Compare garden greenhouses: polycarbonate, glass and lean-to

A garden greenhouse is a proper greenhouse you can stand and work in. On this page you compare freestanding greenhouses, polytunnels and lean-to greenhouses from brands such as Klasika, Westmann and Royal Well, with the floor area, dimensions and current price at the retailer.

Polytunnel or classic greenhouse?

• Polytunnel: a curved frame with polycarbonate, often long and narrow, such as the Drop, Tube, Arch and Slim from Klasika. Handy if you want to cover a lot of ground.
• Classic greenhouse: straight walls with a pitched roof, such as the aluminium Flora and Aurora from Westmann and the greenhouses from Royal Well.
• Lean-to greenhouse: half a greenhouse against a wall or fence, for gardens with little space.

Size and floor area

The Floor area, Width and Length filters quickly show which greenhouses fit your spot. Besides the greenhouse itself, allow space to open the door and to clean the greenhouse. For polytunnels the title often gives the size in metres and the floor area in m².

Polycarbonate or glass

Most garden greenhouses here have polycarbonate: light twin-wall sheets that insulate and do not break easily. A glass greenhouse lets in more light and stays clear, but it is heavier and can break. If children play in the garden, polycarbonate or safety glass is a calmer choice. The Material filter shows the cladding given in the title or specifications.

Ventilation and layout

A closed greenhouse warms up quickly in the sun. So look at the number of windows and roof vents; for some polytunnels the title mentions automatic roof vents. A separate automatic window opener, shade netting or a growing table can be found under greenhouse accessories.

Setting it up firmly

A garden greenhouse catches a lot of wind. Place it on a level surface and anchor it as the manual describes, on a base, a base frame or a concrete edge. The With base frame filter shows the models that include a base according to the title. Check with your local authority whether your greenhouse is permit-free, especially for a large one.