When shopping for an outdoor TV enclosure, it is important to compare your options in terms of materials. The material of your enclosure will play a big role in how well it protects your TV from the elements and how long it will last. There are many different types of outdoor TV enclosures on the market, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Outdoor TV enclosures need to protect your expensive equipment from impact and environmental damage, that’s why we make sure our outdoor TV enclosures are made with high quality materials. Outdoor TV cabinets must also be able to keep your electronics cool in any temperature conditions.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Materials

When it comes to selecting materials for your outdoor TV enclosure, there are several crucial factors to keep in mind:

1. Weather resistance: Your enclosure needs to stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws its way - be it scorching sun, pouring rain, or freezing temperatures.

2. Durability: The material should be tough enough to withstand impacts, resist scratches, and maintain its integrity over time.

3. Weight: Depending on where you plan to mount your enclosure, the weight of the material can be a significant consideration.

4. Heat dissipation: Electronics generate heat, and outdoor environments can exacerbate this. Your chosen material should be able to help manage temperature effectively.

5. Aesthetics: Let's face it - you want your outdoor space to look good. The material should complement your existing decor and style.

6. Cost: While you don't want to skimp on quality, budget is always a factor. Some materials offer a better balance of performance and affordability than others.

With these factors in mind, let's dive into the top materials used in outdoor TV enclosures and see how they stack up.

 

Top Materials for Outdoor TV Enclosures

 

Aluminum

Aluminum is a popular choice for outdoor TV enclosures, and for good reason. It's lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and excellent at dissipating heat. Plus, it can be easily molded into various shapes and designs, making it versatile for different types of enclosures.

Pros:

• Lightweight yet durable

• Excellent heat dissipation

• Resistant to corrosion

• Versatile in design options

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than some other options

• May dent more easily than harder metals

Stainless Steel

When it comes to toughness, stainless steel is hard to beat. It's incredibly strong, resistant to corrosion, and can withstand extreme temperatures. Stainless steel enclosures often have a sleek, modern look that can complement many outdoor spaces.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and strong

• Highly resistant to corrosion

• Can withstand extreme temperatures

• Aesthetically pleasing

Cons:

• Heavier than aluminum or plastic options

• Can be more expensive

• May show fingerprints and smudges more easily

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE is a type of plastic that's gaining popularity in outdoor TV enclosures. It's lightweight, weather-resistant, and doesn't corrode or rust. HDPE is also UV-resistant, making it an excellent choice for sunny environments.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to install

• Excellent weather and UV resistance

• Doesn't corrode or rust

• Often more affordable than metal options

Cons:

• May not be as durable as metal options

• Limited design options compared to metals

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is another plastic option that's worth considering. It's incredibly impact-resistant (it's used in bulletproof glass!), lightweight, and can be molded into various shapes. It's also great for front panels due to its clarity and scratch resistance.

Pros:

• Extremely impact-resistant

• Lightweight

• Can be clear or tinted

• Good UV resistance

Cons:

• May not be as heat-resistant as some other options

• Can be more expensive than other plastics

PVC

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a cost-effective option for outdoor TV enclosures. It's waterproof, resistant to chemicals, and can be made into various shapes and sizes. However, it may not be as durable as some other options in extreme conditions.

Pros:

• Affordable

• Waterproof

• Resistant to chemicals

• Versatile in shape and size

Cons:

• May become brittle in extremely cold temperatures

• Not as impact-resistant as other options

• May not dissipate heat as well as metal options

 

Front Panel Outdoor TV Enclosure Materials

Some outdoor TV cabinets have solid dark plastic front covers that must be removed every time in order to watch TV, which isn’t ideal. On the other hand, better quality options offer clear but extremely durable front panels so you can leave the front panel on all the time, even while watching TV. Avoid front panel options like that would break too easily.

Glass

This might seem like the obvious choice when it comes to having a front panel cover for your TV, but it isn’t necessarily so. Glass is not an ideal front panel solution for enclosures for reasons that it can easily shatter and be expensive. Keep in mind that even though glass could be the best option for your application, it is not repellant to shattering in the same way that another material is. When it comes to positioning, a glass front shield is most suited for situations in which there is no fear about direct screen damage from storms or flying objects.

Acrylic

When compared with glass, acrylic can be up to thirty times as strong as glass and half the weight. However, it is not shatterproof which is a big downside of this material. It might seem like a less expensive option to make an outdoor TV front cover with but it’s also more liable to scratching and it’s not heat-resistant.

A proven ideal solution for weatherproof TV cabinet front panels is guaranteed not to crack, thick, shatterproof ultra-clear grade Lexan® polycarbonate (the same material used in bullet proof glass, racecar, and spacecraft windshields). It is not shatter-resistant, but shatterproof, unlike the cheaper safety glass used in other protective TV cabinet options.

All these materials have their advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a material for your outdoor TV enclosure, consider the climate you live in and the level of protection you need for your TV. If you have any questions about which material is right for you, please contact us and we would be happy to help you make a decision.