Frequently Asked Questions
Cultivar: Clarity for Your Growing Journey
At Cultivar, we believe planning your greenhouse should be as rewarding as growing in it. Our team brings decades of expertise to every structure we design, and we are here to guide you through every step of the process. From choosing between our premium aluminium and Accoya wood, to preparing the perfect foundation and arranging a precise delivery, every detail matters to us. We have carefully gathered the most common questions our clients ask, ensuring you have the clarity and confidence needed to bring your Cultivar experience to life. Explore the topics below to get started.
Greenhouse Materials and Finishes
Greenhouse Materials and Finishes
What materials are the greenhouses made of?
Our greenhouses are crafted from a choice of high-quality aluminium or long-lasting Accoya Wood ensuring durability, low maintenance, and a timeless aesthetic. We offer a choice of two colours of aluminium, each designed to complement different styles and settings:
Oyster White (RAL 1013) Aluminium
A soft, warm shade with a more traditional feel. This classic colour is especially popular for greenhouses built on a brick base, offering a timeless and elegant look.
Quartz Grey (RAL 7039) Aluminium
A subtle, sophisticated shade that blends effortlessly into garden spaces without trying to be overly green.
Base and Foundation Requirements
Base and Foundation Requirements
Learn how to prepare the perfect groundwork for your structure, from simple concrete footings to detailed brick base dimensions.
What type of foundations or base do I need?
Like everything in life, a good foundation sets you up for success. The same is true for your greenhouse. A stable, well-built base keeps the structure secure, level, and long-lasting so it can weather the seasons and serve you for years to come.
Constructing a Brick Base
If you are planning to build a brick base, precision is everything. We provide a detailed base plan with exact dimensions including width, length, height, and door aperture measurements so you or your builder can ensure the foundation is spot on. Getting these details right from the start will make installation smoother and ensure your greenhouse fits perfectly.
Recommended Base Options
We typically recommend a simple concrete footing. It provides a strong, level surface that will not shift over time. For best results, make the base slightly larger than the greenhouse footprint about an inch or so on each side. This gives you a little tolerance during assembly, making the process easier and more forgiving.
Planning Permission Guidelines
Planning Permission Guidelines
Find out when you might need official approval for your outbuilding, including property coverage limits and height restrictions.
Do I need planning permission for a greenhouse?
In most cases, planning permission is not required to build a greenhouse, as they are typically classified as outbuildings. However, certain conditions may necessitate permission. We recommend consulting the Government Planning Permission Portal to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Land Coverage
The greenhouse should not cover more than half the total area of your property.
Listed Properties
Special regulations apply to listed buildings, which may require permission for any additions.
Height Restrictions
Outbuildings should generally not exceed a height of 2.5 meters when placed with 2 metres of a property boundary.
Delivery, Access and Assembly
Delivery, Access and Assembly
Understand our lead times, site preparation needs, and how our professional installation service ensures a flawless finish.
How do delivery and installation work?
At Cultivar, we strive to make the delivery and installation of your greenhouse as seamless as possible. Upon receiving your order, we promptly confirm the details and provide a comprehensive statement outlining your greenhouse specifications, deposit, and remaining balance. Typically, our lead time for greenhouse delivery and installation ranges from 6 to 8 weeks. If you require a longer timeframe this can be accommodated.
Assembly Services
For customers opting for our fitting service, we typically deliver and install the greenhouse together. We are committed to delivering quality, care, and service without compromise, ensuring that your new greenhouse meets your expectations and provides a lasting addition to your garden.
Access Requirements
Please ensure that the access to your site is clear from obstruction and can accommodate large and heavy items. Ground conditions should be clear and safe for our team. If you have any concerns about site access or preparation, do not hesitate to contact us prior to delivery.
Base Specification
To ensure a smooth installation process, we supply a detailed greenhouse base plan to aid your site preparation. It is crucial that the base is constructed to the correct dimensions and is both flat and level. If you are considering building a dwarf wall, we provide specific advice on the appropriate foundation and sizing.
Built-In Ventilation Systems
Built-In Ventilation Systems
Explore how our automatic roof vents and manual airflow solutions work together to create the ideal growing environment for your plants.
How does the greenhouse ventilation system work?
Good ventilation is essential for a healthy greenhouse, helping to regulate temperature, reduce humidity, and prevent plant diseases. Our greenhouses are designed with built-in ventilation solutions to ensure optimal airflow and the best growing conditions. This advanced ventilation system ensures your greenhouse maintains the perfect balance of temperature and airflow, keeping your plants strong and healthy.
Full-Length Automatic Roof Ventilation
Our greenhouses feature full-length automatic roof vents, which open and close in response to temperature changes. On our planthouses and glass-to-ground models, this works in conjunction with Cultivar unique low-level vents to create a chimney effect. Unlike ordinary greenhouses, this system prevents pockets of warm air from forming, ensuring even airflow throughout.
Optional Manual Vents
Manual vents can be added to the sides of the greenhouse, or on the plain end of the 8 foot and 10.8 foot wide models. On particularly warm days, opening the door along with these vents allows a steady draught to flow through the greenhouse, helping to keep temperatures in check.
