Frequently Asked Questions

  • Approximately 85% of our greenhouse kits find their home in the US. We are proud to offer duty-free shipping, and there are no additional charges for sales tax.

  • Please provide your preferred greenhouse size & shipping address. Our negotiated discounts with major freight lines make the shipping costs much more affordable than you might expect.

  • We handle all customs paperwork and ensure that your shipment is pre-cleared before shipping. You will receive a tracking number at time of shipping of shipping your kit.

  • When it comes to assembling a wooden DIY greenhouse kit, we've got you covered. We provide all the prefab parts, assembly hardware, and step-by-step instructions. As the designers of the greenhouse kit, we offer support throughout the process to ensure a smooth and successful installation.

  • Please contact us directly by phone, email, or through the order form on our contact page to place your order. A 25% deposit is required to secure your kit's place on our production list, with the remaining balance due at the time of production. Your shipment is insured during transit, and a tracking number will be provided for easy monitoring.

  • Our greenhouse kit is crated in manageable-sized packages and insured during transit and delivery. You will be contacted to schedule a delivery, and it is recommended to have additional assistance available for unloading. Power liftgates may be available, but not guaranteed. In some cases, rural or challenging delivery locations may require client pickup at the local freight terminal.

  • Your kit will come with step-by-step assembly instructions that are custom-drawn for your order. The prefab parts easily screw together using the included hardware, eliminating the need for cutting. Typically, a standard 8x12 size kit can be assembled over a weekend. Our kits are designed with homeowners in mind. The assembly time may vary depending on the kit size and the builder's skill level.

  • Sunlight: Choose a location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. Ideally, the greenhouse should have a southern or southeastern exposure to maximize sun exposure.

    Position your greenhouse kit with a sidewall facing south for optimal sunlight exposure. However, as long as the location receives a decent amount of sunlight throughout the day, it will be suitable for a hobby greenhouse.

  • The requirement for building permits for wooden greenhouse kits varies based on local regulations. In many cases, if the greenhouse is under 110 square feet in size, you may not need a building permit. However, it is essential to check with your local building authority to determine the specific regulations and whether a permit is required for your particular situation.

    Upon request, we can provide permit drawings, including elevation drawings, roof framing details, cross-section diagrams, and foundation plans, if required for obtaining a building permit.

  • Our sturdy crating ensures reliable shipments with minimal damage. If any damage occurs during shipping, please note it when signing for the delivery for insurance purposes. We guarantee that any broken or missing pieces will be promptly replaced and shipped to you.

  • A Western Red Cedar wooden frame greenhouse utilizes 4x4 posts made of this specific type of wood. The ridge beam provides structural support for the roof. This combination of Western Red Cedar posts and a 3-ply ridge beam offers a durable and visually appealing framework for the greenhouse.

  • Please see our polycarbonate/plexiglass page.

  • We offer an 80% deposit refund before production begins, but once production starts, the deposit becomes non-refundable as we have already invested resources in designing and preparing your custom kit.

  • There is no significant insulation benefit in opting for the 30" basewalls over the 18" ones. However, each option does present its own unique advantages:

    30" Basewalls - The primary benefit of this height is the compatibility with bench (or shelf) heights. This alignment allows for an optimal working height while also providing space for storage underneath. These basewalls effectively conceal any stored items from the outside.

    18" Basewalls - The benefit of this height lies in the suitability for ground-level gardens. It allows for a greater vertical growth space, which is ideal for plants that require taller growing heights, like tomatoes. Many clients order our 18" deep soil benches placed on the ground with this height baseball.

  • Cedar, known for its natural insulation properties, helps maintain temperatures in the greenhouse for extended periods. During cooler winter days, the greenhouse can be warmed significantly by the sun's natural heat. When deciding whether to heat your hobby cedar greenhouse, consider your local climate, plant temperature requirements, intended use, and budget. Many people start with small electric heaters to extend their growing season affordably.

    Mr. McClure ( 8x10 ), " It really has been fun this winter, the temp was down around Zero last night and the inside of the greenhouse was around 55 degrees with just a 110 volt electric heater set on medium."

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    Mr.Saltzman ( 8x12 ),"I have put in an electric heater at the far end from the door and it maintains air temperature well. This morning was 15 F and I went out to the greenhouse to water, it was a cozy 73. I got my first electric bill since turning on the heat and did not notice anything dramatically different."

    Mrs. Thiffault ( 8x12) "We are in the mist of winter and from our kitchen window and dining room windows our greenhouse is fighting the elements of whatever comes our way. Surprisingly with a few days of minus 13 night our roses and geraniums have survived with no heat .( Andy insulated the base walls this fall). By the way our cat Oland loves to visit and sleep in the greenhouse."

    Mr. Silva (10x18) "It is amazing how well the greenhouse holds the heat. The little electric heater runs very little after it gets the greenhouse warmed up. It has been freezing every night but with the little heater it stays nice and warm."

    Heidi from St. Charles, IL, shares that her hobby cedar greenhouse, equipped with two small ceramic heaters set at 50F, maintains a minimum temperature of 43F even during extremely cold weather with temperatures as low as -23F. The greenhouse reaches 60-65 degrees when the sun is out, allowing her geraniums, herbs, and flowers to thrive.

  • The Dutch door is a popular option due to its aesthetics and practical features. The divided door design allows for independent opening of the top and bottom sections, providing ventilation flexibility. Additionally, the Dutch door offers security by preventing animals from entering while the window is open.

  • The advantage of Western Red Cedar for greenhouse construction lies in its natural durability, making it well-suited for humid environments. It also provides insulation properties, along with resistance to decay and warping, while offering an appealing aesthetic.

  • While cheaper up front, can be more susceptible to rust and corrosion. It also has a more industrial aesthetic that may not fit in with some people's gardens. Wood, specifically cedar, is very forgiving in the installation process.

  • Yes, some clients prefer to provide their own basewalls. We will provide the dimensions required.

  • The USDA and Canadian Plant Hardiness Zones help determine which plants will thrive in specific areas. For example, if you live in USDA Zone 5 or Canadian Zone 6, you'll want to choose plants that can tolerate the minimum winter temperatures typical of those zones. Our greenhouses can significantly extend your growing season and protect your plants from harsh weather, making it possible to grow a wider variety of plants even if you live in a colder zone. Feel free to visit the USDA and Canadian websites for more detailed information on your specific zone.