Greenhouse cover plastic is offered in four roll widths: 4 m, 6 m, 8 m, and 10 m, all with a length of 50 m. All four variants are technically identical: 200 µm thick (800 gauge) virgin polyethylene (PE) film in a diffused version, with anti-drip, anti-fog, and 3-year anti-aging treatments. They share a light transmittance of ≥0.88, tensile strength of ≥25 MPa, and a lifespan of 1 to 3 years depending on exposure conditions. The choice between the four variants depends solely on the cover width of the greenhouse or structure to be covered.
🎯 Choose your variant in 10 seconds
- If your greenhouse cover is up to 4 m wide: go to the 4 m × 50 m (200 m²) roll
- If your greenhouse cover is up to 6 m wide: go to the 6 m × 50 m (300 m²) roll
- If your greenhouse cover is up to 8 m wide: go to the 8 m × 50 m (400 m²) roll
- If your greenhouse cover is up to 10 m wide: go to the 10 m × 50 m (500 m²) roll
What to consider before choosing a variant
The four variants are technically identical: same virgin polyethylene film, same thickness (200 µm), same treatments (anti-drip, anti-fog, 3-year anti-aging), and same lifespan. The only difference is the roll width. Here are the criteria for making the right choice:
- Greenhouse width: The width of a greenhouse cover (measured over the arch, from one side to the other) determines the roll to choose. If your arched greenhouse cover is 6 m wide, you need a roll of at least 6 m to cover it without seams. Seams are a weak point of the greenhouse: water and wind enter through them, and the film breaks more frequently.
- Margin for fastening and overlapping: Add at least 50 cm on each side for fastening to the greenhouse legs or to the ground, and another 30–50 cm for overlapping or folding. For example: a 6 m wide greenhouse → a 6 m roll is sufficient, but an 8 m roll provides more margin for robust fastening.
- Greenhouse length: The length is always 50 m. If your greenhouse is longer, you will need more than one roll and consider overlapping along the length. The recommended minimum overlap is 30 cm with pressure sealing or tape.
- Light diffusion: Diffused film (all variants are diffused) disperses light uniformly inside the greenhouse, prevents harsh shadow areas on plants, and reduces sun stress on upper leaves. It is the preferred choice for crops sensitive to sunburn (lettuce, spinach, delicate fruit) and for greenhouses at low altitudes.
- Anti-drip and anti-fog treatments: Anti-drip prevents condensation from forming drops that fall onto plants (a cause of stains and fungal diseases). Anti-fog improves transparency from the inside when humidity is high. Both treatments are essential in humid tropical climates like the Dominican Republic.
- Lifespan 1–3 years: The range depends on UV exposure (greater exposure = shorter lifespan), mechanical stress (strong winds reduce lifespan), and handling. Under typical conditions in the Dominican Republic, expect 2–3 years with correct installation and maintenance.
4 m × 50 m variant: for small greenhouses and low tunnels
- 200 m² of coverage per roll
- Suitable for spans up to 3.5 m
- Easy to handle manually
- Ideal for agricultural tunnels
- Insufficient for medium commercial greenhouses
- Will require seams if the span exceeds 3.5 m
The 4 m × 50 m roll is the choice for small greenhouses, low agricultural tunnels (protected cultivation of vegetables, aromatic herbs, small ornamental nurseries), individual shade houses, and domestic or family garden structures. Its narrower width facilitates manual handling by one person and reduces film waste on narrow covers. It covers 200 m² per roll, sufficient for a greenhouse about 60 m long if the span is within 3.5 m.
6 m × 50 m variant: for medium commercial greenhouses
- 300 m² of coverage per roll
- Suitable for spans up to 5.5 m
- Standard commercial width
- Compatible with modular multi-tunnels
- Handling requires 2–3 people
- Oversized for small covers
The 6 m × 50 m roll is the most common format in medium-sized commercial horticultural production: protected cultivation of tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and leafy vegetables on medium-sized farms. It covers 300 m² per roll and adapts to tunnel greenhouses with a 5–5.5 m span, which is the most widespread modular format in the region. Its handling requires 2 or 3 people to spread the film without creases, especially on windy days.
8 m × 50 m variant: for large greenhouses and intensive production
- 400 m² of coverage per roll
- Suitable for spans up to 7.5 m
- Seamless longitudinal cover
- Suitable for professional production
- Handling requires a team of 4–6 people
- Machine installation recommended
The 8 m × 50 m roll is the choice for large greenhouses for intensive horticultural production, fruit and vegetable agro-industry, and larger commercial nurseries. It covers 400 m² per roll and allows covering tunnel greenhouses up to 7.5 m wide without longitudinal seams. Installation usually requires a team of 4 to 6 people or the use of machinery with an extension bar to deploy the film without damage. The higher initial investment is offset by a lower rate of joint failures throughout its lifespan.
