In this page we hope to breaks down the characteristics of multiwall polycarbonate, solid polycarbonate, and acrylic sheets, and look at how those characteristics may impact your choice. We offer a side-by-side performance table, explain typical use cases, and propose what each material is most suited to.
Side-by-Side Comparison
First we will look at the key characteristics to better understand the each materials capability.
| Criterion | Multiwall | Solid Polycarbonate | Acrylic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Transmission / Clarity | Good light diffusion; slightly softened/hazy view (not optically perfect). | Very high clarity; near-glass, crisp transparency. | Excellent optical clarity; very glass-like. |
| Thermal Insulation / U-Value | Best of the three thanks to the air chambers in its structure. | Lower than multiwall (solid core has less insulating air). | Similar to solid polycarbonate; poorer insulator than multiwall. |
| Impact / Strength / Toughness | High impact resistance; very tough compared with glass. | Extremely strong; used for demanding, safety-grade glazing. | Stronger than glass but more brittle than polycarbonate; less impact tolerant. |
| Weight / Structural Demand | Very lightweight, requiring lighter supporting structure. | Heavier than multiwall, requiring stiffer support/rafters. | Comparable to solid PC; support must prevent flexing and edge stress. |
| UV / Weathering Resistance | Usually supplied with UV coating; performs well if correctly protected. | UV2 grade implies UV-stable surface/coating to resist yellowing. | Good UV stability; acrylic resists yellowing well. |
| Scratch Resistance / Surface Hardness | Moderate - more prone to surface scratches than acrylic. | Moderate - polycarbonate scratches easier than acrylic unless coated. | Better scratch resistance; minor scratches can sometimes be polished out. |
| Workability / Installation | Easy to cut/drill; can cold-bend within limits; light weight aids handling. | Good machinability; must allow for thermal expansion; heavier handling. | Good to machine and polish but more brittle — requires careful handling. |
| Cost / Value | Often the most cost-effective with the lowest cost per m². | Premium product with highest cost, but less than laminated glass. | Lower cost than solid polycarbonate, but trade-off in toughness. |
| Take a Look | Multiwall Polycarbonate | Solid Polycarbonate | Acrylic Sheets |
Use Cases & Practical Notes
Multiwall Polycarbonate
Common for conservatories, lean-tos, patios, greenhouses, verandas and walkways. The multiwall structure gives insulation and rigidity while keeping the sheet light. Light is diffused (softer glare), which is often welcome for outdoor living spaces.
When to choose: Multiwall polycarbonate sheets are a great option if thermal performance, lighter framing, and a cost-efficient solution or critical. Ideal for typical UK lean-tos where insulation and durability matter more than crystal clarity.
Solid Polycarbonate
A premium solid polycarbonate sheet with UV protection offers excellent clarity (close to glass), very high impact resistance, and good weather performance. Used where appearance and toughness are both priorities.
When to choose: Solid polycarbonate sheets are a great choice if you want a glass-like view with superior impact resistance, such as in locations exposed to risk of heavy hail impact and vandalism.
Acrylic
Acrylic offers superb optical clarity and better surface hardness (scratch resistance) than polycarbonate. It looks gorgeous and can be polished if scratched. However, it’s less impact-resistant and more brittle than polycarbonate.
When to choose: Crystal clear acrylic roof sheets offer a slightly lower cost than solid polycarbonate and are often used for sheltered lean-tos or smaller spans where aesthetics and scratch resistance matter more than impact tolerance.
Best Choice by Scenario
| Scenario | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A low cost solution with good insulation, that requires only lightweight framing. | Multiwall polycarbonate | Low weight and cost efficient, with air chambers that provide better insulation. |
| Requires a premium appearance, with glass-like clarity, and high impact resistance. | Solid polycarbonate | Combines great clarity with exceptional architectural toughness. |
| Demands perfect clarity and scratch resistance, in a sheltered location. | Acrylic | Best optical clarity and surface hardness where impact risk is low. |
Quick Choice Checklist
- If you want insulation and light diffusion, then choose multiwall polycarbonate.
- If you want glass-clear view and maximum toughness, then choose solid polycarbonate.
- If you want perfect clarity and better scratch resistance in a sheltered spot, then chooseacrylic.
Final Thoughts
If your project is a typical lean-to with moderate span, and mixed UK weather, then multiwall polycarbonate is a sensible choice - it's strong, insulating and cost-effective. If the appearance and view are the primary requirement, and you can budget for stronger frames and higher material cost, then solid polycarbonate gives a great mix of clarity and toughness. For a truly beautiful appearance, on a sheltered installation with no impact risks, acrylic would be the choice.