About Our Elite Windsor Lean-To Greenhouses
The Elite Windsor lean-to greenhouse is specifically engineered for challenging UK spaces where standard models simply won't fit. With its ultra-compact 4ft 3" width and remarkably low 6ft 7" ridge height, this British-made aluminium structure solves the common problem of bungalow owners and those with low garage walls who thought a lean-to was impossible. The Windsor's clever design includes a low-threshold entrance that prevents tripping, built-in gutters for clean water runoff, and your choice of 10 powder-coated colours to complement any property.
Each Windsor comes with a minimum of one roof vent, though models over 6ft long include two as standard for proper air circulation. You can select from 3mm horticultural glass for traditional growing, toughened safety glass for areas near doorways, or 6mm twin-wall polycarbonate for superior insulation. Browse our Lean-To Greenhouses range to compare designs, or explore the wider Elite Kensington 4ft Wide Lean-To Greenhouses if you prefer a higher ridge option. Every Windsor includes free UK mainland delivery and a comprehensive 10-year frame warranty.
Key Features of the Elite Windsor
Compact Dimensions Perfect for Restricted Spaces
- Fixed width: 4ft 3" (1.32m) - ideal for narrow side passages
- Ultra-low ridge: 6ft 7" (2.01m) - fits under standard UK bungalow soffits
- Eaves height: 5ft 2" (1.58m) - comfortable growing headroom
Safety & Accessibility
- Low-threshold entrance prevents trips and makes wheelchair access easier
- Single sliding door operates smoothly even in confined spaces
- Toughened glass option recommended for lean-tos near house doors
Quality Construction
- British-manufactured aluminium framework with 10-year guarantee
- Choice of 10 powder-coated colours including forest green, olive grey, and ivory
- High-tensile stainless steel fixings resist coastal corrosion
- Includes a 20 Year Elite Warranty
Ventilation Options
- Minimum 1 roof vent (4ft model)
- 2 roof vents standard on 6ft+ lengths
- Optional louvre vents for low-level air intake
Practical Design Details
- Integral guttering channels rainwater away from foundations
- Pre-drilled framework speeds up assembly
- Compatible with optional aluminium base plinth (adds 5" to all heights)
Complete Windsor Size Range
| Length | Width | Eaves Height | Ridge Height | Door Opening | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4ft | 4ft 3" | 5ft 2" | 6ft 7" | 5ft 2" × 1ft 9" | £429 |
| 6ft | 4ft 3" | 5ft 2" | 6ft 7" | 5ft 2" × 1ft 9" | £539 |
| 8ft | 4ft 3" | 5ft 2" | 6ft 7" | 5ft 2" × 1ft 9" | £619 |
| 10ft | 4ft 3" | 5ft 2" | 6ft 7" | 5ft 2" × 1ft 9" | £729 |
| 12ft | 4ft 3" | 5ft 2" | 6ft 7" | 5ft 2" × 1ft 9" | £819 |
| 14ft | 4ft 3" | 5ft 2" | 6ft 7" | 5ft 2" × 1ft 9" | £949 |
| 16ft | 4ft 3" | 5ft 2" | 6ft 7" | 5ft 2" × 1ft 9" | £1,029 |
| 20ft | 4ft 3" | 5ft 2" | 6ft 7" | 5ft 2" × 1ft 9" | £1,199 |
ℹ️ Note: Adding an optional base plinth increases all heights by approximately 5 inches. Prices shown are for horticultural glass; toughened glass adds 25–35% to cost.
Why the Windsor's Low Ridge Matters
Standard lean-to greenhouses typically have ridge heights of 7ft 6" to 8ft, which creates a critical problem for UK bungalow owners. Most bungalows built between 1950–1990 have soffit boards (the underside of the roof overhang) sitting at approximately 7ft to 7ft 6" from ground level. The Windsor's 6ft 7" ridge fits comfortably underneath with 5–11 inches clearance, allowing proper flashing installation without cutting into the roofline.
This compact height also benefits those with garage walls, garden room installations, or properties with low boundary walls where planning restrictions limit structure height. The 5ft 2" eaves still provide ample headroom for working inside — you won't be stooping while potting plants or tending tomatoes. If you need even more vertical space, our Elite Kensington 6ft Wide Lean-To Greenhouses offer a taller 7ft 3" ridge, though they won't fit the tightest installations.
