Choosing Starlight Domes: Key Differences Between Polycarbonate Sheets and Glass

In recent years, starlight domes—often known as bubble houses or dome houses—have gained significant attention across the hospitality and tourism sectors. From restaurant extensions to hotel retreats, more businesses are adopting these eye-catching structures to enhance their outdoor living space. When it comes to construction, one of the most important decisions is the choice between polycarbonate sheets (often called PC endurance panels) and glass. While both offer transparency, their performance and suitability differ greatly. Let’s compare these two materials to help you make the right choice.

Material Composition: PC Sheets vs. Glass

• Polycarbonate Sheets: Made from polycarbonate resin, a high-performance engineering plastic known for strength, durability, and versatility.

• Glass: Typically composed of inorganic minerals such as silica soda, and lime, with added agents for clarity and strength.

Advantages of Polycarbonate Sheets Over Glass

1. Superior Strength & Impact Resistance

Polycarbonate sheets are highly resistant to impact and collisions—up to 200 times stronger than glass of the same thickness. This makes them ideal for outdoor installations, where they can withstand harsh weather, including hailstorms.
Glass, by contrast, is fragile and prone to shattering, posing safety risks in public or high-traffic settings.

2. Lightweight & Easy to Install

As a form of plastic, polycarbonate sheet is significantly lighter than glass. This simplifies transportation, handling, and installation—reducing both labor and time, especially for large-scale bubble house or dome house projects.

3. High Light Transmission & Built-in UV Protection

With up to 95% light transmittance and only 6% light degradation over ten years, polycarbonate panels offer long-term clarity. A UV-resistant coating blocks harmful rays without yellowing or releasing odors.
Glass, unless specially treated, does not block ultraviolet radiation.

4. Excellent Noise Reduction

Thanks to their material properties, polycarbonate sheets offer superior sound insulation. They are widely used as noise barriers along highways, railways, and elevated roads—an application where standard glass falls short.

Where Polycarbonate Shines in Real-World Use

From restaurant terraces and hotel lounges to private outdoor living space enhancements, polycarbonate-based domes deliver:

• All-weather resilience and guest safety

• Lower installation and structural support costs

• Long-term clarity and resistance to yellowing or breaking

• Quieter, more comfortable indoor environments

Final Recommendation

When planning a starlight dome or bubble house, the choice between polycarbonate and glass is more than aesthetic—it’s functional. For commercial applications in restaurant or hotel settings, or for creating a durable and safe outdoor living space, polycarbonate sheets are the modern, high-performance option.

Make an informed choice—don’t settle for less when building your dream transparent retreat.

Interested in a polycarbonate dome house or bubble house solution?
Contact us today for a customized proposal tailored to your project needs.