frequently asked questions

Yes, our timber greenhouses are designed and built to withstand harsh NZ weather conditions, they are built with quality materials.  Either Treated Pine or Untreated Macrocarapa timber is used (Macrocarpa has its own natural oils to resist rot and insects). All our greenhouses survived Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Old Faithful comes in a range of sizes

Height: They are all 2.9m high at the apex

Width: You can choose 2.4m wide, or 3.6m wide.

Lengths available are:

• 2 panel – 2.5m
• 3 panel – 3.8m 
• 4 panel – 5m
• 5 panel – 6.3m
• 6 panel – 7.5m
• We can go as long as you need – please enquire

Polycarbonate cladding is becoming a favoured choice over traditional glass for many in the gardening community, especially when it comes to greenhouse materials. Here’s a look at why polycarbonate might just be the perfect fit for your garden greenhouse:

1. Durability: Polycarbonate is exceptionally resilient against impacts, making it a strong contender against the more fragile glass. Its ability to withstand harsh weather, from hail to high winds, makes it a reliable choice for weather-resistant greenhouses.

2. Lightweight Design: The ease of handling and installing lightweight polycarbonate panels is a significant advantage, making greenhouse construction simpler and more accessible. This feature is particularly appealing for DIY enthusiasts looking to build their own backyard greenhouses.

3. UV Protection: Polycarbonate offers excellent UV filtration, protecting your plants from the harsher aspects of sunlight while bathing them in the beneficial rays they need to thrive. This built-in sun protection is a boon for delicate plants and reduces the risk of sun-related damage

4. Thermal Insulation: When it comes to energy efficiency, polycarbonate cladding outperforms glass, offering better insulation properties. This is especially beneficial for those looking to maintain a sustainable garden by reducing heating costs during cooler months.

5. Safety and Security: For families or pet owners, the safety benefits of polycarbonate can’t be overstated. Its shatter-resistant nature makes it a safer option, ensuring that your home garden remains a safe haven for all.

Choosing between polycarbonate and glass often hinges on your specific gardening needs and the aesthetic you’re aiming for in your garden. While glass provides timeless elegance and unparalleled clarity, polycarbonate brings practical benefits such as durability, insulation, and safety to your garden greenhouse project.

Whether you’re embarking on a new greenhouse build or considering an upgrade, weighing the benefits of polycarbonate against glass is a crucial step in creating a space that’s not just beautiful but also functional and resilient.

They are designed to last for 20 years

The Polycarbonate comes with a Manufacturer’s 10 year warranty against discolouration and brittleness.

When it comes to building with macrocarpa, especially in structures like greenhouses where the timber isn’t in direct contact with the ground or soil, you’re looking at a material known for its durability and natural resistance to rot and insects. With the smart addition of an H4 treated pine bottom plate to prevent ground contact, you’re enhancing the longevity of your structure.

Untreated macrocarpa used in above-ground applications, such as in your greenhouse framework, can typically last between 15 to 25 years, depending on environmental conditions and maintenance practices. Macrocarpa’s natural oils play a significant role in its resilience, offering a level of protection against the elements. However, like all wood, its lifespan can be affected by factors such as exposure to moisture, sunlight, and the care taken to maintain the wood over time.

Regular inspections and basic upkeep, such as ensuring proper ventilation to reduce humidity and applying a wood preservative or oil as needed, can help extend the life of macrocarpa in your greenhouse. This care, combined with its natural durability, makes macrocarpa a wise choice for gardeners looking to blend functionality with the aesthetic appeal of natural wood in their gardening projects.

Yes they stay dry, there is enough overhang on the roofing sheets to keep the rain from coming in.  We roll the sheets round the corners so there is nowhere for the rain to come through.  That been said these are designed to handle water and rain on the inside otherwise you would not be able to water your garden beds.

No. We will brace the Greenhouse into the ground with minimum of 4 steel anchor points to prevent any uplift. 👍 We have an extra high wind bracing add on option, if you are in an excessively windy location.

Like anything your greenhouse will last longer and function better if you look after it.

• We recommend a pressure clean of the perspex (inside and out) once or twice to ensure sunlight to come through effectively.
• Take regular notice of the window and door latches, if they come loose you will need to tighten their screw to ensure they are tight enough to stay in place.
• Apply a spray Lubricant (eg a Lock and Hinge Lube) to the hinges as needed. This will ensure smooth and reliable use, and prevent premature wear as well as protecting from rust and corrosion

For either a DIY build or a Full Install the site needs to be clear, level, free of water, and ideally accessible by car and trailer. The rest of the build will be much easier if you begin with a level site. In saying that you can use dirt or blocks to raise up some corners of the Greenhouse if you really need to. It is important that you get the base level, otherwise the roof will be out of square and it will be tricky to get the sheets sitting on well.

If you are wanting a Full Install and you have a steep or tight/tricky driveway or access, please get in touch before ordering.

Uneven Site:

If the site is uneven or sloping and you are not able to bring it close to level yourself, here are some options:

• Organise to have some site works done by a local contractor, for full install this needs to be done prior to the installation
• We could look at including a floor kit, built on piles – the installers can do this but it must be pre arranged.
• The installer can use blocks underneath to bring the base of the Greenhouse level but it isn’t ideal to do this as it will leave a big gap under parts of the Greenhouse
• NOTE: If the site requires extra work on the day of the install, there will be extra costs charged for the time and labour.

Note that if that site isn’t level, the installers will need to put blocks under the low end of the Greenhouse which will leave gaps underneath.  

Our Timber greenhouse kits come pre-cut making them easy to assemble with basic DIY skills. They also come with easy to follow instructions and all the necessary hardware and components, saving time and reducing costs.

We recommend that the assembly of this greenhouse requires 2 people. Basic tools/power tools and knowledge required.

We recommend hiring a Nail Gun if you don’t have one.

Timber is a natural and renewable resource that provides good insulation, which helps to maintain stable temperatures inside the greenhouse. Timber also gives a beautiful natural look and can add to the aesthetic appeal of a garden. It also makes it very easy to customise or add to – some customers have added benches, shelving, a hammock, shadecloth inside, a floor inbetween garden beds.

Typically it takes our Installers 2-5 days to install The Sanctuary, depending on the size and site