Installing Your Greenhouse
A successful install is just good planning
Almost 75% of installations are completed by the homeowner or a local contractor. Many people wonder how difficult it is to assemble. If you have ever put together a small kit shed – it’s similar to that. All you need to know is how to read a tape measure, use a level, operate a drill and give yourself time.
1. Your greenhouse foundation must be level and square and built to our specific dimensions – an 8×12 greenhouse is actually larger. This is the most important piece of advice we can give you – if the foundation is off, everything will be off. For more information on greenhouse foundations, please visit https://info.bcgreenhouses.com/preparing-a-greenhouse-foundation
2. IMPORTANT: If you are installing a single glass greenhouse, please know that there is a 1/2″ of overlap on the glass. The greenhouse is not designed to butt the glass panels together, but rather overlap to create a better weather seal. There will be additional instructions on how to silicone seal this later too for extra weather protection.
3. Ask for help. Enlist your family, friends or neighbors to put it together. An 8×12 greenhouse will take two people two days to assemble. Give yourself the gift of time and try not to rush.
4. Review the written instructions and packing list ahead of time. It is filled with great tips and best practices that will help streamline your day. This is also important – when you receive the instructions, don’t panic. The instructions are written as a large book that include ALL glazings. You will focus on your glazing only which is a portion of the book.
5. If you feel you have to cut something or have a question, call us first at 1-888-391-4433. If you have a smartphone on site, we can also video chat to walk you through any issues.
You have ordered your greenhouse! What happens next?
Our sales team member will email you the final order with confirmed exterior dimensions, a layout drawing showing any and all accessories discussed as well as your door drop. Our logistics coordinator will be in touch when the greenhouse goes into production to make sure we have all of the information correct. The logistics coordinator will then reach out 10 weeks, 4 weeks, and 1 week ahead of time to do a “one last check” to answer any questions and ensure you are ready to receive your greenhouse.
Your greenhouse has arrived! What’s next?
The freight delivery driver will expect that you will have the manpower to offload crates. If you have a glass greenhouse, ensure that a forklift is arranged head of time with your sales rep (they will confirm with you)..
Your wood crates and their corresponding numbers are indicated in your packing list that will be emailed to you ahead of delivery by the logistics coordinator. Look for the wooden crate that says “Packing List Inside”. There will be a Robertson screwdriver provided as well as some other bits and pieces. The written instructions will be inside the door crate.
Important: The greenhouse is organized into bundles of materials that will be labelled with a sticker. These bundles should not be taken apart until you are ready for the component. Lay out all of the bundles, parts and pieces until everything is visible. Polycarbonate panels have a protective blue film on the exterior and clear or white on the interior. Keep track by placing a mark on the exterior as it has the UV protectant. Until it is time to install do not put your polycarbonate in the sun because the blue film will heat up and it will be difficult to remove.
Call our Technical Support team if a question comes up at 1-888-391-4433.
