Choosing HDPE geomembrane thickness isn’t guesswork — it maps to the job, the design life, and what the liner has to survive. Here’s the practical version for UAE projects.
1.0 mm (40 mil) — light-duty containment
Decorative ponds, small water features, temporary storage and some landscaping. Lower cost per m², but less puncture and UV margin.
1.5 mm (60 mil) — the UAE workhorse
The default for irrigation lagoons, farm reservoirs, most process ponds and many landfill/containment jobs. The best balance of durability, weldability and cost. If you’re unsure, this is usually the answer.
2.0 mm (80 mil) — heavy-duty
Hazardous or leachate containment, high hydraulic head, sharp sub-grade, or long design life where puncture and stress-cracking risk is high.
What actually drives the choice
- What’s contained — clean water vs chemicals/leachate
- Sub-grade — smooth vs rocky/sharp (rough ground pushes you thicker or adds a geotextile cushion)
- Exposure — permanently exposed liners take more UV, so thickness and UV-stabilised resin matter
- Design life & regulations
Price per m² is driven by thickness, total area (bigger = cheaper per m²), site access, whether you need geotextile cushioning, and installation. See our HDPE liner price per m² guide.
Every liner we install is welded and spark/air-pressure tested on every seam, with QA documentation on request. Request a quote with your area (m²) and what you’re lining, and we’ll recommend the right thickness.