Which one? Rion, Juliana, Sundog, Solexx

I'm in the market for a ~6x8 to 6x10 greenhouse, twinwall or otherwise insulated panels, under (or just slightly over) $1000 price tag. I've found 4 different mfg's who have models that meet these requirements but I'm trying to figure out which one to get. Prices and sizes vary a little bit between them, but they're all close enough to my size and price range that I'll get whichever one is best. The brands are Rion, Sundog, Solexx, and Juliana. I've found a bunch of info about Rion, some good and some bad, but didn't find much on the others so I'm curious of any opinions on whether they're better or worse than Rion (or is there another brand entirely that I should consider?). I don't plan to use the greenhouse in the summer, just the winter, although I don't plan to take it down so if it's going to melt in the heat I need to know about it, but summertime ventilation issues don't matter to me. I also don't care whether I can expand it later or not, the area I have for it won't fit anything bigger than 7x10 so if I run out of room I'll have to buy a second one and find another place for it. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

I do have a Rion. The white is recommended over the green if you have high summer temperatures. I've had a few pieces crack over the year and a half I have had it and they are very good about replacing the pieces but it's still a royal pain to try to work them back in to an assembled unit. The only real problem I have with it, is that the door frame is starting to bow a bit but I did just read that they have improved the door. If you are only looking at the 6' wide model, you may not have that issue as I believe that width only comes with a single door. The 8' wide ones have double doors, hence the problem with bowing. I've written to the customer service manager and she requested pics, which I have sent. I'm waiting to hear back from her.

Unless you really have your heart set on one of the kits, you could build a custom one for less than your price range. I've been eyeballing my little 15x15 barn and pricing new covering for it. I can do 3 sides and the roof in 10mm polycarb for about $1000. That would be twice the size of what you are looking at and I already have the structure.

Of course I always argue with myself about adding on to the length of my Rion or starting over with a larger model. I'll need a commercial one soon. I did manage to produce several thousand plants this year from my Rion. :)

Thanks! I do have my heart set on a kit--"assembly" is fine with me, but "building" is not--I have a rather pathetic collection of tools and don't really have the skills to build something myself. If I had a structure like a shed to use as a starting point I would consider it, but I don't. Plus I'm limited to that size by the area I'm putting it in (it's about a 7' wide area between my deck and my fence, and after about 11' it starts to drop off down a hill) so I wouldn't get a bigger greenhouse that way either. I will also remember what you said about the white instead of the green--I think a couple of the other kits had color options too so that's probably true for them as well.

If I was going to say one thing at all about Rion, it would be that their customer service is absolutely the best. I may change my mind in a couple of days. LOL

Above I mentioned my door bowing....I also had a roof vent blow off but forgot to mention that above. I had not heard from the company by Friday so I wrote back to them. I was told by the customer service manager that she is trying to get approval to send me a whole new greenhouse????

Seriously, they have always been very good at replacing parts and getting them out right away. The above totally shocked me. Visions of a 20+ foot greenhouse are dancing in my head but I could be smacked back to reality with an email in the morning. LOL

If they send you a whole new greenhouse, then I think I've made up my mind which one I'm getting!

LOL Hopefully I'll get an email tomorrow. Cool weather is sneaking up on me and I don't cherish the thought!

There are several others here at DG that have Rions. I was hoping you would have had more replies by now.

ACAgapePlants, 2pugfogs, Terry and a couple others have them now.

I've read most of the threads on this forum about Rion, I was actually hoping to get a little more info on some of the others because I didn't find much info on them when I searched here. But I guess maybe nobody has those, so I should take that as a sign!

I'm fairly certain poppysue bought a Julianna but I have not seen her post in quite some time. I've not heard of Sundog. Even though I have heard of Solexx, I can't think of anyone that has one. I have personally told people I don't think I would buy the Rion as a professional model but I think it's pretty nice for the price. You have to also take into account, the whole thing is plastic. It also is fairly short which is why I built mine on top of two runs of railroad ties. There is a base that is optional with it or included in some sales. Make sure you really check prices. Rions are available from Sams (usually free shipping), Target, Home Depot, Ebay and a few other places. Some include more options than others. There are hobby models at 6' wide and the pro models at 8' wide.

Thanks! I definitely appreciate all your help! The Rion is the one that I've found some price variation for so if I get it I'll definitely shop around and see who has the best deal. The others aren't available quite as many places and the prices are pretty consistent between them. And most of the places that I found all of them at had free shipping. I am planning to buy the base for whichever one I get, just so that it's anchored into the ground a bit better to stand up to wind, etc.

