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About our elite streamline greenhouses
Elite Streamline Greenhouses are purpose-built for small gardens and patios where space is at a premium. At just 5ft 2" wide, these compact aluminium greenhouses pack professional growing features into a footprint that fits comfortably alongside homes, down narrow paths, or in courtyard gardens. Made in Bolton by Elite Greenhouses, a British manufacturer with 60+ years of experience, every Streamline model includes an integral aluminium base, double sliding doors with locking mechanisms, and toughened safety glass or polycarbonate glazing options.
The collection ranges from the Elite Streamline 5x4 for ultra-compact spaces to the Elite Streamline 5x10 for serious growers needing maximum length. All models feature 4ft 8" high eaves, tall enough for comfortable headroom when tending crops, and a low-threshold entrance that eliminates tripping hazards for children and elderly gardeners. Free UK mainland delivery and a 10 Year Elite Warranty come standard, with professional greenhouse installation service available nationwide.
Prices start from £584 for base models, with Elite Streamline toughened glass models and package deals offering improved value.
Choosing your elite streamline greenhouse
Size selection depends primarily on your growing ambitions and available footprint. The 5x4 (20 sq ft) suits windowsill-to-greenhouse gardeners transitioning from indoor propagation, accommodating 8-10 tomato plants or mixed salad crops. The 5x6 (30 sq ft) is the sweet spot for most home gardeners, providing space for seasonal rotation, spring seedlings, summer crops, and autumn overwinter protection. Longer models like the 5x8 and 5x10 offer proportionally more growing capacity without increasing width, making them well suited to side passages or narrow garden plots.
Glazing choice significantly impacts performance and budget. Standard 3mm polycarbonate panels cost less and provide good insulation (8% better heat retention than 3mm horticultural glass), making them ideal for unheated growing. Toughened safety glass offers superior light transmission, approximately 10% more PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) reaches plants, and makes a more traditional greenhouse appearance, though at a premium of around £200-300 depending on model size.
Explore our complete Small Greenhouses collection for alternative compact options, or consider the wider Elite Craftsman 6ft wide greenhouse if space allows. Add Elite Greenhouse Accessories & Spares like staging benches (£85-120) and auto vent openers (£45-65) to maximise functionality. Our Greenhouse Buyers Guide offers detailed selection advice.
Frequently asked questions about elite streamline greenhouses
- How much do Elite Streamline Greenhouses cost?
Elite Streamline Greenhouses start from £584 for the 5x4 polycarbonate model, ranging up to £1,469 for the 5x10 toughened glass version with full staging package. Mid-range models like the 5x6 typically cost £680-850 depending on glazing choice and included accessories. All prices include free UK mainland delivery and the manufacturer's 10 Year Warranty on frames and components.
- Which Elite Streamline size should I buy?
Choose the 5x4 for propagation and seasonal crops in very tight spaces. The 5x6 suits most home gardeners, providing 30 sq ft for year-round growing, enough for 15-20 tomato plants or mixed vegetables. Opt for the 5x8 or 5x10 if you have the length available and want dedicated zones for seedlings, mature crops, and overwinter storage without compromising the narrow 5ft 2" width that fits restricted access points.
- Do Elite Streamline Greenhouses need a separate base?
No, Elite Streamline models include an integral aluminium base plinth built into the greenhouse structure, eliminating the need for costly separate base frames. You'll still need to prepare a level foundation (paving slabs, concrete pad, or timber deck), but the included low-threshold base makes a trip-free entrance while maintaining structural rigidity. See our guide on how to build a greenhouse base for foundation preparation methods costing £80-200 depending on approach.
- What's the difference between toughened glass and polycarbonate?
Toughened safety glass transmits approximately 90% of available light compared to 82% for 4mm polycarbonate, giving plants 8-10% more usable light for photosynthesis. Glass is heavier (providing wind stability), easier to clean, and won't discolour over 15-20 years. Polycarbonate costs £150-250 less, provides slightly better insulation (reducing heat loss by 12-15%), won't shatter if struck, and weighs 70% less than glass, making installation easier for DIY assembly without professional help.
- How long does delivery take?
Elite Streamline Greenhouses are made to order in Bolton with typical manufacturing lead times of 8-12 weeks from order confirmation. Free UK mainland delivery is included via pallet courier with advance notification 24-48 hours before delivery. Highland, island, and some remote postcode areas may incur supplementary charges (typically £50-85) and add 3-5 days to delivery timeframes. All greenhouses ship in flat-pack form with full assembly instructions.
- Is professional installation available?
Yes, Greenhouse Stores offers professional greenhouse installation throughout the UK mainland at a typical cost of £400-600 depending on model size and location. Installation includes full assembly on your prepared base, glazing, door adjustment, and functional testing of vents and locks. Most Elite Streamline installations complete in 4-6 hours. DIY assembly is straightforward for moderately skilled DIYers, typically requiring 6-8 hours for two people working together.
Ready to grow in compact spaces? Browse our Elite Streamline Greenhouse collection above to find the right model, or call our specialist team on 0800 098 8877 for expert sizing and specification advice.