Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about choosing a greenhouse, assembly, foundations, shipping and returns. Still stuck? Contact us or use the live chat.
General Questions
Why shop with Canada Greenhouse Kits?
Canada Greenhouse Kits is a Family Owned and Operated Canadian Business that started in 2007. As the first certified supplier of Palram-Canopia and Rion products in Canada, we take pride in consistently offering reliability, great value, and exceptional customer service. We take customer feedback to heart and always aim to provide the best experience for our customers. Our years of experience and our desire to grow allows us to be a leader in the greenhouse kits industry.
Browse our full range of Palram-Canopia greenhouses and Rion greenhouses.
I'm having difficulty assembling the greenhouse, who do I contact?
To speak with someone for support during the assembly process, contact the manufacturer, Palram-Canopia. Their information can be found in your greenhouse manual.
They can assist you if you are stuck on any steps, or if you have difficulty connecting pieces.
Do you offer installation services?
No, we sell products exclusively online and do not offer installation services. All our Canopia/Palram products are designed as DIY kits. The assembly manual is on each specific product page, so you can see exactly what is involved before you buy.
Who do I contact for my warranty?
The Palram-Canopia Distribution Center in Canada. Their information is provided in the greenhouse manual.
Is there somewhere I can see your greenhouse in person?
We do not have a location where you can see the greenhouses in person.
Due to the size of the greenhouses, they are not on display in store.
As well, we are unable to share the address of our existing customers as we have strict privacy policies in place.
What you can do instead: read the customer ratings and reviews on each greenhouse product page, and see where we have sold and shipped greenhouses across Canada.
What does it mean if it says "This product is currently out of stock and unavailable."?
This means that we currently do not have any stock of that item, and we are unsure when our new stock will arrive.
You may fill in your email address in the specified box, and we will notify you when it is either available for pre-order or back in stock.
In the meantime, browse everything currently available in Palram-Canopia greenhouses or check our greenhouses on sale.
What are the major differences between the greenhouse’s series?
Greenhouse series differ in their glazing types, frame material, size and available accessories.
Clear polycarbonate provides maximum light transmission, whereas twin-wall provides high insulation and transmits 70% diffused light that protects from strong sunlight exposure.
Hybrid glazing greenhouses have twin-wall roof panels and clear walls, which practically provide light diffusion and a clear view sideways.
Aluminum frame is light and compact, whereas the PVC resin frame of Rion greenhouses has excellent insulation.
I have a missing or damaged part. How do I get a replacement?
We’re sorry to hear that! To get this resolved quickly, you must submit your request using our official Parts & Warranty Form. Please note: We require photos of the damage and the part number from your manual to process your claim.
Can I pick up my order from your warehouse?
Yes! Our warehouse is located in Mississauga, Ontario. If you would like to pick up your order to save on shipping, please contact us first before placing your order.
Because our greenhouse kits vary significantly in size and weight, we need to determine the specific pickup discount available for the product you are interested in. Once verified, we will provide you with the correct discount code.
Important: Please do not arrive at the warehouse until you receive an email confirming your order is "Ready for Pickup."
What is your return policy?
We accept returns of unopened, unassembled kits within 30 days of receipt. However, please be aware that return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility, and a 30% restocking fee applies to all returns. We cannot accept returns on items that have been partially or fully assembled. Please review our full Return Policy before purchasing.
What should I do if the box arrives damaged?
Please do not refuse the delivery. If the box shows signs of damage, accept the shipment but ensure the driver notes the damage on the delivery receipt. Then, verify the contents against your manual. If any parts are actually damaged or missing, submit a request via our Parts & Warranty Form, and we will send replacements free of charge. Refusing the shipment will significantly delay your assembly.
Is the item I want in stock?
Our website inventory is updated in real-time. If the "Add to Cart" button is available, the item is in stock. If it is sold out, the website will indicate this. We do not have access to hidden inventory beyond what is shown online.
Browse all our greenhouse kits to see what is available right now.
Product Questions
Which greenhouse should I choose?
As you can imagine, this is a common question, and the answer varies based on what greenhouse elements are most important to you.
If you would rather answer a few questions and get a shortlist, try our Greenhouse Selector, or read Which Greenhouse Should I Buy?
Our Mythos-Hybrid-Harmony Comparison Page, Palram-Canopia and Rion Model Comparison Table, breaks down the differences between models.
The key differences between models are the frame, panels, colours, sizes, and accessories.