Compare Windsor dimensions against other narrow models in our 4ft Wide Lean-To Greenhouses collection to see how manufacturers approach restricted spaces differently.
Choosing Your Elite Windsor Lean-To Greenhouse
Selecting the Right Length
Start by measuring your available wall space, then subtract 6 inches for safe clearance at each end. A 12ft wall realistically accommodates a 10ft or 11ft Windsor. Remember that longer models include additional roof vents — the 8ft gets two vents rather than one, which significantly improves temperature control during summer months. Our Greenhouse Buyers Guide explains how to calculate the optimal size for your growing ambitions.
Prices begin at £429 for the compact 4ft model and reach £1,199 for the spacious 20ft version. If your budget allows, choosing a length 2ft longer than your minimum requirement provides valuable workspace and prevents that cramped feeling.
Glass or Polycarbonate?
This decision matters more for lean-tos than freestanding structures. Toughened safety glass is strongly recommended if your Windsor will be positioned beside a frequently used doorway or pathway — standard horticultural glass poses a genuine hazard if someone falls against it. Toughened glass costs 25–35% more but eliminates this risk entirely and uses elegant long panes without overlaps.
Polycarbonate twin-wall glazing offers 30% better insulation than glass, which becomes important when one entire side of your structure is against a cold north-facing wall. However, polycarbonate has an opaque milky appearance that some gardeners dislike, and it gradually yellows over 10–15 years. Glass maintains crystal clarity for decades and creates that classic Victorian greenhouse aesthetic.
For shaded lean-to positions (north or east-facing walls), glass transmits 90% of available light compared to polycarbonate's 80% transmission. In an already dim location, that 10% difference affects plant growth significantly. Check our 6ft Wide Lean-To Greenhouses range if you want broader growing space with similar glazing options.
Colour Selection Strategy
The Windsor's 10 colour choices let you match existing garden buildings or house trim. Forest green and olive grey are perennially popular for blending into garden settings, while ivory and white create a bright, clean appearance. Mill finish (raw aluminium) costs slightly less but shows weathering and water marks more readily than powder-coated options.
Dark colours like anthracite grey absorb 15–20% more heat, which can be an advantage in cooler northern regions but requires extra ventilation in southern England. If your lean-to will be against a pale painted wall, choose a complementary colour rather than an exact match — slight tonal differences look intentional, while imperfect matches highlight the variation.
Glazing Options Compared for Lean-To Use
| Glazing Type | Cost vs Standard | Light Transmission | Insulation Value | Safety Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horticultural Glass 3mm | Base price | 90% | Low (single pane) | Risk of injury | Budget-conscious gardeners, low-traffic areas |
| Toughened Safety Glass 3mm | +25–35% | 90% | Low (single pane) | Shatters safely | Near doorways, paths, family gardens |
| Twin-Wall Polycarbonate 6mm | +15–20% | 80% | High (30% better) | Virtually unbreakable | Cold north walls, child-safe zones |
Why Toughened Matters for Lean-Tos Specifically
Standard horticultural glass breaks into large, razor-sharp shards capable of causing deep lacerations. When someone exits their house door and trips directly into the greenhouse wall — a common accident with lean-to installations — 3mm horticultural glass offers zero protection. Toughened glass disintegrates into small, relatively harmless cubes, similar to car side windows.
Building regulations don't legally require toughened glass for residential greenhouses, but insurers increasingly question claims involving standard glass injuries in "critical locations" (defined as within 800mm of doors or within 300mm of floor level). Spending an extra £150–200 for toughened glazing on a £600 structure is sensible risk management, especially with children or elderly family members.
Polycarbonate's Lean-To Advantage
When your greenhouse backs onto an uninsulated brick or concrete wall, that cold surface radiates inward and drops internal temperatures 3–5°C compared to a freestanding structure. Twin-wall polycarbonate's air pockets provide an R-value of approximately 1.6 compared to glass's 0.95, which reduces heat loss through the glazed sections by roughly 30%. For winter growing or heated propagation, this efficiency saves £40–70 annually in electricity costs.
