Replying to I need help with my backyard box

I've searched it so don't get mad at me. My questions are specific.

Lexan is expensive. It will cost me $100 to cover 2 8 ft long 1.5 ft wide boxes. I have a cheaper alternative that will cost $42. It's crystalline sheets, that are 20x stronger than glass, rather than 250x stronger(lexan). So is crystalline sheeting durable enough for a backyard box?

Does the lexan or whatever top for the box need a metal coping on the sides so that edges don't chip or crack the surface? It would really just be a lot easier for me to basically glue the lexan down on the box, and not have to worry about screwing metal in on the sides. thanks