Greenhouse Repairs and Restoration in General.

  Not all greenhouses are made from Red Cedar and this page shows some of the work we have done in restoring and saving some of these structures.

      As well as the many Western Red Cedar Greenhouses we have restore, we have also repaired many other that were built using other timbers varieties. Some of these were commonly used at the time and a few timbers are no longer available or their use is restricted to protect the species. Whilst Red Cedar is popular 'go to' with domestic greenhouses, larger and sometimes more elaborate structures are created from a wide variety of timbers. With the rising poularity of timber greenhouses we are again seeing the choice of material growing. Materials may be chosen for strength or additional durability or just for the visual appeal.

     In the past a lot of early greenhouses from companies like F. Pratten & Co.  or Messenger and Co. Ltd were produced using Scandinavian Red Deal lumber, a naturallly very durable stable material loved by craftmen for its workability and many structures still survive today.

    There are now a few producers who make greenhouses from a new Modified timber called as ACCOYA and make beautiful structures. They are a considered investment because of the higher costs but they do however often have very long guarantee of 25 years+ to reward the investment.

     More commonly today, we see smaller domestic greenhouses that are made from all sorts of material including Pressure treated Softwoods, Dip Treated Softwood and most recently 'Thermowood.'  Whilst we would not dismiss such structures it should be noted that all of these WILL require regular treatment (most according to the suppliers need it anually inside and out) This to achieve a reasonable life expectancy or to meet the requirements of the makers guarantee. It is however rewarding to see the timber framed greenhouses once more being a popular choice in the garden.

Below are a few examples of some restoration projects we have completed plus one where the old frame could not be saved but a new frame was constructed using the original glass and brick wall.

If you are interested in restoration of a cedar framed greenhouse then click on the link below.

Do You repair old timber greenhouses ?

We specialise in restoring timber greenhouses and have a wealth of experience with these sort of building. Most of the work involves repairing rotted frames which often need careful dismantling as they become very fragile. Some however involve stained glass, leadwork details and cast metal ironmongery 

We are a joinery workshop and making frames and complex timber parts is what we specialise in. As part of our work we replace glass which we can cut inhouse to size. We can paint the structures as required in an enclosed workshop free from wind and rain. All before return to site and assembly.

As a workshop based joinery company, most of the work we undertake is based on rebuilding structures back to as new using a wide range of specalist machines. With these we can repair damaged frame parts  or fashion ones, rather than a spot repair on site that may last a few years.

Some projects can be quite stunning...

   At an overall size of 45 feet long and 12 feet wide this huge lean-to greenhouse is divided into three seperate growing zones. The steep slope and southerly facing made it ideal for Grapes and peaches as well as a whole host of other kitchen staples. It was severely rotted, the wall had huge cracks in it and the tiled floors were unstable.

    Fully restored it does make quite an impression on visitors.

AS THE CLIENT SAID, 'She is quite the envy of her neighbours....'

Some Greenhouses can be historic and rare survivors of local craftsmen.

A Victorian Vinery, once part of a large London estate now still surviving in the front driveway of a house that was the converted stables and coach store for the manor.

The Client was very keen to see the building and all its unique character restored and the greenhouse made useable again.

So once agin the 'Vinery' nurtures and protects the 100+ year old grapevine it was built for.

The client was away at time of install on a business trip. Her first sight of the greenhouse on her return, so stunned her that she simply emailed  'WOW'.......

Some projects are more 'reasonably sized'

A clients new home purchase included this rather derelict greenhouse that was hanging on thanks to copious amounts of Mastic

Too far gone to save as a frame but reusing The wall and the intact glass we created a new building with more ventilation, greater height and fold down benches.

The client was delighted with the new greenhouse and invited nieghbours round for a Barbeque and 'nibbles' to celebrate it. Planting plans abound as ideas to utilise the space developed.

    These are just a few examples of the work we have undertaken, we hope to show that what we do is sympathetic to the original structure but is also based on best practise and quality material and common sense where costing is concerned. 

     There are many companies that specialise in onsite restoration  and glass replacement or very large structure including commercial greenhouses but this is not an area we cover. 

     These buildings deserve better than the bodged attention of a local handyman and when dealt with properly can give decades more service and add value to a property.