What is the best base for a Wooden Greenhouse?

Wooden Greenhouses are very heavy, so the base needs to be solid! We recommend a base of either concrete or well-laid slabs. However, for smaller greenhouses, decking can also be a good option. If you want soil inside your greenhouse, you can make a perimeter base from bricks laid onto concrete footings.

What size should my base be?

If you look at the Greenhouse Dimensions diagram on this page you will see 'Minimum Base Size', use that. We will also email/post you a base plan for you to work from. Easy!

How do I maintain my Wooden Greenhouse?

We recommend that you apply a good quality wood preserver within 3 months of your greenhouse installation. Then apply a protective coat yearly thereafter. It’s easy to do and your greenhouse will love you for it!

What access do our fitters need to install the greenhouse?

First things first, these greenhouses cannot be brought through your house or garage, as the panels are too large to fit through any normal doorway. We need a straight-through run with no height restrictions or right-angle turns as the panels are too long/high to go around tight bends.

I want a dwarf wall model, how does that work?

OK, so if you select the Dwarf Wall Option for your new greenhouse you will receive a Wall Plan by email and post. You can give this Wall Plan to your builder and they will be able to build a wall to the exact size we need to install your greenhouse onto.

I don’t see the paint colour I want, can you help?

No problem, if you get the RAL code for the paint colour you want we can paint the greenhouse in that colour. This service does attract a 15% increase in the paint price.

Call : 0800 098 8877

Advice & Blog

Deals 0800 098 8877

£20 OFF Greenhouses!

Use code SPRING20 at checkout min order £599 (Greenhouses)

Swallow Greenhouses
Swallow Raven 8x8 Greenhouse + 4ft Shed Combination

Swallow Raven 8x8 Greenhouse + 4ft Shed Combination

Delivery 8-12 weeks ⛟

Free Installation

Click to enlarge - For illustration purposes.

Swallow Raven 8x8 Greenhouse with 4ft Shed Combination in Thermowood

Swallow Raven 8x10 Greenhouse with 6ft Shed Oiled

Swallow Raven 8x10 Greenhouse with 6ft Shed Oiled Finish

Swallow Raven 8x10 Greenhouse with 8ft Shed Oiled

Swallow Raven 8x8 Greenhouse with 4ft Shed Cloud Grey

Swallow Raven 8x8 Greenhouse with 10ft Shed Olive

Swallow Raven 8x8 Greenhouse with 4ft Shed Summer Green

Swallow Raven 8x6 Greenhouse with 10ft Shed Olive

Swallow Raven 8x10 Greenhouse Combi Oiled

Swallow Raven 8x10 Greenhouse Combi Oiled Finish

Swallow Raven 8x10 Combi Greenhouse Oiled

Swallow Raven 8x10 Combi Greenhouse Oiled Finish

Swallow Raven 8x6 Combi with 4ft Shed Painted Lily White

Swallow Raven 8x6 Combi Greenhouse White

Swallow Raven 8x6 Combi Greenhouse White Paint

Swallow Raven 8x10 Combi Greenhouse White

Swallow Raven 8x10 Greenhouse Cloud Grey

Quick Code: P172226

SAVE £20 EXTRA

Use code SPRING20 at checkout

8ft 8" wide x 12ft 7" deep
8ft 8" Ridge Height
Includes Installation
3mm Toughened Glazing
Redwood Pine Thermowood
Heated Treated for Superior Resistance to Moisture and Warping
Choice of 3 Shed Sizes
Shed includes Floor
20mm PVC Damp Proof Barrier on the Base
Stainless Steel Nails Throughout
Double Hinged Doors with Mortice Lock
Locking Internal Shed Door
2 x Automatic Roof Vents
Full Length of Staging Included
2 x Full Length Shelves in the Shed
12-year Warranty

Greenhouse with 4ft Shed Extension Dimensions:

A: Greenhouse width

2660mm (8′ 8″)

B: Total Building depth

3840mm (12′ 7″)

C: Ridge height

2660mm (8′ 8″)

D: Eaves height

1730mm (5′ 8″)

E & F: Door Size

1200mm (3′ 11″) x 1980mm (6′ 5″) (aperture)

Minimum Base Size

2660mm (8′ 8″) x 3840mm (12′ 7″)

Customise your Greenhouse

More Sizes:

4x4
£2,575

5x4
£2,669

4x6
£2,762

6x4
£2,764

5x6
£2,856

6x6
£2,958

4x8
£2,958

6x6
£2,958

8x4
£2,989

5x8
£3,042

4x4
£3,059

6x8
£3,154

4x10
£3,154

6x8
£3,154

5x4
£3,169

5x10
£3,229

4x6
£3,280

6x4
£3,283

8x4
£3,287

5x6
£3,392

6x10
£3,397

4x8
£3,513

6x6
£3,513

8x4
£3,549

8x6
£3,579

5x8
£3,613

6x8
£3,745

4x10
£3,748

Change your Shed size

4ft Shed extension with floor

+ £

A compact 4ft 3" Shed extension giving a total building length of 12ft 7"

