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Choosing the Best Greenhouse Materials

Owning a greenhouse is great. It can transform even a tiny section and improve anyone's quality of life. Greenhouse owners eat more healthily, have less stress, save money on groceries, and know exactly where their food comes from. Not only will you help the environment, but you'll also have the opportunity to get the kids interested in eating healthy. Greenhouse gardening is relaxing, financially savvy, and a uniquely satisfying part of modern living.

No longer just for commercial growers, new materials and technology have made domestic greenhouse gardening more accessible and affordable than ever. As more and more people experience how great it is, it's not hard to see why it's such a growing trend.

Trade Tested has greenhouse coverings to suit sections of any size. All you need to know is which greenhouse type is right for you.

The golden rule

If you buy a greenhouse, you're going to use it, and you're going to want to use it more. Greenhouse gardeners quickly develop an enthusiasm that takes on a momentum of its own—unlike those gym memberships we pay for and never use.

The most common regret among first-time greenhouse buyers is that they should have thought ahead to accommodate their growing interest. It's far easier to buy a greenhouse one size larger than it is to put an extension on a smaller one. Other things to consider include how the greenhouse will look on your section, whether or not you want to customise it, and any accessories you may want to add to it.

So what's right for you?

There's a lot of different greenhouse technology on the market. The quality and material of greenhouse frames and panels varies. So do the designs. The best frames are durable and rust-free. The best panels provide proper insulation, diffused light and UV protection.

Our greenhouse building supplies

Trade Tested offers an array of greenhouse options featuring coverings of various material and versatile structural designs to cater to your specific needs.

Greenhouse covering materials:

Twin-walled polycarbonate

Our polycarbonate and mini greenhouse panels are made from twin-walled polycarbonate that diffuses the light, insulates the interior, and protects seedlings, plants, vegetables, and fruit from UV rays. Polycarbonate greenhouse covering material is durable and lightweight, making for safe and easy construction. It won’t shatter in high winds or earthquakes and provides exceptional defence from heavy snow and hail. Polycarbonate greenhouses won't crack or discolour like acrylic sheets can in the winter. Available in either flexible or rigid sheets, polycarbonate can be applied to almost any type of greenhouse structure.

Anti-UV polyethylene

This innovative plastic greenhouse covering material offers a range of benefits that can significantly enhance the performance and longevity of your greenhouse structure. An anti-UV polyethylene covering is specifically designed to withstand the harsh effects of UV radiation, which can deteriorate conventional materials over time. Anti-UV Polyethylene not only protects your plants from excessive UV exposure but also allows essential light transmission while trapping heat. Browse Trade Tested’s range of tunnel houses.

Single-glaze toughened glass

This covering type offers a perfect balance between transparency, durability and insulation. The toughness of the glass ensures resistance against impacts and extreme weather conditions, reducing the risk of breakage. Its single-glaze design allows maximum light transmission, promoting healthy plant growth while providing a clear view of the cultivated plants. Single-glaze toughened glass is the perfect covering for heat retention. It contributes to a stable and controlled environment, supporting a thriving greenhouse ecosystem. Browse Trade Tested’s range of professional greenhouses.

Greenhouse frame materials

By carefully selecting the right greenhouse design and materials, you can create an environment that nurtures your plants and optimises energy usage, ensuring a sustainable and productive gardening experience.

Rust-free aluminium

The rust-resistant nature of aluminium ensures that the frame can withstand the moisture-laden environment typically found within greenhouses, preventing deterioration over time. This resilience contributes to the greenhouse’s structural stability, allowing it to withstand the rigours of NZ weather. Aluminium is lightweight and easy to install, making it a practical choice for seasoned gardeners and hobbyists.

Galvanised steel

These tunnel houses are ingeniously crafted using galvanised steel, showcasing the material’s suitability for greenhouse applications. Galvanised steel is treated with a protective zinc coating, rendering it highly resistant to rust and corrosion. This quality makes it ideal for enduring the humid and occasionally wet conditions found within greenhouse environments. The sturdiness of a galvanised steel frame ensures longevity and reliability, supporting the structural integrity of the tunnel house throughout its lifespan.

Nordic spruce wood

Nordic spruce wood greenhouses boast exceptional strength and a distinct visual appeal that complements the greenery within. This wood's natural insulating properties contribute to maintaining a stable environment while allowing for efficient temperature regulation. The inherent beauty of the wood, combined with its structural reliability, adds an extra layer of sophistication to glasshouse designs.

Protect your plants

Overheating is the main reason plants fail in a greenhouse, so controlling ventilation is vital. Reduce energy consumption by focusing on natural ventilation, eliminating the need for external vent motor enclosures. Our greenhouses feature automatic vent openers and are especially handy when you're away from home.

Location, location, location

Remember a few simple things when choosing a spot to put your greenhouse. Find an open part of the garden that isn’t shadowed by trees and buildings. It's simple to shade a greenhouse if the sun becomes too bright, but moving a tree or building whose shade stunts your plant is much more complex.

Think about the wind, too. Wind can cool the temperature inside a greenhouse. Eliminate this by selecting a site near a hedge or fence—just remember to look out for shadows.

Multi-tiered staging shelves can maximise your internal space and growing output. Raised garden beds can also make a valuable addition to a greenhouse for those who don't like bending over too far to tend to their plants. Check out our range of greenhouse accessories.

Got a question about our greenhouse coverings or frames?

Either send us an email or give us a bell during office hours on 0800 800 880.

Purchase your own greenhouse from Trade Tested today

Explore our range of high-quality greenhouses in various types, shapes, and sizes. We’re confident you’ll discover the best greenhouse for your needs, backyard, and budget. With a Trade Tested greenhouse, you can start cultivating a thriving garden, nurture your plants to their fullest potential, and enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor areas. Shop online or in-store today.