Hi! I just purchased a Rion 20' and we are in the process of putting it together. My husband is impressed of how it is put together and is actually enjoying it. All the boxes were really scary when we first opened them. But they are all put together by number.
I did a lot of price researching and found Target to be the best price. I have to say that I didn't check the smaller ones. Target usually run a 10% off special almost weekly, make sure you get that. Shipping included in the price was only like $57.00 for the 20'. The whole set up was about $2047.00 total including shipping, even cheaper than quoted (tax). Targets came with 5 windows and 1 louver as to where most only come with 2 windows standard. Sam's has the cheaper automatic vent openers and tables. It did not come with a shade cloth but I am in the process of looking for one. I understand for this size I have to buy 2 because they don't make them for this particular size. I waited and tried to do my homework on price searching. I think this was the best value so far. I can hardly wait to get it all up and running.
Teresa

I believe the last time I looked, www.wormsway.com had the best price on the shade cloth. I think it was like $69 for the one that will cover the 8x12. It's been more than a year since I looked but that was the one that looked like what I bought with my Rion. I purchased mine directly from Systems Trading Corp (the importers). I saved a great deal on the unit but had to pay shipping.

Wow! I checked out their web site and the 12 x 12 is only $49.00 + 8.00 shipping. Is it made of the same stuff? S & H is only $10.00 for 2.
Thanks for the info!
T

That is a very good price. It's not the shade cloth that Rion sells or that "goes with" the Rion. Worms Way did have the same one. It's a metallic looking silver weaved fabric. If you look up greenhouse shade cloth on google, you will get lots of hits. Many now offer it buy the foot and you can have it cut to length.

Hi Ecrane3,
I have the Rion16' white greenhouse. I like it alot, before that I had the Harbor Freight 6X8. The Harbor Freight might be something to think about, the right size for you and inexpensive, I got the Rion because the H.F wasn't big enough for me.
I really like the Rion, I live in Concord so if you would like to take a look before you buy just let me know.
Linda

Linda, Thanks! I looked at the Harbor Freight, but it doesn't have the twin wall which I want so that I can heat the greenhouse during the winter...at least the website didn't make it sound like it had that, sounded like you had to add extra insulation if you wanted to heat it. Otherwise it would be in the running too just because of the price...although I recall reading stuff either here or on that "other" gardening website that they are a bit tricky to put together) I've seen a smaller Rion in person about a year ago so I have a good feel what they look like but I definitely appreciate the offer to come see yours!

Ecrane3,

The Harbor Freight does have twinwalls. For a 6 x8 you'll pay around $300. + taxes. If you aren't near one of their stores then you'll also have shipping.
I'm getting their 10 x 12 model and that will run me about $700. after tax. I have two of their stores near me so I won't have to pay for shipping.

MollyD

I'll definitely have to look at it again then, the info I found on it the first time around (can't remember if it was their website or someone's feedback on it here or on Gardenweb) it sounded to me like you needed to provide extra insulation if you wanted the ability to heat it but if that's not the case then I will definitely look into it! I don't think there are any stores near me, but even if I have to pay shipping it's still going to be cheaper than the others.

Hi ecrane3,
I was happy to see this thread since I've been considering either the Rion or the Harbor Freight 10x12. The Rion looks impressive, but I'm also tempted by the very low price of the HFGH.

However, there are quite a few folks saying that you need to make modifications to the 10x12 HFGH in order to make it durable enough to handle winds (add bracing, secure panels with screws, purchase longer bolts, etc.) And, some folks have reported unhappy adventures with missing parts, and you may not be able to rely on Harbor Freight to help resolve those problems. My husband is pretty handy with metal, so we may still decide to tackle the HFGH along with the strenthening modifications/adventures, but you might want to check out some of the nitty gritty details to help you decide. I'd never refer folks away from DG for any reason (love it here!) but for some reason there are a huge number of posts about this greenhouse at Garden Web. If you go there and do a search for HFGH 10x12, you'll find three pages of threads. Lots of reading but at least you'll be forewarned about possible future adventures. Personally, I can handle adversity, but I hate surprises!

Also, I have not come across any concerns about the need for additional insulation at all, but I'm still plowing through posts and photos...
Sheri

That must be where I saw the negative feedback on putting it together and other problems--I couldn't remember if it was here or there (I like DG much better of course, but do go over "there" every so often to check things out!). I didn't read it in too much detail because that wasn't one of the greenhouses on my list, but from the bits I did read, it did look like quite an adventure. But for less than half the price of the others I might be up for an adventure if it really does have the twin wall!

