Acrylic sheets are some of the most commonly used plastic materials used in commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects. Often used as a strong replacement for glass, acrylic sheets can be transparent or opaque and they come in a variety of custom colours to match the aesthetic of the structure to which they’re being applied. They work as a solid alternative to glass—which is heavy, expensive, and extremely fragile.

Contrary to glass, acrylic sheets are completely lightweight, affordable, and versatile. They can be cut, resized, or reshaped on the spot to fit specific structural parameters and dimensions whereas glass would need to be transported back and forth on and off the jobsite to make modifications. Naturally, people have a lot of questions for acrylic sheet suppliers in terms of how well their products work, cost, and whether they hold up for long periods of time. We have the answers.

1. What Is Acrylic Used for?

Applications for acrylic sheets can vary from home improvement to sporting equipment, aquariums, military technology, sculptures, fluorescent light fixtures, and so much more. Acrylic sheets are so durable and versatile that they serve a multitude of purposes depending on the specific application in question. When it comes to construction, for instance, acrylic sheets can replace glass windows and skylights. They’re easier and more lightweight to transport and install. Plus, acrylic sheets are not fragile like glass and won’t shatter if dropped. They’re completely scratch-, corrosion-, and UV-resistant.

2. Are Acrylic Sheets Expensive?

Technically, acrylic sheets have a higher upfront cost than traditional glass sheets would. But, it’s still a worthwhile alternative for a number of reasons. As mentioned, acrylic is lightweight, durable, and a lot easier to install than glass. Acrylic and glass also share a lot of similar qualities in the sense that they’re both transparent and they both let in a lot of natural lighting. The reason acrylic costs more is because it’s a lot stronger and more weather-, scratch-, and impact-resistant than glass. Plus, acrylic is likely to last longer than glass and can endure exposure to all kinds of weather and environmental elements without showing signs of degradation, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

3. Is Acrylic Plexiglas Durable?

Yes, acrylic Plexiglas is incredibly durable, especially compared to glass. It’s also about 50% lighter in weight than glass, which is another reason why it’s the more preferable choice for various applications. Acrylic Plexiglas can be manufactured using a cast or extruded method (free-form). Either way, it’s incredibly durable and the chemical compounds (polymethyl methacrylate) used in the manufacturing process make it shatterproof as well as temperature-, weather-, and impact-resistant. Even if it does sustain damages or breaks, unlike glass, acrylic Plexiglas pieces would have dull edges, and this minimizes the risk of injury. This is an important safety feature that makes acrylic the perfect material for a variety of applications that require human contact and use.

4. What’s the Difference between Acrylic and Plastic?

Contrary to what a lot of people think, acrylic isn’t an alternative to plastic. Actually, it’s a type of plastic material. The main difference is that acrylic is an industrial-grade thermoplastic that’s typically formulated for applications that require the utmost durability, temperature, and impact-resistance. For instance, if you’ve ever watched a hockey game and you see the players body-checking one another into the baseboards, then you’ve seen acrylic plastic in action. The baseboards, which are made of acrylic sheets, are designed to be able to take a hit without cracking in freezing conditions.

5. Is Acrylic Better Than Glass?

Acrylic is the superior alternative material to glass for a number of reasons. As mentioned, acrylic is more durable while weighing half as much as its glass counterparts. This makes for seamless transportation and installation. Accidents and human errors can happen on construction sites. While they’re not ideal occurrences, having versatile materials on hand makes it a lot easier to fix mistakes. If glass gets damaged, it needs to be replaced and this can cause a lot of delays in an industry where time is money. Acrylic is a lot less likely to get damaged. Even if damages do occur, acrylic can be cut down to size and reshaped onsite to make it more suitable for the project.

6. Is Acrylic Stronger Than Plastic?

Acrylic is a type of plastic. In fact, it’s one of the most uniquely durable and versatile types of plastic material currently on the market, which is why it’s used for such a wide range of applications.

7. Is Acrylic Plastic Toxic?

While the final product itself isn’t toxic for human contact and use, the manufacturing process of acrylic plastic can admittedly be harmful to the environment and workers in the facility. Factory workers must wear protective gear to avoid coming into direct contact with acrylic plastic in its liquid form as it can release toxic fumes into the atmosphere. Still, this is nothing compared to the very toxic fumes released by other similar commercial and industrial building materials. Compared to other materials on the market, acrylic actually has a relatively low fume output and in its final form, it’s classified as a non-hazardous material by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

8. Does Acrylic Get Discoloured After Too Much Sun Exposure?

Discolouration isn’t a concern for acrylic plastic because it’s formulated to withstand extensive sun and UV ray exposure. Acrylic plastic is derived from natural gasses, which makes it UV-resistant. This quality is the main reason why acrylic plastic is typically used for skylights, greenhouses, shed windows, and any other structures that need to sustain long-term sun exposure.

9. Is Clear Acrylic Weather-Resistant?

Clear acrylic sheets are incredibly weather-resistant. Like their colour counterparts, there’s absolutely no risk of discolouration due to extensive sun and UV ray exposure. These panels have a general lifespan of about 10+ years and can withstand all kinds of weather conditions including snow storms, heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and more.

