter and the winds blew the poly out, I lost a few pieces and it cost me more money to get it replaced. Then they all started popping out, it was ridiculous. So I went down the root of getting glass, I found a garden centre that sold used ones and bought bits and pieces until had them all.. I also got them off other plotholders who had spare bits.

GO for glass, its better.

[Two_Sheds]

If you can afford glass, get glass

[susieq100]

Thanks everyone - looks like glass! I'm really excited about this so I want to get it right.