Frame - The different frame structures result in different snow loads and wind loads. These needs will vary depending on your location and weather patterns in your area. As well, different frames have different roof heights, eaves heights, and door sizes.
Panels - The polycarbonate panels come in different thicknesses and opacity. This impacts the light transmission into the greenhouse, and the insulation. Thicker panels offer more insulation and less light transmission, while thinner panels offer less insulation and more light transmission. This also impacts the appearance, as some people prefer clear panels and some prefer translucent.
Colour - The different models come in different colours (i.e. grey, silver, and green). Deciding on colour is based on preference. While the process to coat the greenhouse varies, it does not change the structure or function of the greenhouses.
Size - We have a wide range of greenhouse sizes to suit most spaces. To decide on size, determine the area where you would like to place your greenhouse, and what you plan to grow inside. Browse by width: 6 ft. wide, 8 ft. wide, 10 ft. wide and 12 ft. wide greenhouses.
Accessories - Different models include different accessories and are specified on the product pages. Accessories can also be added from the accessories pages. Be sure to select Palram-Canopia Accessories for Palram-Canopia Greenhouses, and Rion Accessories for Rion Greenhouses.
Based on all of the factors mentioned, the price will vary.
We hope this helps you in choosing your perfect greenhouse!
Which greenhouse retains the most heat?
The thickness of panels range from 0.7mm to 10mm, with the 10mm panels offering the most insulation.
Take a look at the Side Panels and Roof Panels section of our Palram-Canopia and Rion Model Comparison Table to see the differences.
The 10mm twin-wall panels are used on the 6 ft. wide Glory greenhouse and the 8 ft. wide Glory greenhouse series.
Are Palram greenhouses all-weather, including the winter?
Palram-Canopia Greenhouses can be used year-round, however there are several factors to consider. The two main factors are weather and plants. What are the plants you want to grow and how much heat or cold can they handle? No matter where you live, greenhouses can be 20-40 degrees hotter inside during the day, and at night they will be the same temperature as the outdoors. This is without any supplemental heating or cooling. Depending on where you live, heating and / or cooling your greenhouse can make the difference, and there will be a cost associated with regulating the temperature. If you need to heat or cool your greenhouse in extreme weather conditions, you may want to consider a twin-wall greenhouse such as the Palram-Canopia Glory Greenhouse which has a 10mm polycarbonate covering.
See our All-Season Growing guide for what year-round use looks like in a Canadian winter.
How easy it is to assemble Palram-Canopia kits?
Palram-Canopia kits are specifically designed for DIY assembly. Large products can usually be assembled by two handy people. Follow the assembly instructions carefully. Work gloves are strongly recommended when sliding panels. Always wear shoes and safety goggles when working with extruded aluminum.
The assembly manual for each model is on its own product page, so you can read it before you buy.
What does Modular System mean?
If you see the symbol on a product page, that indicates the greenhouse is a Modular System.
This means the greenhouse will arrive in several modules/units, and is assembled into one unit.
Click here to see our Modular System page for more information.
Where should I build my greenhouse?
The location of your greenhouse is very important as it will dictate how much light it gets.
The ideal location for your greenhouse is all based on how you plan to use it. Our Gardening Information page discusses this in more detail (click here).
If you intend to grow plants to maturity, or grow in fall and winter, maximizing sunlight is vital. The first choice of location would be south or southeast of your home or other structures that may obstruct light. A southern location will provide the most amount of light, but may require shading in the summer. The next best choice would be east of your home or structures, as it will capture more November to February sunlight than other positions. The least desirable position would be the north side of your home or structures, as it will provide the least amount of sunlight. A greenhouse location that provides full sun exposure in the summer, may be covered by shade in the winter.
Our guide to selecting a greenhouse site covers sun exposure, drainage and access in more detail.
Do I need to mount my greenhouse to a base?
Yes! It is very important to mount your greenhouse to a base, and there are several ways this can be done.
We also stock mounting base kits made to fit specific models.
Is it necessary to prepare a level foundation for a greenhouse?
The stability and long-term usability of a greenhouse relies heavily on the preparation of a firm foundation for placement and fixing. Foundation must be level and sized to match the product’s dimensions with room to spare for access and ventilation. The lack of a firm foundation may result in product warping, window or door not closing properly, damaged frame and failing of the product in high winds and extreme weather conditions. The foundation must also be able to drain out the water to prevent stagnation and promotion of algae, insects etc. The surface must be solid, such as concrete ground/slabs or asphalt. The screws and anchors must be compatible with surface type. A ground cover is highly recommended before installing any kind of foundation. If your site has high moisture content you will need to install a vapor barrier, a 6 mm black plastic.
