Timber Greenhouses - Are They Worth The Investment?

Anyone who’s serious about growing seedlings, crops and tender plants will understand that having an appropriately protected and controlled environment is essential to ensure optimal growing conditions, and that starts with a greenhouse. But with so many options to choose from, it can often become overwhelming when trying to decide which greenhouse will give you the best chance of success at maintaining healthy produce throughout the seasons. 

If you are currently researching which greenhouse to buy, you will have seen options including timber, plastic and metal frames. Whilst it can be initially tempting to be led by price (which tends to be much lower for metal and plastic options), investing in a timber greenhouse offers several advantages over the alternatives which often proves to be a more economical and cost-effective solution in the long run. In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of selecting wood as your glasshouse material of choice.

Why choose a timber greenhouse?

There are many factors that make a wooden greenhouses a valuable addition to any garden or allotment. Not only are they beautiful to look at but they are also highly functional and sustainable. Let’s look at the benefits of wooden greenhouses now:

Timber greenhouses are sturdy and can withstand extreme weather

Timber greenhouses possess inherent strength - the natural weight of wood creates a robust structure that offers increased durability and longevity compared to steel and plastic alternatives.
Here at GardenSite, we sell some fantastic brands of timber greenhouses made from high-quality woods, particularly the Swallow GB Ltd range which are all constructed from Thermowood (heat-treated) Redwood Pine which is known for its strength and stability. We also have the prestigious Gabriel Ash range which are made from Western Red Cedar, a material that is favoured for its stunning reddish-brown colour, straight grain and remarkable resilience. 

Timber greenhouses ooze aesthetic appeal

Being a natural material, wood blends in seamlessly with any outdoor setting, allowing your timber greenhouse to integrate with the environment wherever you decide to position it. Many find the visible woodgrain authentic and attractive, offering an abundance of timeless natural beauty that simply cannot be replicated with plastic or metal frames. Whilst aluminium greenhouses can often look cold and industrial, a wooden greenhouse exudes warmth and familiarity, making it an inviting focal point in any landscape. 

Timber greenhouses are easily customisable

Following on nicely from the point above, wood as a product is very adaptable meaning it’s easy to personalise your greenhouse to suit your unique style and needs. Many people choose to paint their wooden greenhouse and this is something that can be done by the individual in their own time or you can choose to have it done by professionals where this option is available. The team at Swallow GB in Rotherham offer 10 different colour finishes from Lily White to Robins Egg Blue - they paint the wood with two topcoats before glazing and sealing to finish.

Timber greenhouses have a natural insulation advantage

Wood is a natural thermal insulator that boasts a higher insulation rating than plastic and steel thanks to the air pockets trapped within its cellular structure which reduce heat transfer. What this means for your plants is that the timber frame will be much more effective in regulating and maintaining a consistent internal temperature which will in turn facilitate optimal growing conditions and save energy costs. So whether you’re in the depths of winter or the middle of summer, the wood’s qualities will be consistently working to create a nurturing climate to ensure the successful cultivation of your plants and crops.

Timber greenhouses are eco-friendly and sustainable

Wood is one of the most environmentally friendly construction materials currently available and that’s why timber is often referred to as ‘nature’s own building material’. Wood is a natural, renewable resource that plays an active role in carbon sequestration, making it the most sustainable choice of material for your greenhouse frame.

Conclusion

All in all, buying a greenhouse can be a big financial decision and it is important to consider all options before proceeding with any purchase. Whilst the initial investment of purchasing a timber greenhouse may seem greater than that of a metal or plastic one, it is more often than not a long-term investment that you will get back tenfold over time.

A wooden greenhouse offers numerous advantages of stability and ecology and will become an attractive focal point in your garden that will add beauty and charm to the landscape. What’s more, thanks to its durability, it will withstand time and weather conditions, providing you with a sanctuary that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

You can view a Swallow Kingfisher 6 x 8 ft ThermoWood Greenhouse and a Gabriel Ash Classic 6 x 8 ft Greenhouse at our Show Site in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. 

Address: Halls Garden Centre,
211 Chester Road,
Sutton Coldfield,
Birmingham,
West Midlands,
B73 5BD

Phone: 0121 355 7701

Email: [email protected]

Open 7 days a week