£35 off

6ft Shed Combination with floor

+ £319

Add a larger 6ft shed to your greenhouse to give a total length of 14ft 8"

£74 off

8ft Shed Extension with floor

+ £673

Add a larger 8ft shed to your greenhouse to give a total length of 16ft 9"

Painted Finish 4ft

£77 off

Oiled Finish + £693

£160 off

Lily White + £1,440

£160 off

Bracken + £1,440

£160 off

Olive + £1,440

£160 off

Railings + £1,440

£160 off

Black + £1,440

£160 off

Oxford Stone + £1,440

£160 off

Vert de Terre + £1,440

£160 off

Purbeck Stone + £1,440

£160 off

Moles Breath + £1,440

£160 off

Lulworth Blue + £1,440

Natural Finish

Add Useful Extras?

£8 off

High Level Shelf Oiled Finish

+ £75

Add a 250mm wide high level shelf for extra storage of plants, seeds and tools etc

Qty 1

£16 off

Extra Side of Staging Oiled Finish

+ £149

Add another side of staging to the other side of your greenhouse.

Qty 1

Add Rainwater Systems?

£54 off

Black Rainwater System

+ £491

Add a Black Rainwater System to collect and reuse all of that lovely rainwater. Rainwater is after all the best water for your plants.

Add Additional Shed Options?

£9 off

Fixed Shed Window

+ £81

Let some light into your shed

Qty 1

£14 off

Opening Shed Window

+ £135

Add circulation as well as light to your shed.

Qty 1

£40 off

External Shed Door Finish

+ £368

£46 off

External Shed Door Painted Finish

+ £418

Add Useful Greenhouse Extras?

£3 off

Black Ornate Door Handle

+ £30

Add a black wrought iron ornate door handle. Price is for one handle per door

Qty 1

£14 off

Greenhouse Side Vent

+ £135

This side vent opening window will give your greenhouse good ventilation by letting cool air flow in to regulate the temperature and humidity inside, without having to leave the door open.

Qty 1

£16 off

Painted Side Vent

+ £152

Give your greenhouse extra ventilation by letting cool air flow in to regulate the temperature and humidity inside.

Qty 1

£55 off

Swallow Sparrow Cold Frame Oiled

+ £495

Add a Sparrow Coldframe to give even more room for seedlings and plants. Dimensions: 4ft 5" X 3ft 4"

Qty 1

£46 off

Swallow Wren Frame Oiled Finish

+ £422

4ft 5" x 2ft 1" Cold Frame with toughened Safety Glass.

Qty 1

£35 off

Bench with Shelf Oiled Finish

+ £324

Add a useful work bench with lower shelf that you can move around the greenhouse to suit you. Dimensions: 1200mm x 540mm

Qty 1

10 Year Warranty
Free UK Delivery
Expert Installation Available

£5,326

🚚

FREE* Delivery and installed within 8-12 weeks of confirming your base is ready.

* Some areas may incur a delivery charge.

Buy Today with 20% Deposit!

£1065

FREE Installation!!

Proudly Made to Order in the UK

£5,326

Only £1065 Deposit

Delivery 8-12 weeks ⛟

Selected Options:

1 x 4ft Shed extension with floor

1 x Natural Finish

Need Help Choosing?

📞 0800 098 8877

CALL US FOR A GREAT DEAL

The 8ft x 8ft Swallow Raven Combi Shed Greenhouse offers the best of both worlds with a 4ft Shed and 8ft Greenhouse. Secure storage coupled with a large 8ft growing space. Looking for more storage then choose a 6ft, 8ft or 10ft shed extension. It`s a practical size, looks superb and is installed for FREE!

3mm Toughened Safety Glass is standard on all Swallow wooden Greenhouses and is held in special grooves within the frame and then sealed in place with quality silicone. Inward opening doors with mortise locks are also standard.

Each roof vent is supplied with a Bayliss XL autovent to automatically open the roof vent when you`re not around to stop over heating. You also get a Shed Floor and a full length of slatted staging down one side of the greenhouse for working on and storing your plants.

The Swallow Raven Combi is the finest 8ft wide wooden greenhouse shed combination available today and when you consider it has a 12 Year Warranty and free installation it`s not hard to understand why we rate Swallow wooden greenhouses so very highly.

