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LV · PLASTIC SHEETING
IN STOCK · SHIPS FREE
Plastic Sheeting (HDPE)
Smooth, commercial-grade high-density polyethylene for barriers, surface protection, and durable liners — made in the USA, UV-resistant, and built to last outdoors in hot and cold climates.
MATERIAL
HDPE · smooth
THICKNESS
20–100 mil
BURIED LIFE
100+ years*
SHIPPING
Free · nationwide
Our plastic sheeting is constructed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and is available in various sizes. Made in the USA, it withstands outdoor use in both hot and cold climates and is UV-resistant — with a projected subterranean lifespan of greater than 100 years when installed away from direct sunlight.
This guide helps you pick the right thickness ("mil"), estimate quantities, and seam panels cleanly — whether you're protecting a surface, creating a barrier, or building a durable liner.
Quick Pick: What Thickness Should I Start With?
30–40 mil
Flexible barrier for lighter-duty protection and general use.
50–60 mil
A strong “workhorse” range — great puncture resistance while still workable by hand.
80 mil
Reinforced and very durable for high-abuse areas where toughness matters most.
100 mil
Maximum toughness and puncture resistance when durability is priority #1.
Mil = thousandths of an inch (e.g. 60 mil = 0.060"). Not sure? Start with 60 mil for a do-most-things thickness that balances strength and workability — go thicker (80–100) for higher abuse, thinner (30–40) for lighter duty and easier handling.
Mil Thickness Chart
| Product | Thickness | Best for | Practical example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 mil | 0.030" (≈ 1/32") | Flexible barrier and general protection where the sheet won't be heavily abused. | Protecting a wall or partitioning a light-duty area with a cleanable, waterproof surface. |
| 40 mil | 0.040" (≈ 3/64") | More rugged while still flexible; a solid upgrade when you expect bumps and wear. | Barrier paneling in a work area where carts, equipment, or routine contact are expected. |
| 50 mil | 0.050" (1/20") | High puncture resistance with good workability; above-ground moisture control or buried barriers. | A durable moisture barrier you'll fasten, trim, and wash periodically. |
| 60 mil | 0.060" (≈ 1/16") | A strong go-to thickness: durable + flexible, great puncture resistance. | A long-lasting protective wall/floor panel that can be cleaned often and still hold up. |
| 80 mil | 0.080" (≈ 5/64") | Reinforced, extremely durable; ideal when impact/abrasion risk is high. | High-abuse protection barrier where sharp edges or heavy contact could tear thinner material. |
| 100 mil | 0.100" (≈ 3/32") | Maximum puncture resistance; durability is the priority, flexibility secondary. | Critical protection barrier where failures are costly — the toughest option. |
How to Estimate the Roll Size You Need
1
Measure your coverage area
Wall / partition: height needed × total run length. Floor protection: width needed × total run length (or multiple strips). Barrier ring: perimeter length + overlap allowance.
2
Add seam / overlap allowance
Add 6–12 inches per seam for overlap (buried) or plan tight seams (exposed). Add extra length for corners and trimming.
3
Pick thickness by “abuse level”
Low abuse: 30–40 mil. Medium: 50–60 mil. High: 80–100 mil.
4
Order a sample if you're unsure
Deciding between two thicknesses? A sample lets you feel the flexibility and stiffness before ordering a full roll.
Example: a 36" tall barrier across a 70 ft run with two seams — base 70 ft, + 2 seams × 1 ft = +2 ft, + end trimming/wrap +3 ft = 75 ft total. If it'll be cleaned often or bumped by equipment, step up to 60 mil for better puncture resistance while staying workable.
Seaming & Connecting Sheets
Overlap method (best underground)
Overlap the sheets to create a broad sealing area, then press firmly along the seam line to ensure full contact and reduce channeling. Use a moisture-resistant HDPE barrier tape. Avoid overlap ridges in exposed, high-traffic areas — edges can catch and pull apart over time.
End-to-end method (best exposed)
Butt the edges together with no overlap ridge and bridge the joint with single-sided HDPE seam tape. Work from one end to the other to keep the seam straight and prevent wrinkles — this reduces snag points on walls/floors and keeps the surface flatter.
Installation Checklist
1
Prep the surface
Remove sharp debris (rocks, metal edges, exposed fasteners). On soil installs, compact and smooth to reduce point loads.
2
Cut and dry-fit
Lay the sheet in place and mark cut lines before trimming. Keep edges square where seams will be taped.
3
Seam (if needed)
Buried overlap: overlap + moisture-resistant tape for added water resistance. Exposed end-to-end: butt seam + single-sided seam tape for a flatter finish.
4
Anchor or protect edges
Trim flush and protect leading edges from catching. For buried installs, backfill evenly to avoid shifting the seam.
Pro tip: for exposed, high-contact areas, upgrading thickness (60 → 80 mil) is often the simplest path to longer service life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “mil” mean, and why does it matter?
“Mil” is a thickness measurement: 1 mil = 0.001 inch. Thicker sheets generally resist punctures and abrasion better, while thinner sheets are easier to handle.
Which thickness is the best all-around choice?
If you want a balance of durability and workability, 60 mil is a strong starting point. Go thinner for lighter duty; thicker for higher abuse.
How should I seam two sheets together?
For buried installs, overlap seams are typically preferred because the larger contact area helps with water resistance. For exposed installs, end-to-end seams reduce snag points and look cleaner — then bridge the joint with seam tape.
Can this be used outdoors in sunlight?
HDPE plastic sheeting is commonly used outdoors. For exposed, high-traffic areas, choosing a thicker mil helps improve durability.
SHIPPING
✔ Free shipping on all plastic sheeting (standard ground). Orders typically ship same day when placed before 12:00 noon CST. Expedited shipping is available on orders over $2,000.
SAMPLES & ORDERING
Samples are available if you're deciding between two thicknesses — feel the flexibility and stiffness before ordering a full roll.