Essence & Balance Greenhouse Model Comparison

What is the difference between the Essence and Balance Greenhouses?

Same Different
  • Frame and Shape
  • Snow Load
  • Wind Resistance
  • Colour Options
  • Size Options (not all sizes are available at all times)

Panels (see table below)

  • Translucent Twin-Wall Polycarbonate Panels = decreased light transmission and increased heat retention
    • Essence (twin-wall roof and twin-wall walls)
    • Balance (twin-wall roof)
  • Clear Polycarbonate Panels = increased light transmission and decreased heat retention
Models

Essence

Essence 8x12 Silver Greenhouse

Balance

Balance 8x12 Silver Greenhouse

Roof Panels

  • 4mm Translucent Twin-Wall Polycarbonate
  • 82% Light Transmission
  • Essence Twin-Wall Roof Panel
  • 4mm Translucent Twin-Wall Polycarbonate
  • 82% Light Transmission
  • Balance Twin-Wall Roof Panel

Wall Panels

  • 4mm Translucent Twin-Wall Polycarbonate
  • 82% Light Transmission
  • Essence Twin-Wall Side Wall
  • 0.7mm Crystal Clear Polycarbonate
  • 90% Light Transmission
  • Balance Clear Side Wall

The Long Answer

Both models use the same aluminum frame structure and share the same shape. The Essence and Balance Greenhouses both have the same Snow Load (75kg/m² | 15.4lbs/ft²) and wind resistance capacities (90km/hr | 56mph).

They differ in their wall panels and, therefore, in their light transmission, heat retention, and appearance.

The Essence is made with twin-wall polycarbonate panels for both the walls and roof, which creates a more insulated greenhouse with higher heat retention. The panels are more opaque, and you can only see the outline of what is inside the greenhouse when looking from the outside.

The Balance is a hybrid design, with twin-wall polycarbonate panels on the roof and clear polycarbonate panels for the walls. It is semi-opaque on the roof and semi-transparent on the walls. You can see most of what is inside the greenhouse from the outside, while the diffused roof light reduces hot spots and harsh shadows on your plants.

When deciding between the Essence and Balance Greenhouse models, it comes down to aesthetic preferences, light transmission, and heat retention for your specific needs.

Comparison Table

Models

Essence 8

Essence 8 Greenhouse

Balance 8

Balance 8 Greenhouse

Sizes Available (ft) N/A 8x8
8x12 8x12
8x16 8x16
8x20 8x20
Extendable YES (in 4ft increments) YES (in 4ft increments)
Roof Height at Peak (inches) 90 90
Door Height (inches) 76.5 76.5
Door Width (inches) 45 (double doors) 45 (double doors)
Eaves Height (inches) 49 49
Width (inches) 96 96
Frame Rust-resistant aluminum Rust-resistant aluminum
Frame Color Silver, Grey Silver, Grey
Side Panels Translucent 4mm Twin-Wall Polycarbonate Crystal Clear Polycarbonate
Roof Panels Translucent 4mm Twin-Wall Polycarbonate Translucent 4mm Twin-Wall Polycarbonate
Doors Hinged double doors with a low threshold Hinged double doors with low threshold
Magnetic door catch and lockable handle Magnetic door catch and lockable handle
Base Galvanized steel base included Galvanized steel base included
Rain Gutter Dual rain gutters Dual rain gutters
Includes 2 Manual Roof Vents 2 Manual Roof Vents
Optional Accessories Anchoring Kit Anchoring Kit
Automatic Louver Opener Automatic Louver Opener
Automatic Vent Opener Automatic Vent Opener
Drip Irrigation Kit Drip Irrigation Kit
Fan Heater Fan Heater
Heavy Duty Shelf Kit Heavy Duty Shelf Kit
Side Louver Window Silver Side Louver Window Silver
Plant Hangers Plant Hangers
Shade Kit Shade Kit
Steel Work Bench Steel Work Bench
Trellising Kit Pro Trellising Kit Pro
Twin Shelf Kit Twin Shelf Kit
Two-Tier Staging Two-Tier Staging
Wind Resistance 90km/hr (100km/hr with Optional Anchoring Kit) 90km/hr (100km/hr with Optional Anchoring Kit)
Snow Load 15.4lbs/ft² | 75kg/m² 15.4lbs/ft² | 75kg/m²
Light Transmission - Roof 82% 82%
Light Transmission - Walls 82% 90%
Warranty 5 years 5 years

All specifications are subject to change without notice. Canada Greenhouse Kits©