Where can I buy a few sheets of polycarbonate?

[HeroOfPellinor]

Looking for the thicker stuff to use inplace of glass in an outdoor structure.

 

[PottedMeat]

How thick exactly?

Home Depot has Lexan sheets - last time I needed some they had little 6 x 9 picture frame sized all the way to 2' x 4' I think. I think they were 1/16" or 1/8" thick.

 

[zoiks]

Tap Plastics.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Probably need 1/4".

 

[frostedflakes]

usplastic.com?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Check for a local plastics supplier near you. Often they have irregular sized pieces for sale at bargain prices that were cut from larger pieces.

btw, polycarbonate and acrylic aren't really that great for exterior use. Acrylic tends to yellow from ultraviolet light exposure and polycarbonate scratches fairly easily. Polycarb will cloud up in a year or two just from the wind (and the dust particles contained in it) blowing against it. You'd be better off having a piece of shatter-resistant glass cut if it's going to be used as a window.

 

[PClark99]

www.mcmaster.com

 

[Fenixgoon]

are we talking bulk polycarbonate? :laugh:

 

[Engraver]

Grimco is where we order ours (4' x 8'). Where are you located?

Edit: They have a warehouse in Orange County.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

I'm in Sacramento County. I just need enough for a giant 12'x10' greenhouse.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Have you considered using the polyvinyl plastic film that many large greenhouses use?

http://www.growersupply.com/10x106milduf.html

Enough 1/4" polycarbonate, even just enough to cover the roof, is going to be pricey.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
Have you considered using the polyvinyl plastic film that many large greenhouses use?

http://www.growersupply.com/10x106milduf.html

Enough 1/4" polycarbonate, even just enough to cover the roof, is going to be pricey.

I'm seeing that.

I imagine I could construct the panels out of two wood frames sandwiching a plastic film. But I googled polyvinyl plastic and didn't find anything.

 

[elektrolokomotive]

Does it need to be clear? What about corrugated white fiberglass?

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: elektrolokomotive
Does it need to be clear? What about corrugated white fiberglass?

Preferably clear. I'd like it to not just be functional but also something nice to see outside the kitchen window.

I'd have to check, but 1/8" might be strong enough for the walls which would reduce the cost.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
Have you considered using the polyvinyl plastic film that many large greenhouses use?

http://www.growersupply.com/10x106milduf.html

Enough 1/4" polycarbonate, even just enough to cover the roof, is going to be pricey.

I'm seeing that.

I imagine I could construct the panels out of two wood frames sandwiching a plastic film. But I googled polyvinyl plastic and didn't find anything.

Try googling polyethylene + greenhouse, or polyvinyl + greenhouse.

btw, ran across this place:

http://www.greenhousekit.com/

 

[BoomerD]

Years ago, I used this:
http://www.cornerhardware.com/...m/6744_6920_7544/14156
to build cold frames for growing vegetables in during the late winter/early spring. Crystal clear and almost as clear as glass, but at a significant savings. Not sure how long it would last in the Kahleeforneeya summer sun though. MOST plastics don't like our crappy air and strong sun.

Your other options might be clear acrylic sheeting, but you shouldn't need 1/4" for a greenhouse unless you're planning on huge panels. If you stay small, (say 2' x 2') you can easily get by with 1/8".
http://www.sdplastics.com/sdplas2.html