The Best Wooden Greenhouse Kits On the Market

Why Wood?

In most cases, greenhouse kits include a constructed frame and a translucent material that encourages the sun’s rays, like our durable 16mm five wall polycarbonate. The frame can be aluminum, steel, wood, and even plastic. So why do we make wooden greenhouse kits? We can think of quite a few reasons.

1. Wood is more cost-effective than alternatives such as aluminum.
2. Douglas fir is renewable and sustainable.
3. Wood has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than materials like aluminum.
4. Wood experiences less dimensional movement with temperature changes.

In areas with high winds and heavy snows in the winter, a wooden greenhouse will prove to be more durable because of its weight. That, combined with the Growing Domes geodesic shape, makes them the best greenhouse for wind.

What kind of Wood are Growing Domes made of?

Struts: All 6 of Growing Spaces greenhouse kits are built with #1 Select Douglas Fir struts. We chose Douglas Fir because it is the strongest lumber, and is much less prone to warping or twisting. It is readily available in the US and Canada and harvested sustainably meaning that new seedlings are planted faster than trees are removed, ensuring that forests regrow.

Everything is cut to size, predrilled for both bolts and nails, and labeled. We do this all at our production facility so we handpick the best looking lumber and assure the highest quality. Pretty lumber is going to last longer than wood with imperfections, so beauty and strength come hand in hand.

A common question we hear is, why not redwood? Although redwood would be a good alternative, sourcing redwood would be difficult and expensive at this time. Despite supply chain issues with many products during COVID, Growing Spaces has been able to keep Douglas Fir in stock, keeping our projects moving forward.

Will it Rot?

Our Douglas fir is dipped in a non-toxic wood treatment called LifeTime® that keeps away moisture, resists mold and prevents rot. The treatment is friendly to plants, animals, and people. LifeTime® is different from a traditional wood stain in that the natural substances penetrate the wood fibres. It essentially petrifies the outer surface of wood to create a physical barrier against water penetration. You only have to apply one treatment of LifeTime® and never touch it again. LifeTime® can not be worn off, will not peel or fade and allows the wood to breathe and age naturally. Natural weathering actually increases it’s beauty and effectiveness.

Foundation Wall and Siding

We provide pressure-treated lumber for any areas that come in contact with the ground to prolong the life of the Growing Dome. This includes the bottom plates and vertical studs. The 2′ foundation wall top plates are made from treated Douglas Fir as described above. You can see the color differences in the pictures below.

The external siding is made from LP SmartSide®, a specific type of engineered wood that also has a long lifespan, resists termites, rot, etc. To enhance the aesthetics of the siding, we use a durable scratch-resistant pre-finish from Diamond Kote®.

How long will my Growing Dome last?

With proper care and maintenance, your Growing Dome will last 30+ years, and produce fresh produce for generations to come. The tape will need to be replaced every 7–10 years, and the polycarbonate may need to be replaced after 10-15 years. We provide a complete online maintenance guide for Growing Dome Owners.

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about our wooden greenhouse kit. With thousands installed all over the US, and in 14 different countries, we are confident that you will love your greenhouse for many years to come!