10. How Many Different Types of Acrylic Sheets Are There?

There are three types of acrylic sheets currently available on the market:

• Extruded acrylic sheets
• Cell cast acrylic sheets
• Continuous cast acrylic sheets

Acrylic Sheet Distributors in Toronto and the GTA

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the leading white acrylic sheet distributors and coloured acrylic sheet suppliers in the GTA. Our stockroom is full of a wide assortment of transparent and opaque acrylic plastic sheets that are suitable for a variety of applications. Contact us today to learn more.

Acrylic sheets are a cost-effective and lightweight alternative to glass in the construction industry. While acrylic plastic sheets are commonly used in commercial construction, they’re quickly becoming a more popular choice for residential new builds as well. Not only is acrylic cheaper and easier to produce than glass, but it’s also easier and lighter to transport from the manufacturing plant to the jobsite. Plus, acrylic plastic sheets are also 17 times more durable than glass and offer enough flexibility to be moulded and shaped to fit into any structural design and size.

Acrylic sheets can also be cut down to any size. It’s the ideal material for DIY at home remodelling or reconstruction projects because it works well with common consumer-grade tools and products. Since acrylic sheets come in a variety of colour options and shades, it can match any home décor aesthetic. For a simple, clean, and seamless look, you can also choose white or clear acrylic sheets. As long as you work with a reputable acrylic sheet supplier in the GTA, you’re guaranteed to get a top-quality product.

Why Is Acrylic Better Than Glass?

There are a lot of reasons that acrylic plastic is superior to the conventional glass that’s used in residential construction projects. Glass is far more fragile and a lot harder to work with, meaning it’s more likely to break or get damaged during the transportation and installation process. All it takes is one misstep or accidentally mishandling and glass can crack or shatter on the spot.

Thermal acrylic plastic, on the other hand, is extremely durable and insusceptible to breakage. When you work with the right acrylic sheet distributors, you have the option of choosing from a wide range of colour options that are perfectly suited to match your preferred aesthetic. Unlike glass, acrylic is also incredibly versatile and can be used for a number of applications throughout your home.

Ways to Use Acrylic Sheets at Home

Whether you need to update a few original fixtures or simply want to revamp your living space, you can use acrylic sheets for a number of different projects to make your space feel new again. Here are a few examples of how you can incorporate white or coloured acrylic sheets into your home’s aesthetic.

Acrylic Windowpanes

Living near a golf course, baseball diamond, tennis court, or park where kids can play certainly has the potential to increase your home’s property value. It’s especially ideal if you’re an avid golfer or love to play other sports. The only downside is that, if you live close enough, you might have to deal with a broken window every once in a while due to a fly ball or other projectile objects. Traditional glass windows simply can’t withstand the impact of a runaway ball and the cost of frequent replacements can really add up.

You shouldn’t have to move out of a home and neighbourhood you love because of a few broken windows, however. There’s a better and more cost-effective solution: replace all of the glass windows in your home with thermal acrylic plastic. Acrylic has the flexibility and durability to withstand all kinds of heavy impact, whether it’s from a rogue sports ball or even a bird flying into your window (which also happens from time to time).

For the best results, be sure to work with professional clear or white acrylic sheet distributors in your area. Depending on the size of your home and how many windows you have, installation is easy and can be done in as little as 24 hours. You also have the option of ordering frosted acrylic sheets for more privacy in bathrooms and bedrooms without diminishing natural lighting.

Acrylic Kitchen Backsplash

Kitchen tile backsplashes eventually become outdated and need to be replaced. Grout needs to be cleaned regularly and some stains such as tomato sauce or caked-on oil are difficult to get out. Acrylic backsplashes are an affordable and timeless solution. Since acrylic backsplashes come in one large sheet, they’re a lot easier and less time-consuming to install than tile, which comes in pieces that need to be glued on one at a time with expert precision. White, clear, and coloured acrylic sheet suppliers in the GTA deliver the product in one piece. It can then be cut down to size according to the measurements of your kitchen wall.

Plus, acrylic is impervious to oil and food stains. Maintenance is easy. All you have to do is gently wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth after each use to remove food splatter and smudges. Since there’s no grout to worry about, acrylic sheets provide a seamless, simple, and classic aesthetic that fits in with any kitchen design. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners as these can damage the material. Dish soap and warm water are sufficient for cleaning acrylic kitchen backsplashes.

Acrylic Cabinet Doors and Windows

If you love the look of accent glass cabinet doors and windows throughout your home, but hate the constant cleaning and maintenance involved to make them look pretty, then acrylic is the way to go. Clear or frosted acrylic cabinet doors and windows give you the same look as glass, but there’s a lot less cleaning and upkeep involved. Plus, acrylic lasts longer and is more durable and lightweight than glass, so it doesn’t need to be replaced as often and it won’t weigh down your cabinets and fixtures as much.

Acrylic Coffee Tables and End Tables

Believe it or not, acrylic is also a great option for furniture and decorative items throughout your home, especially coffee and end tables. It has a timeless sleek and modern design that fits with any home décor and is incredibly easy to maintain. Acrylic plastic can also be used as a decorative furniture cover for high-end sofas, dining tables, and chairs.

Acrylic Sheet Distributors in Ontario

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the leading commercial and residential acrylic sheet distributors in Ontario. In addition to supplying clear, white, and coloured acrylic sheets for residential construction and DIY renovations, we also provide acrylic sheet barriers for COVID-19 in public settings. Contact us today to learn more about our vast array of thermal acrylic plastic products and how we’re doing our part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.