The trade-off is reduced light levels (80% vs 90% transmission) and the cloudy appearance that prevents clearly viewing plants from outside. If your lean-to is primarily for display or you enjoy looking into a bright, clear space from your house, glass justifies its thermal disadvantages.
Essential Wall and Base Preparation
The Critical Importance of a Plumb Wall
A lean-to greenhouse's weatherproof seal depends entirely on the back channel sitting flush against your wall. If the wall leans outward by even 10mm over its height, the top of the greenhouse pulls away, creating a gap where rain penetrates. Use a 6ft spirit level to check vertical alignment before ordering — if the wall isn't plumb, you'll need to pack out the bottom with timber or metal shims.
Brick and concrete block walls work perfectly. Rendered walls are acceptable if the render is sound (tap it to check for hollow areas indicating delamination). Timber walls, metal cladding, and stone with irregular surfaces create waterproofing challenges that often require custom flashing work beyond the standard Elite installation.
Foundation Requirements
The Windsor requires a flat, level base with maximum 5mm variation across its length. Three options work reliably:
- Concrete Slab (recommended): 100mm thick concrete on compacted hardcore, extending 100mm beyond greenhouse footprint on all sides. Budget £12–18 per square metre for professional laying. Our How to Build a Greenhouse Base guide covers DIY concrete mixing ratios and curing times.
- Paving Slabs: 50mm thick slabs laid on sharp sand (not building sand) over compacted soil. Cheaper than concrete (£8–12 per square metre) but requires careful levelling. Slabs can shift slightly over years, particularly on clay soils.
- Elite Aluminium Base Plinth: Bolts directly to the greenhouse frame and sits on compacted gravel or hardcore. Adds approximately 5 inches to all heights and costs £120–180 depending on length. This option suits sloping sites where levelling is difficult.
⚠️ Avoid timber bases for lean-tos. Because one side is against a wall with limited airflow, timber bases trap moisture and rot within 5–7 years. The extra cost of concrete or slabs is a worthwhile permanent solution.
Flashing Installation
The top channel of your Windsor includes slots for flashing material (not supplied) to seal against the house wall. Use Code 4 lead flashing (1.8mm thick) cut to length, or self-adhesive aluminium flashing tape as a budget alternative. The flashing must tuck up behind your wall cladding by at least 50mm — this often means carefully removing a course of bricks or slipping it behind siding boards.
Sealant alone without proper flashing fails within 2–3 years as temperature cycling causes it to crack and peel. If this installation complexity sounds daunting, our Greenhouse Installation Service includes full flashing installation by experienced fitters for £180–240 depending on your location.
Maximising Space in a 4ft Wide Greenhouse
The Windsor's narrow 4ft 3" interior width requires thoughtful accessory choices to avoid a cramped, unusable layout. Standard greenhouse staging designed for 6ft or 8ft structures wastes valuable floor space in compact lean-tos.
Staging Configuration
Elite's diamond staging specifically fits the Windsor's width, providing three shelves that span the full depth without blocking the door. Position staging along the back wall only — putting it opposite the door makes accessing plants difficult and blocks light. For an 8ft Windsor, a 6ft staging section leaves 2ft of clear floor space for bags of compost, watering cans, and the kneeling work that all gardeners do.
Alternatively, install narrow shelves high up (above 5ft) where you wouldn't stand anyway. These upper shelves are perfect for seed trays, labels, and tools while keeping the main floor area open. Budget £80–120 for quality two-tier staging that won't rust or sag.
Vertical Growing Systems
When floor space is tight, grow upward. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans thrive on vertical strings or canes that use the 5ft 2" eaves height without consuming floor area. A single tomato plant in a 12-inch pot yields 8–12kg of fruit over a season — grow six plants vertically in a 6ft Windsor and you'll harvest 50–70kg from just 3 square feet of floor space.
Ring culture systems (where plants grow in bottomless pots sitting on gravel beds) work brilliantly in narrow lean-tos because the gravel bed doubles as a stable walkway. This eliminates muddy floors while providing excellent drainage and root health.
Ventilation for Narrow Spaces
Small volumes heat up rapidly. On a sunny April day, an unventilated 4ft × 6ft lean-to can hit 35°C within 90 minutes, effectively cooking tender seedlings. The single roof vent supplied with shorter Windsors isn't sufficient for warm months — add at least one automatic vent opener (£30–40) that requires no electricity and responds to temperature changes within 5 minutes.
