Verified Customer
Absolutely love my greenhouse. Fast delivery, very helpful friendly delivery driver. Good communication. Fast to get back to me when emailed with problem putting together. Thank you
About our alton greenhouses
Alton has been crafting greenhouses since 1921, making it one of the longest-established greenhouse manufacturers in Britain. Every Alton greenhouse is built from western red cedar. This timber is prized for its natural resistance to rot, insects, and moisture. Unlike pressure-treated softwood, cedar requires no chemical preservatives and weathers to an attractive silver-grey over time.
Cedar offers genuine thermal advantages over aluminium framing. Wood conducts heat roughly 1,500 times less efficiently than metal. An Alton greenhouse holds warmth longer on cold nights and stays cooler on hot days. That stability matters when you are raising seedlings or overwintering tender plants. For more timber growing options, see our Wooden Greenhouses collection.
If you are drawn to traditional design but need a different size or style, our Swallow Greenhouses offer another hand-built cedar range. Both brands share the same commitment to British craftsmanship. For a wall-mounted alternative, browse our Lean-To Greenhouses.
Why We Chose This Range
"We have fitted hundreds of wooden greenhouses over the years, and Alton models are always a pleasure to build. The joinery is precise, the cedar is thick, and the finished structure feels solid enough to last a lifetime. Customers who choose Alton tell us they can feel the quality the moment they step inside."
, Matt, Greenhouse Stores
Matt's Tip
Cedar greenhouses benefit from an annual coat of cedar oil or preservative to keep the rich colour. Without treatment the timber still performs well, but it will gradually turn silver-grey. We recommend Barrettine Premier Wood Oil applied in late spring once the timber is dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Alton greenhouses still made in Britain?
Alton greenhouses are a British heritage brand established in 1921. The designs follow traditional Victorian and Edwardian greenhouse architecture. Cedar is sourced for its natural durability and horticultural performance. These structures are built to last across generations of gardeners.
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Why choose cedar over aluminium for a greenhouse?
Cedar insulates roughly 1,500 times better than aluminium framing. That means your greenhouse holds warmth longer in winter and stays cooler in summer. Cedar also looks warmer and more natural in a garden setting. The trade-off is that wood needs occasional maintenance, while aluminium is virtually maintenance-free.
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How long does a cedar greenhouse last?
A well-maintained cedar greenhouse can last 30 years or more. Western red cedar naturally resists rot and insect damage without chemical treatment. Annual oiling preserves the colour. Even untreated, cedar weathers to silver-grey and remains structurally sound for decades.
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Do Alton greenhouses need planning permission?
Most domestic greenhouses fall under permitted development rights. You typically do not need planning permission if the greenhouse is single-storey, under 2.5m at the eaves, and covers less than half your garden. Always check with your local planning authority before ordering, as conservation areas and listed buildings have stricter rules.
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What base does an Alton greenhouse need?
A level concrete pad or paving slab base is recommended. The base should be exactly the right dimensions for the model you choose. We fit greenhouses regularly and always check the base is level before assembly. A poorly prepared base causes door alignment issues and can stress the frame over time.