Quick Summary: Both solid polycarbonate sheet and acrylic sheet make excellent glass table top replacements — lightweight, clear, and cut to your exact size. For most garden tables damaged by bad weather, we recommend polycarbonate. It is over 200 times stronger than glass and virtually unbreakable outdoors. Acrylic is a great choice where optical clarity and scratch resistance are the priority and the risk of heavy impact is lower.
If your garden table top has cracked, shattered, or simply worn out, you do not need to replace the whole set. A custom-cut plastic sheet fitted to your existing frame is a practical, cost-effective solution that performs better than glass in most outdoor conditions. At 365 Plastics, we cut both solid polycarbonate and acrylic sheet to shape — rectangular, round, oval, or custom profile — and deliver nationwide across Ireland. This guide explains the difference between the two materials so you can choose the right one for your table.
Contents
Why Replace Glass with Plastic Sheet?
Glass garden table tops crack under hail, shatter in storms, and are heavy, awkward, and dangerous to handle. Both polycarbonate and acrylic offer clear, attractive alternatives that are significantly lighter than glass and far more resistant to impact damage. They can be cut to match your existing shape — rectangular, square, round, oval, or custom profile — so your existing frame is all you need.
Polycarbonate vs. Acrylic: A Direct Comparison
Both materials look similar and are available cut to size, but they have meaningfully different properties. Here is how they compare for garden table top use:
| Property | Solid Polycarbonate | Acrylic (Perspex) |
|---|---|---|
| Impact resistance | Over 200x stronger than glass — virtually unbreakable | Around 10x stronger than glass — good, but can crack under heavy impact |
| Optical clarity | Excellent — very clear | Slightly superior clarity and glass-like appearance |
| Scratch resistance | Good | Better — harder surface, minor scratches more buffable |
| Weather and storm resistance | Excellent — handles hail, wind, and heavy rain without damage | Good for normal weather — more vulnerable to cracking under heavy hail or impact |
| UV stability | Good with UV-coated grade | Excellent — inherently UV stable, retains clarity long-term |
| Weight | Lighter than glass | Lighter than glass — similar to polycarbonate |
| Best suited for | Outdoor use, exposed locations, areas prone to storms or hail | Sheltered locations, conservatories, where premium clarity is the priority |
| Cut to shape | Yes — straight cuts included; shaped/CNC cuts priced to order | Yes — straight cuts included; shaped/CNC cuts priced to order |
Our Recommendation: Which Should You Choose?
Recommended for most garden tables: Solid Polycarbonate
Most garden table tops fail because of bad weather — hailstones, wind-blown debris, or a storm knocking furniture over. In these situations, polycarbonate is the clear choice. Over 200 times stronger than glass, it handles whatever Irish weather throws at it without cracking or shattering. It looks virtually identical to glass, is easy to clean, and will last for many years outdoors without deterioration.
Choose polycarbonate if: your table is outdoors and exposed to the elements, the original top was cracked or smashed by impact, or you want the most durable long-term replacement.
Also a great option: Acrylic Sheet (Perspex)
Acrylic offers marginally better optical clarity than polycarbonate and has a harder surface that resists everyday scratches from cutlery, crockery, and general use. It is an excellent choice if your table is in a sheltered spot — a covered patio, conservatory, or enclosed garden room — where the risk of severe weather impact is reduced.
Choose acrylic if: the table is sheltered or semi-covered, optical clarity and scratch resistance are your priority, or you prefer a slightly more glass-like appearance and feel.
Not sure which to pick? Contact us with details about your table and its location. Our team will advise on the most suitable material and thickness for your specific situation.
Thickness Guide
Choosing the right thickness is more important for plastic sheet than it is for glass. Both polycarbonate and acrylic will warp under sustained heat and sag across any unsupported span if the sheet is too thin. This is the most common mistake people make when ordering a replacement top, and the results are frustrating — a sheet that looks perfect in winter will bow visibly in a hot summer.
Two things to get right before choosing a thickness:
For most garden table replacements we typically work with 5mm or 6mm as a starting point. However, the right thickness depends on the exact size of your top, how much support the frame provides underneath, and the table's position — full sun or a sheltered spot makes a real difference. We will always confirm the correct thickness with you once we have your dimensions, before your order is placed.
We confirm thickness before you order. Send us your table dimensions along with a description of the frame support and whether the table sits in direct sun. Our team will advise on the right spec to avoid sagging or heat warping.
Need a Replacement Table Top Cut to Size?
Send us your dimensions, shape, and preferred material — we will prepare a quote fast. Straight cuts are included in the price; shaped and CNC cuts are priced to order.
Phone: 01 801 0022 | Email: [email protected]
How to Measure Your Table
Accurate measurements are essential before ordering. Follow these steps:
Measure the frame opening, not the old top. If the original top has already been removed, measure the inner dimensions of the frame or the lip the top sits on — this is the size your replacement needs to be.
If the old top is still in place, measure it directly — length and width at their widest points. Note whether the corners are square (right angles) or rounded.
Note any holes, cutouts, or a non-rectangular shape. Round, oval, shaped corners, and parasol holes are all possible via our CNC fabrication service — just include these details when you contact us for a quote.
Double-check both dimensions. Measure twice. A discrepancy of a few millimetres matters when ordering a cut-to-size panel.
Send us your measurements — length, width, preferred thickness, material (polycarbonate or acrylic), and finish. We will confirm availability, price, and get your order processed for delivery.
Our Cut-to-Size Service
365 Plastics operates an in-house fabrication team at our Ashbourne, Co. Meath facility. Here is what is included when you order a replacement table top:
Browse our solid polycarbonate sheets and acrylic sheets or contact us directly to discuss your requirements.
Caring for Your New Table Top
Both polycarbonate and acrylic are easy to maintain. These guidelines apply to both:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for an outdoor garden table — polycarbonate or acrylic?
For most outdoor garden tables, we recommend solid polycarbonate. It is over 200 times stronger than glass and handles hail, storms, and wind-blown debris without cracking. Acrylic is a good choice for sheltered locations where impact risk is lower and optical clarity is the priority.
Can you cut to fit a round or oval table?
Yes — round, oval, shaped profiles, and radiused corners are all available from our CNC fabrication team, priced to order. Contact us with your shape, dimensions, and any other requirements (parasol hole, edge polishing) and we will provide a quote.
Can you drill a parasol hole?
Yes, parasol hole drilling is available as a paid CNC fabrication service for both materials. Specify the required hole diameter when you contact us and we will include it in your quote.
Will the sheet warp or sag in hot weather?
It can, if the wrong thickness is chosen or the frame does not provide sufficient support. Both polycarbonate and acrylic soften slightly at elevated temperatures, and a thin sheet spanning a large unsupported area will sag or bow in direct summer sun. Polycarbonate has a higher heat tolerance than acrylic, which is another reason we recommend it for exposed outdoor use. Choosing the right thickness for your frame support and sun exposure is the most important decision — see the thickness guide above, or contact us to discuss your specific situation before ordering.
Do you deliver across Ireland?
Yes, we offer nationwide delivery across the Republic of Ireland. Orders are securely packaged to protect the sheet during transit. Collection from our Ashbourne, Co. Meath facility is also available.
How do I order?
Browse our solid polycarbonate and acrylic sheets online, or contact us by phone or email with your dimensions for a custom quote. Our team will advise on the right material and thickness for your table.
Ready to Replace Your Garden Table Top?
Contact our team with your dimensions and we will advise on the best material and cut it to size. Both polycarbonate and acrylic available, with nationwide delivery across Ireland.
Phone: 01 801 0022 | Email: [email protected]