2660mm (8ft 9") Wide Wooden Greenhouse - Wide access for wheelbarrows etc
ThermoWood Construction - Heat treated high performance timber.
3mm Toughened Glazing - Safe, Strong and Family Friendly.
2 Opening Roof Vents - For Ventilation.
2 Bayliss XL Autovents - Automatically opens your roof vents.
Double Doors with Mortise Lock - Wide access and Security
Bottom Boards 12mm - Tongued and Grooved with stainless steel nails.
Glazing Grooves to hold glazing - Solid and Silicone Sealed.
Full length of Slatted Staging to one side - 520mm wide, 745mm high.
Shed floor as standard - Keep your items off the floor.
762mm (2ft 6") Shed Door with Stainless Handle, Hinges and Lock - Wide access.
2 full length shelves to one side of the shed Added Storage.
20mm Black PVC Damp Barrier - Screwed to bottom for rising damp protection.
12 Year Warranty - on frame and base.
Installation Included in Price - Just order and everything is done for you !

Greenhouse with 4ft Shed Extension Dimensions:

A: Greenhouse width

2660mm (8′ 8″)

B: Total Building depth

3840mm (12′ 7″)

C: Ridge height

2660mm (8′ 8″)

D: Eaves height

1730mm (5′ 8″)

E & F: Door Size

1200mm (3′ 11″) x 1980mm (6′ 5″) (aperture)

Minimum Base Size

2660mm (8′ 8″) x 3840mm (12′ 7″)

Greenhouse with 6ft Shed Extension Dimensions:

A: Greenhouse width

2660mm (8′ 8″)

B: Total Building depth

4470mm (14′ 7″)

C: Ridge height

2660mm (8′ 8″)

D: Eaves height

1730mm (5′ 8″)

E & F: Door Size

1200mm (3′ 11″) x 1980mm (6′ 5″) (aperture)

Minimum Base Size

2660mm (8′ 8″) x 4470mm (14′ 7″)

Greenhouse with 8ft Shed Extension Dimensions:

A: Greenhouse width

2660mm (8′ 8″)

B: Total Building depth

5100mm (16′ 8″)

C: Ridge height

2660mm (8′ 8″)

D: Eaves height

1730mm (5′ 8″)

E & F: Door Size

1200mm (3′ 11″) x 1980mm (6′ 5″) (aperture)

Minimum Base Size

2660mm (8′ 8″) x 5100mm (16′ 8″)

Greenhouse with 10ft Shed Extension Dimensions:

A: Greenhouse width

2660mm (8′ 8″)

B: Total Building depth

5730mm (18′ 9″)

C: Ridge height

2660mm (8′ 8″)

D: Eaves height

1730mm (5′ 8″)

E & F: Door Size

1200mm (3′ 11″) x 1980mm (6′ 5″) (aperture)

Minimum Base Size

2660mm (8′ 8″) x 5730mm (18′ 9″)

Swallow Installation Access

Larks and Robins: The minimum access height required for installation

1727mm (5′ 7″)

Cygnet, Jay, and Kingfishers: The minimum access height required for installation, no access through a property.

2032mm (6′ 8″)

Mallard, Swan, Raven, Rook, Falcon, and Eagles: The minimum access height required for installation, no access through a property.

2672mm (8′ 9″)

Always use MM dimensions when planning and building your base: No right angle turns between the access point and installation site.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your base area or site.

Why is ThermoWood the Best?

ThermoWood is a thermally modified timber known for its durability and stability in harsh weather.

Oiled Finish

Oiling Wood enhances its natural beauty and prolongs its lifespan.

Autovents as Standard

Swallow use high quality Bayliss XL Automatic roof vent openers as standard on every roof vent. Even when you're not around your greenhouse will be well ventilated.

Staging Included

Swallow include a length of slatted staging with all greenhouses that is 520mm wide and 745mm high.

Installation Included

Swallow Greenhouses are delivered and installed countrywide for free. You simply order your new greenhouse and it will be delivered and erected in your garden by a Swallow fitting team.

Damp Barrier

20mm black PVC section screwed to the bottom of the greenhouse stops damp rising into the timber.

Swallow Products

Swallow GB Ltd prides itself on its attention to detail, offering products that are not only functional but also enhance the beauty of any garden. Their greenhouses are built to last, with features like toughened safety glass and automated ventilation systems, ensuring an optimal growing environment..

12 Year Warranty

Swallow products come with a 12 year warranty that covers the Timber for Rot, Decay and Insect Infestation. Buildings must be re-treated inside and outside annually with a high-quality wood preserver according to the maintenance advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on 31 reviews

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Review Image - 6x8 Swallow Kingfisher Wooden Greenhouse

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Review Image - 8x8 Swallow Raven Greenhouse + 4ft Shed Combination

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Review Image - 6x6 Swallow Kingfisher Wooden Greenhouse

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Review Image - Swallow Kingfisher 6x6 Wooden Greenhouse + Install

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Product Reviews

Questions

Verified Customer

Paul m

Sale, United Kingdom

Swallow Jay 6x6 Wooden Potting Shed

Excellent and solidly made small greenhouse/shed. Enough room in my back garden for it and surprisingly spacious inside. Love the automatic roof vent.

