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 - click here to find out more! 
 
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. You can get an instant quote on outdoor furniture protectors today by clicking here. 
 
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. Click here to check out our range. 
 
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. For more information about how to measure, procure and install Plexiglass windows in your garden or home, make sure to check our guide by clicking here. 
 
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 get an instant quote on a bespoke plastic mirror, click here. 
 
Roofing 
 
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 Twinwall and Multiwall variants, and offers UV protection, making it perfect for patio covers and conservatories, which you might use more in the summer months. To find out more about polycarbonate roofing, check out our installation guide by clicking here. 
 
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! Click here to get an instant quote today. 
 
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. 

Further Help
 
That brings us to the end of this blog on the outdoor applications of plastic. We hope you learnt something and are inspired to take your DIY skills into the garden to create some beautiful plastic projects!
 
Our team is always on hand to provide further guidance to you. They can be reached via our website or emailed at service@theplasticpeople.co.uk.