The plastic industry is constantly evolving. There are new developments that are taking place everyday. One of the most significant changes is the use of plastics in outdoor applications. There are only a few plastics that are safe for outdoor application. Those materials are Eco-Friendly, tough and durable.
This article discusses some of the best plastics for outdoor applications, including Garden Furniture, Glazing & Glass Replacements, Roofing, Signage, Decking & Wood Replacements, pleasant plastic is one of the best acrylic fabricators in Dubai. Acrylic fabricators are responsible for making various types of plastic products, including small parts for household appliances.
Though we usually focus on the indoor and home uses of plastic in our blogs, there is a range of outdoor applications for plastics too. Several materials, such as acrylic (aka. Perspex or Plexiglass) and polycarbonate, offer all-weather protection and a long lifespan when used outside and in the garden.
In this latest blog from The Plastic People, we are going to cover some of the top outdoor applications of plastic, including glass replacements for glazing and as a roofing material. Make sure to have a notepad and pen handy as these tips are sure to be useful!
Whatever your plastic material needs, we here at The Plastic People can supply cut to size and shape sheets for you! Simply use our online calculator to get an instant on any plastic today
Garden Furniture
Plastic patio and garden furniture have been rising in popularity in recent years. They offer the same levels of comfort and durability as wooden furniture, but at a lower cost! What’s more is, plastic furniture is typically all-weather so can be left out in the rain, snow, and sun – unlike wood which has to be put away in the winter.
If you have a selection of non-plastic garden furniture items that you want to protect from the elements, we recommend installing an acrylic tabletop! These cut to size acrylic sheets – available in both clear and coloured finishes – create a secure and stable protective layer on top of your outdoor dining furniture.
Acrylic furniture protectors will prevent general wear and tear caused by wet weather, drink/food spillages, and general dirt.
When it comes to outdoor storage solutions, plastics also offer a great alternative to traditional wooden sheds. On our website, you can find several all-weather plastic sheds that are perfect for keeping garden tools and equipment safe when not in use.
Glazing & Glass Replacements
If you have read any of our blogs before, you will know that we champion acrylic plastic as the go-to glass replacement material. Acrylic (also known as Plexiglass and Perspex) is ten times stronger than glass, but only half the weight, making it the perfect DIY material!
You can use acrylic panels as a glazing alternative for greenhouses or the windows in your shed, summerhouse, and conservatory. Acrylic glass windows are sure to last longer than traditional glass as they are more durable and shatterproof.
On top of plastic glazing, acrylic can also be used as a mirrored material instead of glass. Due to its durability, as previously mentioned, acrylic mirrors are a superior choice to use in the garden as they can withstand poor weather.
We recommend using plastic mirrors in smaller or darker gardens and outdoor spaces as they can bounce light around the space – making it feel both brighter and bigger!
To create DIY and cost-effective roofing for your conservatory, summerhouse or patio cover, you should only ever be using one material, and that is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is around half the weight of glass but is 250 times stronger – giving it industrial levels of durability and making it completely safe for construction protections.
This roofing material comes in both Twin wall and Multi wall variants, and offers UV protection, making it perfect for patio covers and conservatories, which you might use more in the summer months.
If you want to get an idea of the costs, you can get an instant quote on polycarbonate roofing panels on our website. We offer a range of different sizes and fittings to suit any size project!
Signage
Both acrylic and polycarbonate plastics are often used for signs as they are easy to work with and come in a wide range of colours and finishes to fit any style or brand. Polycarbonate is also available in specialised LED light diffusing grades, which help to balance a backlit sign.
Decking & Wood Replacements
We have already mentioned how plastics can be used instead of wooden garden furniture, but their uses do not stop there! In recent years, developments in recycled and composite plastics have led to the creation of plastic decking and fencing.
Though it can be quite costly to install, composite decking is a maintenance-free alternative to traditional wooden decks. Brands such as Trek are tried and tested models and are typically made from a range of polymers intertwined into one plastic panel. Composite decking is easier to clean and maintain than wood, but it does cost more per square metre on average.