Yes, the price is the seductive part; the adventures are the scary part! If we could modify it to be a strong structure, then I'd have more money to start equipping it with the other necessities. Here in my hot environment, I'm more worried about the venting/cooling issues than heating. So I'm also trying to watch for ways that people have modified the HFGH to include additional windows or vents.

The polycarbonate (twin wall) panels on the HFGH are attached with clips, so it should be possible to remove some side panels during the summer months, to use the structure more like a shade house. But our wind here can be terrible, and (according to posts) I can’t trust the panels in the winter if they aren't secured in a permanent manner (screwed and/or caulked in.) Maybe I could modify some of the side panels with hinges so lower sections could be opened. But then I wonder how much money I’m saving over custom building if I make tons of modifications? More thinking required…!

I looked at the HF GH myself a couple of years ago. The price is and was mighty appealing. I don't have any personal experience with it but I hear the instructions are a bear! They are so bad in fact, people have posted additions to them and I see links to the "improved" directions all the time. LOL Apparently the makers of the greenhouse are not listening to their customers.

I still do lots of reading on greenhouses, mine and other models. You can never have to much information. I saw someone post that the windows blew out of their Rion. I have no idea how that is even possible if it is put together right and the rubber seal is used. By the time you get the stuff crammed in, you are lucky if you are not bleeding and raw! LOL It's not horribly easy to get it back out either! My roof vents on the other hand...one did blow OFF and cracked on top. The other is slightly cracked.

I have the 6x8 HF greenhouse and love it. I did not caulk the panels in and would still like to do that. Mine does have some air leaks - but caulk would plug them. We mounted ours on a 12 in high frame- and it does make it nicer to stand up in. I don't keep things in there in the winter, but stick things out in April. I only end up using it for about 6 wks. For me it was the ticket. and what you've heard about the directions is right. But we ended up getting it together!! HF does offer 20% off discounts too - found in their ads

Actually the HFGH makers have been listening to the complaints. Those who put theirs up later on have had better instructions than those who did them first.
The so called missing parts have usually been found not to be missing at all but rather that the instructions listed parts that simply did not exist.

btw the main problems have been with the 10 x 12, not the 6 x 8. Few people have complained about the 6 x 8 ( not to say that none have since some folks are all thumbs). If you read the links you'll find that everyone who built a 6 x 8 loves their GH. The 10 x 12 is another story. That one will require a great deal of skill and fudging with. We're up for the challenge since you just can't get that type of GH for the money. One person who modified his feels he ended up with the equivalent of a $3000. GH for far less money.

Molly

Very good news indeed!

You are going to find good and bad with everything. That is why I keep looking and reading. I really need a commercial size greenhouse and I keep reading the info out there to see what new things are out and what changes have been made to existing models and materials.

The Rion is not without fault. It also has some gaps for too much air exchange, mostly in the door and also where the roof meets the top of the walls. I taped foam insulation to mine in the spring when I was starting seeds and rooting cuttings. They send you some foam tape but not enough to fill all the gaps in my opinion.

I literally turned out thousands of plants from my 8x12, using shelves four high, a table and anything else I could put flats on! My greenhouse is set on top of 2 rows of railroad ties to give me an 16" in height. When my greenhouse was filled, I built a cattle panel hoophouse that was 26x9 and I filled it too. LOL Thank goodness it started warming up by then and I was able to start forcing plants outside!

We got the Harbor Freight 6x8 early this year. I waited until it went on sale for $299 and then used the 20% off one item coupon so it ended up being very reasonable. My Dh and I put it together using the directions we found on Garden Web. DH wasn't thrilled with those directions and said he would have written them differently but he is a perfectionist :) We did refer to the directions that came with the greehouse a couple times just to double check things.. Anyway.. it took a couple hours to get the thing put together but I didn' think that was bad. We used 6x6 ceder for the base and anchored that to the ground. It gave it a bit more height and stability. I have loved it. It really warms up in there. my veggie seedlings loved it. I am going to see how warm it stays this winter
We just have the clips on the panels but you can silicone them in for a more air tight fit. If I were going to heat in the winter I would definately caulk.
I really love mine

Molly, your research parallels mine almost exactly. If I buy one, maybe we can provide emotional support for each other!

Does anyone know how long Harbor Freight traditionally keeps these greenhouses on sale? The 10x12 is on sale now for $599, but I don't think we can tackle the project immediately. If we decide to go Harbor Freight instead of Rion, I could buy it and set it aside for a while. Does anyone know if Harobor Freight generally raises the price back up as we head closer to winter?