2 people found this review helpful.

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Verified Customer

Timothy B

6x8 Swallow Kingfisher Wooden Greenhouse

High quality product

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Verified Customer

Mark J

Swallow Jay 6x6 Wooden Potting Shed

After looking at a few on line we were not sure as the potting shed we liked was a little more expensive than others. Decided to go with it and have to say from start to finish the customer service was excellent. When the potting shed arrived it was assembled and advice given . The quality is second to none and so glad we went for this product

1 person found this review helpful.

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Greenhouse Buyers Guide 2025

This comprehensive 2025 guide helps you choose the perfect greenhouse by exploring crucial factors from size and materials to optimal location and essential accessories.

Make an informed decision by understanding how to assess your needs, compare material pros and cons, and ensure proper ventilation and positioning for a thriving greenhouse.

How to Prepare the Ground for a Greenhouse Base

A solid base is the backbone of any greenhouse. You might think skipping this step saves time, but trust me—I've seen plenty of greenhouses fail because of poor foundations. A dodgy base causes more headaches than you'd believe.

What happens with a bad base? Glass cracks. Doors jam. The structure twists. Water pools where it shouldn't. And fixing these problems costs way more than doing it right first time.

Placing your greenhouse in the right spot makes all the difference between thriving plants and disappointing results. As a greenhouse specialist who's spent 15 years helping UK gardeners optimise their growing spaces, I've seen first-hand how position affects everything from temperature regulation to plant health.

Let me share what actually works in our unique British climate. The greenhouse position might seem like a minor detail, but it's one of those things that can make or break your growing success. I made this mistake myself when I first started - my poorly positioned greenhouse meant I was fighting an uphill battle with inadequate light and temperature fluctuations.

Swallow Raven 8x8 Greenhouse + 4ft Shed Combination

SAVE £20 EXTRA

Pay ONLY £5,306 TODAY!

Use code SPRING20 at checkout

Greenhouse with 4ft Shed Extension Dimensions:

A: Greenhouse width

B: Total Building depth

C: Ridge height

D: Eaves height

E & F: Door Size

Minimum Base Size

Customise your Greenhouse

More Sizes:

4x4£2,575

5x4£2,669

4x6£2,762

6x4£2,764

6x4£2,764

5x6£2,856

6x6£2,958

4x8£2,958

6x6£2,958

8x4£2,989

5x8£3,042

4x4£3,059

6x8£3,154

4x10£3,154

6x8£3,154

5x4£3,169

5x10£3,229

4x6£3,280

6x4£3,283

8x4£3,287

5x6£3,392

6x10£3,397

6x10£3,397

4x8£3,513

6x6£3,513

8x4£3,549

8x6£3,579

5x8£3,613

6x8£3,745

4x10£3,748

Change your Shed size

4ft Shed extension with floor

+ £

6ft Shed Combination with floor

+ £319

8ft Shed Extension with floor

+ £673

Painted Finish 4ft

Oiled Finish + £693

Lily White + £1,440

Bracken + £1,440

Olive + £1,440

Railings + £1,440

Black + £1,440

Oxford Stone + £1,440

Vert de Terre + £1,440

Purbeck Stone + £1,440

Moles Breath + £1,440

Lulworth Blue + £1,440

Natural Finish

Painted Finish 6ft

Oiled Finish + £729

Lily White + £1,532

Bracken + £1,532

Olive + £1,532

Railings + £1,532

Black + £1,532

Oxford Stone + £1,532

Vert de Terre + £1,532

Purbeck Stone + £1,532

Moles Breath + £1,532

Lulworth Blue + £1,532

Natural Finish

Painted Finish 8ft

Oiled Finish + £766

Lily White + £1,625

Bracken + £1,625

4x4
£2,575

5x4
£2,669

4x6
£2,762

6x4
£2,764

6x4
£2,764

5x6
£2,856

6x6
£2,958

4x8
£2,958

6x6
£2,958

8x4
£2,989

5x8
£3,042

4x4
£3,059

6x8
£3,154

4x10
£3,154

6x8
£3,154

5x4
£3,169

5x10
£3,229

4x6
£3,280

6x4
£3,283

8x4
£3,287

5x6
£3,392

6x10
£3,397

6x10
£3,397

4x8
£3,513

6x6
£3,513

8x4
£3,549

8x6
£3,579

5x8
£3,613

6x8
£3,745

4x10
£3,748