About Our Elite Thyme Greenhouses
Elite Thyme Greenhouses bring Victorian elegance into your garden with modern engineering that serious growers depend on. The defining feature is the 12-inch glazing system—narrower panes that double the vertical glazing bars compared to standard 24-inch spacing. This creates that classic Victorian aesthetic with ridge crestings and finials, but more importantly, it delivers exceptional structural strength against wind and snow loads.
- 6ft and 8ft width options – Choose the Elite Thyme 600 for compact spaces or the Elite Thyme 800 for larger growing areas
- Choice of 10 powder-coated colours – From classic Mill Green to contemporary Mocha
- Extra strong Titan Core-Vect frame – Heavy box-section aluminium that resists winds up to 90mph
- 3mm toughened safety glazing – Grade A glass meeting EN12150 standards
- Cantilever frame and roof bracing – Every glazing bar reinforced throughout the structure
- Ridge crestings and finials – Authentic Victorian detailing included as standard
- Multiple ventilation options – Minimum roof vents plus 2x louvre window vents for airflow control
- 6ft or 8ft rear shelf – Integrated Diamond shelf for potting and storage
- Low-threshold no-trip entrance – Ground-level access for wheelbarrows and wheelchair users
- Built-in gutters – Integral rainwater collection on both sides
- Double sliding doors with lock – Secure lockable access as standard
Manufactured in Bolton, Lancashire for 70 years, each greenhouse comes with a 10 Year Warranty and free UK mainland delivery. Professional UK installation service available from £420. The Elite Thyme 600 Dwarf Wall and Elite Thyme 800 Dwarf Wall models combine brick-base aesthetics with Victorian charm. For lean-to options, explore the Elite Titan K800 Lean-To with similar strength specifications.
Choosing Your Elite Thyme Greenhouse
Size selection starts with your available garden space and growing ambitions. The 6ft wide models suit compact gardens or courtyard settings, providing sufficient width for staging on one side and a comfortable working aisle. The 8ft wide versions offer more staging flexibility and headroom for taller plants or hanging baskets. Glass-to-ground models like the Elite Thyme 1200 maximise light transmission for low-growing crops like salad leaves and strawberries, while dwarf wall variants provide better insulation at ground level and reduced glazing area for those concerned about glass maintenance.
The 12-inch glazing system means you'll have more glazing bars to maintain than simpler models—something to consider if you prefer low-maintenance structures. Our Victorian Greenhouses collection showcases similar traditional styling across different brands. Prices start at £910 for smaller models, rising to £3,769 for premium configurations with powder coating and dwarf wall construction. Check our greenhouse buyers guide for detailed planning advice, and review base preparation requirements before ordering—the rigid Thyme frame demands perfectly level foundations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elite Thyme Greenhouses
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What makes the Elite Thyme different from standard greenhouses?
The Elite Thyme features a unique 12-inch glazing system rather than standard 24-inch spacing, doubling the vertical glazing bars for superior structural strength and authentic Victorian aesthetics. This narrow-pane design creates exceptional wind resistance—the extra bars act as continuous bracing throughout the structure. You'll also get ridge crestings and finials as standard features that other Elite Greenhouses charge extra for, plus cantilever frame bracing and Core-Vect aluminium sections that handle coastal winds up to 90mph.
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How long does Elite Thyme assembly take compared to simpler models?
Expect assembly to take 8–12 hours for an experienced DIYer due to the doubled glazing bars—that's roughly 40% longer than a standard Elite High Eave model. Each 12-inch bay requires individual glazing with bar capping or clips, and the Victorian detailing demands careful alignment of crestings and finials. Professional installation costs £420–£550 for 6–8ft models, which many customers consider worthwhile given the precision required for weather-tight Victorian glazing.
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Can I build a dwarf wall for the Elite Thyme myself?
Yes, but accuracy is critical. The brickwork must be perfectly level (within 2mm per metre), square, and built to exact internal dimensions—6ft 3in for the Thyme 600 or 8ft 5in for the Thyme 800. Use 3 courses of standard bricks for proper proportions with the Victorian frame styling. The Elite integral base sits on top of the completed wall, so any dimensional errors become unfixable once construction begins. Many customers hire bricklayers for this preparation, then tackle the greenhouse assembly themselves.
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What's the best way to clean the narrow glazing bars?
The 12-inch glazing creates more bars to maintain than standard greenhouses—this is the trade-off for Victorian elegance and strength. Use a soft brush extension pole for the roof panels (never climb on the glazing), and remove debris from the horizontal cappings quarterly to prevent algae buildup. The narrow spacing actually prevents large leaves from wedging between bars, but fine debris like blossom can accumulate in spring. Budget 30–45 minutes per quarter for thorough cleaning compared to 15–20 minutes for simpler designs.
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How much does an Elite Thyme Greenhouse cost with installation?
Base prices start at £910 for the smallest glass-to-ground models, rising to £1,850–£2,200 for standard 8x10 configurations. Dwarf wall versions add £200–£300, while powder coating in colours like Moss Green or Mocha adds another £150–£250. Professional installation costs £420–£550 for 6–8ft models or £650–£850 for 10–12ft versions. Total investment typically ranges from £1,300–£3,769 depending on size and options. The 10 Year Warranty covers frame and base components, though glazing requires separate accidental damage insurance.
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Do standard greenhouse accessories fit the 12-inch glazing bays?
Not always—this is a crucial consideration. Standard 2ft wide shelving and staging designed for 24-inch bays doesn't align properly with the Thyme's 12-inch spacing. Elite manufactures specific Diamond staging in 12-inch increments that fits perfectly between the narrow bars. Third-party accessories labelled "universal" often assume 24-inch bay spacing. Always verify compatibility before purchasing accessories, or stick with Elite-branded options designed for the Thyme's unique dimensions.
Ready to Invest in Victorian Elegance?
Browse our complete range of Elite Thyme Greenhouses above, or contact our specialist team at 0800 098 8877 for personalised advice on sizing, foundation requirements, and installation options for your garden.