Sheri (still flip-flopping)

I may have answered my own question...I called HF and they said "we cannot say if the sale will last for another hour, another day, or another week."

Oldmudhouse,

I don't how long HF keeps them on sale but they ran this same sale in their August flyer so it's not unique to this month. I would get mine now but two things are stopping me . A ) I won't have the money till October and B) I'm trying to find one of those 20% coupons. I signed up for their flyers and email but nothing so far.
I've been researching this the better part of this year and so far this seems to be the best buy. I've read what folks with much more expensive GH's have to say and they aren't any better off than I will be with a HFGH. I know I'm going to enjoy the challenge of getting it up and ready. I'm into construction and my BF is very handy and has just about every tool in creation . Between us I think we can build anything.
I'm thinking of adding the insulated plastic on the ceiling inside to keep heat lower down plus getting the solar pool cover to insulate the outside. I figure that duct tape and cinder blocks should hold it in place.
In the meantime I keep working at draining the old swimming pool we removed to put the GH in. It's slow going though I've removed the metal frame and now only have the middle of the liner left to deal with. And a lot of water that I'm slowly pumping away.

MollyD

It's good sales on their part Oldmudhouse but their flyer says the sale is till September 25th ! The law says they have to honor what they put in print.

Molly

Hi Molly, thank you for the info. I also signed up for their communications. So far I did receive one 10% off coupon in a flyer (good thru 10/9), but no 20%. I guess it's decision time for me soon. Good luck with your swimming pool demolition!
Sheri

Thanks!

Hope I get a coupon off before I go to buy mine. Did yours come in the flyer or via email?

Molly

Mine's a coupon on the flyer.

I think mine came via email. Also once you have the harbor freight you can upgrade the panels.. Not through harbor freight but I know farmtec sells double and triple wall poly and you could measure your panels see what you need..go guesstamate the cost and start saving and selling off farmland.. ;}

Thanks to all of you for the advice on greenhouse choices...unfortunately, I'm going to disappoint all of you and go with the Sundog greenhouse! I'm not sure if that's even the real name, yesterday when I was looking around I found what looked to be the same greenhouse under a couple other names too, so I think it's some other mfg who sells their kits to a bunch of different places. Here's a link to it so you can see what it looks like:
http://www.advancegreenhouses.com/sundog_greenhouses_from_advance.htm

The main reason why I'm going with it is actually a matter of width--I thought I had 7 feet of space to put the greenhouse in, but yesterday I realized that I have a pole and footing for supporting my upstairs balcony that extends into this area, so unfortunately that knocks a foot off my width, and there's no way anything over 6' wide is going to fit. So that eliminated Rion, Juliana, and Solexx because they're all a bit over 6' wide! The Harbor Freight would still fit, but I'm not feeling totally good about it--I can't find anywhere on their website that it's twin wall polycarbonate, and every other greenhouse that has twin wall seems to advertise that fact, and also the price range it's in suggests that it's not twin wall, I've seen some others close to the HF price which are not twin wall, and the cheap range for twin wall greenhouses that size seems to be $700-$1200, so makes you wonder why it's so much cheaper!

Since this is one that nobody seems to have any experience with, I'll definitely start a new thread once I get it and share my experience!

OK.. I hope that its a great greenhouse for you.. But FYI on the harbor freight. I know it's twinwall because I have one:) it's pretty obvious when you see the panels themselves. Don't know why they don't advertise the fact. I remember being concerned about that myself but after I talked to people who already had them I found that it was indeed twinwall

I guess it really is then! I wonder why they don't advertise it? Seems kind of strange. The Sundog one fits into the space a bit better though, it's 5' wide and 9' long, and I've got more room to spare on the length than on the width so I think it'll work a bit better in the area I have. Plus it's a little taller, so as my tropical trees grow it'll take longer before they run out of room!

Sounds good! I think I have pics of mine while we were setting up somewhere on this thread.. I'll see if I can find it http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/589652/

Congratulations ecrane3, it must be a good feeling to have reached a decision! I know that space to fit is one aspect you can't ignore...(I wish I could just scooch one of my pecan trees about 5 feet north.) I agree the HF site doesn't do a good job of telling you much of anything about construction details. If it wasn't for the good folks on internet forums, I'd be pretty much in the dark on specifics.

Jazzpunkin, thank you for the observation about being to upgrade the polycarbonate panels. I don't have any farm land to start selling :-) but that's a good thing to keep in mind!

Bummer on the space requirements but CONGRATS on making a choice!! :)

You are welcome oldmudhouse :) I really don't know what they cost anymore..I looked once when I had dreams of influencing my DH to build me one from scratch