05 Feb How to Choose the Right Timber Greenhouse for Your Garden | NZ Made Greenhouses

How to Choose the Right Timber Greenhouse for Your Garden 🌿🏡

So, you’re thinking about a greenhouse. Smart move! Whether you want fresh veggies year-round, a place to escape and unwind, or a warm spot to grow tropicals, a timber greenhouse is hands down the best option. But with so many choices out there, how do you pick the right one? Let’s break it down so you can get the perfect setup for your space, climate, and lifestyle.

1. Why Timber Over Metal?

First things first—why timber? You might’ve seen metal-frame greenhouses floating around, but nothing beats timber for strength, versatility, and long-term durability. Here’s why:

✅ Easier to Customize: Want to build shelves? No problem—there’s timber to fix to everywhere. Need extra storage, plant hangers, or a custom irrigation system? Timber makes it easy.
✅ Strong in High Winds: If you live in windy regions like the Wairarapa or Chatham Islands, timber is your best friend. Unlike flimsy aluminum frames, it’s heavy, solid, and anchored properly into the ground.
✅ Naturally Insulated: Timber has thermal mass, meaning it holds warmth in winter and stays cooler in summer compared to metal, which turns into a frying pan.
✅ You Can Build Off It! Want a pergola off the side with a pizza oven underneath? Go for it. Need a shaded area? Attach a shade sail inside during summer and remove it when winter hits. Timber lets you expand and adapt over time.
✅ Aesthetically Beautiful: No offense to metal, but timber just looks better—warm, natural, and blends perfectly into a garden setting.

2. What Size Greenhouse Do You Need?

The best size depends on how you plan to use it. Are you looking to grow year-round produce, or do you just need a cozy space for herbs and flowers? Do you want a full-blown garden room to relax in? Bigger isn’t always better, but more space means more growing potential.

💡 Pro Tip: If you have the room, go slightly bigger than you think you’ll need—you’ll always find ways to use the extra space!

3. Timber Choices: Macrocarpa vs. Treated Pine

We offer two types of timber for our greenhouses, both designed to last in NZ conditions:

🌿 Macrocarpa:

• Naturally resistant to rot and insects—no chemicals needed!
• Beautiful golden grain that weathers to a rustic silver.
• Best for organic growers who want untreated timber near their food.

🌿 Treated Pine:

• H3.2 treated for long-term durability and resistance to rot.
• Cost-effective while still providing a solid, long-lasting structure.
• Ideal for those on a budget who still want a quality build.

👉 Live near the coast? Upgrade to stainless steel fixings and hardware to prevent corrosion from salty air—this is a must in coastal locations like Northland, the Kapiti Coast, or the Coromandel.

4. Kitset vs. Fully Installed

Are you handy with tools? If so, our DIY kitset comes with everything you need, pre-cut and ready to go. But if you’d rather leave it to the pros, we can fully install it for you, making the process effortless.

5. Custom Features to Consider

One of the best things about a timber greenhouse is that it can be fully customized to suit your needs. Some ideas:

🌞 Guttering & Rainwater Collection – Set up a system to catch and store rainwater for irrigation.
🪵 Built-In Shelving & Growing Levels – Utilize every inch of space for maximum production.
🛏 Raised Garden Beds Inside – Great for deep-rooted crops like carrots and beets.
🦋 Insect Netting or Shade Sails – Easily attach shade cloths or netting to control temperature & pests.
🛖 Relaxation Space – Hang a hammock, add a comfy chair, or even set up a day bed for summer naps.
🍕 Outdoor Expansion Possibilities – Build a pergola off the side and create an epic outdoor cooking space with a pizza oven.

6. Location, Climate & Wind Protection

Where you position your greenhouse matters. Here’s what to consider:

✔️ Sunlight Exposure – Ideally, place your greenhouse in a north-facing spot for maximum sun.
✔️ Sheltered from Strong Winds – If you’re in a high-wind zone, position your greenhouse near a natural windbreak like a fence, trees, or a hedge.
✔️ Secure Foundations – Use heavy-duty anchors to keep it solid in extreme weather.

7. Year-Round Gardening in NZ

Want to grow food all year? Here’s how a timber greenhouse makes it possible:

🌿 Spring: Start your seeds early—tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicums, and flowers.
🌞 Summer: Use shade cloths to prevent overheating while growing lettuce, basil, and microgreens.
🍂 Autumn: Plant cool-season crops like broccoli, kale, and carrots.
❄️ Winter: Insulate your greenhouse to keep growing spinach, silverbeet, and winter herbs.

💡 Bonus Tip: Overwinter tender crops like chillies, eggplants, and citrus trees, so they’re ready to burst into growth as soon as spring arrives!

8. Ready to Build Your Dream Greenhouse?

If you’re looking for a high-quality, NZ-made timber greenhouse, we’re here to help. Whether you want a practical growing space or a multi-purpose retreat, we’ll custom-build it just for you.

🌿 Available NZ Wide
🔨 DIY Kitset or Fully Installed
🛠 Treated Pine or Macrocarpa
⚙️ Stainless Steel Hardware Available for Coastal Areas
📦 Custom Features to Suit Your Needs

📞 Get a Free Quote Today! Call Nick & Bex on 027 469 2170 or send us a message.  ✌️