10 m × 50 m variant: for wide greenhouses and special installations
- 500 m² of coverage per roll
- Suitable for spans up to 9.5 m
- Ideal for wide or double tunnels
- Maximum film continuity
- Handling requires machinery
- Oversized for average greenhouses
- Higher cost per roll
The 10 m × 50 m roll is the option for wide greenhouses, double tunnels, "chapel" type structures, or wide multi-tunnels typical of large-scale agro-industry. It covers 500 m² per roll and is used in greenhouses with a span of 8–9.5 m. Installation requires machinery with an extension bar or an experienced team with guide ropes to avoid dragging the film on the ground (which tears it) or having the wind roll it up during deployment. It is the preferred roll for farms where the cost of seams (maintenance, leaks, light loss) outweighs the extra cost of the wide roll.
Comparative table of variants
The four variants are technically identical (same material, thickness, treatments, and lifespan). The only difference is the roll width and, therefore, the total coverage area.
| Feature | 4 m × 50 m | 6 m × 50 m | 8 m × 50 m | 10 m × 50 m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal use | Small greenhouse | Medium greenhouse | Large greenhouse | Wide greenhouse |
| SKU | 854790 | 707537 | 974976 | 576426 |
| Width | 4 m (13.1 ft) | 6 m (20 ft) | 8 m (26 ft) | 10 m (33 ft) |
| Length | 50 m | 50 m | 50 m | 50 m |
| Coverage area | 200 m² | 300 m² | 400 m² | 500 m² |
| Material | Virgin PE | Virgin PE | Virgin PE | Virgin PE |
| Thickness | 200 µm (800 gauge) | 200 µm (800 gauge) | 200 µm (800 gauge) | 200 µm (800 gauge) |
| Treatments | Anti-drip, anti-fog, 3-year anti-aging | Anti-drip, anti-fog, 3-year anti-aging | Anti-drip, anti-fog, 3-year anti-aging | Anti-drip, anti-fog, 3-year anti-aging |
| Diffusion | Diffused | Diffused | Diffused | Diffused |
| Light Transmittance | ≥88 % | ≥88 % | ≥88 % | ≥88 % |
| Tensile Strength L/T | ≥25 / 22 MPa | ≥25 / 22 MPa | ≥25 / 22 MPa | ≥25 / 22 MPa |
| Lifespan | 1–3 years | 1–3 years | 1–3 years | 1–3 years |
| Weight per m² | ~184 g/m² | ~184 g/m² | ~184 g/m² | ~184 g/m² |
Use Case Matrix → Recommended Variant
| If your use case is… | Recommended variant |
|---|---|
| Agricultural tunnel for herbs or family nursery | → 4 m × 50 m |
| Small vegetable greenhouse (span ≤3.5 m) | → 4 m × 50 m |
| Medium commercial tomato or bell pepper greenhouse | → 6 m × 50 m |
| Modular multi-tunnel for intensive horticulture | → 6 m × 50 m |
| Large agribusiness greenhouse (span up to 7.5 m) | → 8 m × 50 m |
| Large-scale commercial nursery | → 8 m × 50 m |
| Double tunnel or wide chapel-type structure | → 10 m × 50 m |
| Wide multi-tunnel for industrial production | → 10 m × 50 m |
Measure the curved development of the entire arch (from one side's edge over the top to the other side), not the horizontal span. A structure with a 6m horizontal span can have a curved development of 8m if the arch height is high. Add 0.5m margin on each side for fastening and choose the next size up if you are on the border. Install on a windless day, ideally at dawn or dusk (plastic contracts with midday heat and can deform). Stretch uniformly and secure with special greenhouse profiles, not with nails directly on the film.
Do not use narrower overlapping rolls to cover a wide greenhouse. The joint between two sheets is a structural weak point: rainwater enters through it, the wind weakens the joint tape, and the film tears after a few months. Buying a wider roll (even if it costs more) reduces maintenance costs and increases the actual lifespan of the greenhouse. Measure the arch's development with a tape measure before buying and choose the roll whose width covers the total development with margin for fastening.
What roll width do you need?
Tell us the curved development of your greenhouse, the total length, and the intended crop. You will receive the exact width recommendation and the quantity of rolls to cover your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does diffused mean?
A diffused film contains additives that scatter sunlight as it passes through. The light entering the greenhouse reaches plants from multiple angles (not just in a straight line), which reduces harsh shadows from upper leaves and allows light to reach lower leaves and side areas of the crop. This improves uniform growth and reduces sun stress. In contrast, a classic transparent film allows light to pass directly, which can cause burning on upper leaves and dark areas below.
Why anti-drip and anti-fog?
Anti-drip prevents condensation from forming large drops that fall onto plants (drops concentrate sunlight like a magnifying glass and burn leaves, in addition to promoting fungal diseases). Anti-fog keeps the inner surface transparent in high humidity, which maintains light entry in humid weather. In the Dominican Republic, with high relative humidity for much of the year, both treatments are essential for greenhouse productivity.
What determines the actual lifespan?
The stated lifespan (1–3 years) depends on accumulated UV radiation (at higher altitudes or equatorial latitudes, degradation accelerates), mechanical tension (strong winds and constant vibration reduce lifespan), installation quality (folds, contact with hot metal, inadequate fastening), and maintenance (cleaning with non-abrasive products extends life; pesticides with solvent reduce it). Under typical Dominican conditions, expect 2–3 years.