For lengths over 8ft, Elite includes two roof vents as standard, but consider adding a louvre vent low down on the front panel. This creates genuine airflow with cool air entering at ground level and hot air escaping through the roof — far more effective than roof vents alone, which just let hot air pool at the top. Budget £45–60 for a quality louvre vent.
Door Clearance
The Windsor's sliding door needs approximately 400mm of clearance in front to operate smoothly. If you're installing against a boundary wall with limited front space, check this measurement carefully. In very tight installations, some gardeners remove the door entirely and hang a plastic strip curtain instead, though this reduces security and weather protection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elite Windsor Lean-To Greenhouses
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How much does an Elite Windsor lean-to greenhouse cost?
Elite Windsor lean-to greenhouses start at £429 for the compact 4ft model with horticultural glass and reach £1,199 for the spacious 20ft version. Upgrading to toughened safety glass adds 25–35% to the base price, while twin-wall polycarbonate glazing typically adds 15–20%. Your final cost depends on length, glazing choice, colour selection (mill finish is cheapest), and optional extras like automatic vent openers or staging.
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What's the difference between the Windsor and Kensington lean-to ranges?
The Windsor has a significantly lower 6ft 7" ridge height specifically designed for bungalows and restricted spaces, while the Kensington's 7ft 3" ridge is 8 inches taller. Both models share the same 4ft 3" width, but the Windsor's compact height is its defining feature for installations where standard lean-tos physically won't fit under soffit boards or low walls.
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Do I need building permission for a Windsor lean-to greenhouse?
Most Windsor installations qualify as permitted development in England and Wales, requiring no planning permission if the structure is less than 4 metres tall and doesn't cover more than 50% of your garden area. However, properties in conservation areas, listed buildings, or with restrictive covenants may have additional requirements — check with your local planning authority before purchasing. The Windsor's low 6ft 7" ridge easily clears the 4-metre threshold.
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Can I install an Elite Windsor myself or should I use professionals?
A confident DIY enthusiast with basic tools can assemble a Windsor in 8–12 hours following Elite's detailed instructions, though having a helper is strongly recommended for handling glazing panels safely. The challenging part is ensuring your wall is truly vertical and installing the flashing correctly to prevent leaks. Our Greenhouse Installation Service costs £180–240 depending on location and includes full flashing work, which many customers find worthwhile for guaranteed weatherproofing.
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What size Windsor do I need for growing tomatoes and cucumbers?
An 8ft Windsor provides enough space for 8–10 tomato plants plus 2–3 cucumber plants using vertical growing techniques, which should yield 70–90kg of combined produce per season. The 6ft model suits 5–6 tomato plants if you don't need walking space and are happy to reach in from the door. Remember that tomatoes need excellent ventilation to prevent blight — models 8ft and longer include two roof vents rather than one, which significantly improves airflow.
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How long does the Windsor's aluminium frame last?
Elite guarantees the Windsor's aluminium framework for 10 years against manufacturing defects, but the powder-coated aluminium structure typically lasts 25–30 years before showing significant weathering. Coastal installations experience faster deterioration due to salt spray — expect 18–22 years near the sea. The glazing has a shorter lifespan: horticultural glass lasts indefinitely if not broken, toughened glass likewise, but polycarbonate yellows and becomes brittle after 10–15 years and requires replacement.
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Will a Windsor fit against my bungalow wall?
The Windsor's 6ft 7" ridge is specifically designed for standard UK bungalows built between 1950–1990, where soffit boards typically sit 7ft to 7ft 6" above ground level. This leaves 5–11 inches clearance for proper flashing installation. Measure from ground level to the underside of your soffit board — if you have at least 7ft clearance, a Windsor will fit comfortably. Properties with 6ft 6" or less clearance may require a custom solution or our even lower Elite Richmond model.
✅ Ready to transform your available wall space into a productive growing area? Browse our Elite Windsor collection above to compare sizes and glazing options, or call our specialist team on 0800 098 8877 for personalised advice on which configuration suits your property. Every Windsor includes free UK mainland delivery and Elite's comprehensive 10-year frame warranty.