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Greenhouse Reviews
Greenhouse Reviews
With over 3,600 verified reviews and a 4.7/5 rating, Greenhouse Stores is the UK's most trusted specialist. Since 2012, we've provided technical expertise, professional installation, and a 20-year frame warranty on our leading British-made ranges. This feedback reflects honest advice and sturdy, storm-rated structures built for UK weather.
Why We Publish Every Review
"When I started Greenhouse Stores in 2012, I made a simple decision: collect reviews through an independent platform and never hide the bad ones. It would have been easier to cherry-pick 5-star feedback, but that's not how we work. The 1-star and 2-star reviews have taught us more than the 5-star ones ever did. A recurring complaint about packaging on Vitavia models in 2019 led us to add extra protective wrapping on all glass shipments, and breakage rates dropped by over 60%. Our 4.7 out of 5 rating isn't perfect, and that's the point. It's real."
"We chose to partner with brands like Elite and Swallow because their engineering stands up to UK weather. Elite's Core-Vect technology and Swallow's ThermoWood frames are the reason customers leave reviews about greenhouses that still look new after 10+ years. We've spent a decade filtering out flimsy imports so you don't have to."
— Matt, Co-Founder of Greenhouse Stores | View Matt's Profile🔧 Matt's Installation Tip: What Our Reviews Tell Us About Bases
After reading thousands of customer reviews over 14 years, I can tell you the single biggest factor in a positive greenhouse experience: the base. Around 85% of our negative reviews trace back to base preparation issues. Doors that won't slide, cracked panes from uneven settling, frames that twist within the first year. Even a 5mm deviation across the base can cause door misalignment and glass stress over time.
For the best results, use 50mm paving slabs on a compacted sharp sand bed. This allows for micro-adjustments that a poured concrete base won't permit. Budget around £150-£250 in materials for an 8x6 and set aside a weekend. It's the difference between a 3-star review and a 5-star one.
What UK Greenhouse Buyers Say About Us
We sell greenhouses from 6 manufacturers, and customer feedback varies by brand, size, and whether self-assembly or professional installation was chosen. Here's what 14 years of reviews have taught us about what matters most to buyers.
Delivery and Packaging
Our average delivery rating sits at 4.6 out of 5. Most UK mainland orders arrive within 5-10 working days, though Swallow wooden greenhouses take 8-12 weeks because they're handmade to order in Louth, Lincolnshire. The most common delivery complaint is communication on exact dates for larger orders. We added SMS tracking updates in 2023 to address this, and delivery satisfaction scores have risen by 12% since.
Product Quality by Brand
Elite greenhouses consistently receive our highest product quality scores at 4.8 out of 5. Their box-section aluminium frames and toughened safety glass set them apart, with warranties up to 25 years. Vitavia models score 4.5 out of 5, with most feedback praising value for money but noting that self-assembly takes 6-8 hours for a first-timer on an 8x6. Swallow wooden greenhouses average 4.9 out of 5 but come at a higher price point. Buyers paying £3,000+ tend to be very satisfied with what they receive.
Installation Service Feedback
Customers who use our professional installation service rate their experience 4.8 out of 5 on average. The most common positive comment is time saved. A professional team fits an 8x6 in around 3-4 hours, compared to 1-2 full days for a DIY build. Installation is available across most of England and Wales, with pricing starting from £249 depending on size and location.
After-Sales and Customer Service
Our customer service team handles around 400 calls and emails per week. Response time averages under 4 hours on weekdays. The most frequently praised aspect? Honest advice. Several reviews mention being talked out of a more expensive greenhouse when a cheaper model better suited their needs. You can reach our team on 0800 098 8877 Monday to Friday, 9am-5:30pm.
Greenhouse Reviews: Frequently Asked Questions
Are Greenhouse Stores reviews from real customers?
Yes, every review is from a verified buyer collected through Reviews.co.uk. We use this independent platform because we can't edit, delete, or filter what customers write. Every rating from 1 to 5 stars is published automatically. As of 2026, we have over 3,600 verified reviews with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5. You can verify this directly on the Reviews.co.uk listing.
Which greenhouse brand gets the best reviews?
Swallow wooden greenhouses score highest at 4.9 out of 5. They're handmade in Lincolnshire from Scandinavian redwood and typically attract experienced gardeners willing to invest £2,500-£8,000+. Elite aluminium greenhouses follow at 4.8 out of 5, with buyers frequently praising the box-section frames and toughened safety glass. For budget-friendly options, Vitavia greenhouses score 4.5 out of 5 and start from around £400.
What do customers complain about most?
Base preparation issues cause the majority of negative reviews. Customers who don't build a proper level base before assembly often experience door alignment problems, cracked glass panes, and frame distortion within the first year. We now include a base preparation guide with every order and flag it during checkout. The second most common issue is self-assembly difficulty on larger models, which is why we recommend our installation service for anyone not confident with DIY construction.
How long does greenhouse delivery take?
Standard aluminium greenhouses deliver within 5-10 working days to UK mainland addresses. Palram Canopia polycarbonate models typically arrive within 3-7 working days. Swallow wooden greenhouses are made to order and take 8-12 weeks. All deliveries to UK mainland addresses are free. Scottish Highlands and islands may incur a surcharge. You can check specific delivery times on each product page or call us on 0800 098 8877.
Should I choose professional installation or self-assembly?
Professional installation suits buyers who want a guaranteed result without the time commitment. Our team fits an 8x6 greenhouse in 3-4 hours, compared to 1-2 full days for most DIY builders. Installation starts from £249 and is available across England and Wales. Self-assembly works well if you're comfortable with basic DIY and have a helper available. Most aluminium greenhouses come with step-by-step instructions. Our reviews show that customers using professional installation rate their overall experience 0.3 points higher on average. See full details on our installation service page.
Not Sure Which Greenhouse Is Right for You?
Read our Greenhouse Buyers Guide for expert advice on sizes, materials, and glazing options. Or browse our full range of aluminium and wooden greenhouses to find what suits your garden.