When specifying clear sheet materials for commercial projects, the three most common options are acrylic, polycarbonate, and glass. Each has unique strengths — but choosing the right one depends entirely on your project’s requirements: durability, clarity, weight, fabrication method, or budget.
In this article, we’ll compare these materials side-by-side so you can make informed decisions for retail fitouts, signage, glazing, partitions, or architectural features.
What Are the Key Differences Between Acrylic, Polycarbonate and Glass?
These materials may look similar — all available in transparent sheet form — but they vary significantly in performance and application.
| Material | Strength | Weight | Scratch Resistance | UV Resistance | Fabrication Ease | Cost |
| Acrylic | High (shatter-resistant) | Lightweight | Moderate | Excellent | Easy | Moderate |
| Polycarbonate | Very High (impact-proof) | Lightweight | Low (scratches easily) | Good | Moderate | Higher |
| Glass | Brittle (shatters on impact) | Heavy | Excellent | Excellent | Difficult | Varies |
- Acrylic (e.g. Perspex®) offers the best balance of strength, clarity, and ease of fabrication.
- Polycarbonate is extremely strong and impact-resistant but more prone to scratching.
- Glass provides superior optical clarity and surface hardness but is heavy and breakable.
Explore our acrylic product range to see how it compares across thicknesses and finishes.
When Should You Use Acrylic Sheets?
Acrylic panels are widely used in commercial interiors, signage, and display units due to their optical clarity and shatter resistance. They’re also lightweight, which makes them easy to handle and install without specialised equipment.
Ideal for:
- Retail display shelving and point-of-sale counters
- Office partitions and feature walls
- Wall panelling and signage inserts
- Decorative glazing where safety is a concern
Acrylic is also compatible with laser cutting and CNC routing, making it an excellent choice for custom designs, engraved panels, and fast-turnaround projects.
When Should You Use Polycarbonate Sheets?
If impact resistance is your top priority — for example, in security screens, industrial environments, or protective barriers — polycarbonate may be the right fit. It can withstand significant force without cracking or shattering, and it has a higher temperature tolerance than acrylic.
Ideal for:
- Machine guards and industrial panels
- Bus stop shelters or outdoor enclosures
- Security glazing in public spaces
- Safety screens and partitions
However, polycarbonate does scratch more easily than acrylic or glass. For indoor decorative use, a scratch-resistant coating may be necessary.
When Should You Specify Glass?
Glass still has its place — especially in premium builds where surface hardness and a sense of permanence are essential. It is the most scratch-resistant of the three and maintains clarity over time without yellowing. However, it is significantly heavier and requires careful handling, installation and support.
Ideal for:
- Premium commercial entrances
- High-traffic lobbies with protective balustrades
- Architectural applications requiring absolute transparency
- Areas where fire resistance or thermal performance is mandated
For most retail, hospitality or fitout environments, acrylic or polycarbonate may be more practical, unless fire compliance or weight is not a concern.
Which Material Is Best for Your Project?
Here’s a quick decision guide:
- Choose Acrylic if you need high clarity, custom fabrication, and a lightweight, safe material for displays or panelling.
- Choose Polycarbonate for unbreakable strength and impact protection in tough environments.
- Choose Glass when surface hardness, long-term clarity, or premium visual presence outweighs weight and fragility concerns.
Still unsure? Contact our team — we can help match material properties to your commercial build or interior fitout.
Acrylic vs Polycarbonate vs Glass
- Acrylic is a versatile, trade-friendly option suited to most display, wall, and signage applications.
- Polycarbonate is the strongest option, perfect for high-risk or security settings.
- Glass is ideal where visual quality and scratch resistance are priorities — but expect higher handling requirements.
At Mitchell Group, we supply cut-to-size acrylic panels, fabrication support, and technical guidance to ensure you select the right material for the job. Talk to our team for trade advice and fast turnaround.