If you install a greenhouse on a ground with low moisture content, it is highly recommended to use a ground cover or weed barrier, which will allow water to drain through the fabric while keeping weeds from growing.
See our Greenhouse Foundation Guide for worked examples.
Do your greenhouses come with a floor/base?
Most of the greenhouses do not come with a floor/base.
Several of our models do come with a base, and it will be specified on the product page that it is included.
If your model does not include one, see our mounting base kits.
Where can I find snow and wind resistance information?
We include snow load and wind resistance in the Specifications section on our product pages.
Palram-Canopia may change this information without notice, and therefore the most up to date specifications can be found on the assembly instruction cover page of every relevant product. Assembly instructions are supplied with each product and are also available for download from the respective product page.
To turn a snow load rating into inches of snow for your area, use our snow load calculator and snow density table.
How can accessories contribute to greenhouse gardening?
Greenhouse accessories can help you make the most of your greenhouse space by customizing it to your specific needs; making gardening more efficient, productive and approachable. Clear floor room by using shelves, use additional vents and louvres with manual or automatic openers to stabilize heat and humidity levels. For the complete listing please visit our Palram-Canopia accessories and Rion accessories pages.
How do I clean my Greenhouse?
1. Use Gentle Cleaning Agents:
- Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like acetone, abrasive cleaners, or high-alkaline products, as they can damage the polycarbonate panels.
2. Employ Soft Cleaning Tools:
- Use a soft sponge or cloth made from 100% cotton.
- Microfiber cloths are excellent for trapping dirt without scratching the surface.
3. Rinse Thoroughly:
- After cleaning, rinse the panels with cold, clean water to remove any detergent residue.
- Dry with a soft cotton cloth to prevent water spots.
4. Avoid Certain Cleaning Methods:
- Do not use pressure washers, as the high pressure can damage the panels.
- Avoid using scouring pads or sharp objects, which can scratch the polycarbonate.
5. Regular Maintenance:
- Clean your greenhouse panels at least once or twice a year, or more frequently if you notice buildup of dirt, algae, or mold.
Regular cleaning helps maintain light transmission and the overall appearance of your greenhouse. See About Polycarbonate for why these panels need gentle cleaners.
Can the products be modified?
Palram-Canopia/Rion kits are designed as complete products and are not meant to be modified.
Only the specified accessories that are designed for the products can be used.
Making modifications is solely at the customer’s responsibility and will void the warranty.
What is a light deprivation greenhouse?
A light deprivation greenhouse is one that enables a growing technique that controls how much and how often plants receive light. It can be accomplished by using blackout material to cover the plants, simulating different seasonal changes. Best plants for this type of growing include:
Asters, Cannabis, Christmas Cactus, Cosmos, Mums, Poinsettias, Zinnias
Do you do custom projects?
No, all of our products are sold as shown online. Accessories can be added to best suit your needs.
Can two greenhouses be put together to form a larger one?
No, this is not an option. Some greenhouse models do have extension kits to increase the size — you will find them listed with the Palram-Canopia accessories and Rion accessories.
Can the greenhouse be disassembled if moving to another house?
Yes, it can be disassembled, relocated, and reassembled at a different location.
Is it possible to add an additional door, or can I put the door in a different position?
No, this is not an option. The installation manual will specify where the door can be installed.
What size timber should I use for a wood foundation?
If you are building a treated wood base, you must use 6x6 lumber. Please do not use 4x4s or landscape ties, as they do not meet the mounting base specifications for width or stability. You can view our Mounting Base Foundation Suggestions here, or buy a ready-made mounting base kit.
Can I leave my greenhouse up all winter?
Yes, Palram-Canopia greenhouses are designed for year-round use. However, you must be mindful of the snow load rating specific to your model (found on the product page). We recommend keeping the roof clear of heavy snow accumulation using a soft roof rake to prevent damage.
Use our snow load calculator to translate that rating into inches of snow, and see All-Season Growing for winter growing tips.
What greenhouse sizes do you offer?
We offer greenhouses in 6, 8, 10, and 12 foot widths to fit different spaces and growing goals.
- 6 ft wide (compact, ideal for small spaces): Mythos, Hybrid, Harmony, EcoGrow — see 6 ft wide greenhouses
- 8 ft wide (versatile, ideal for most home gardens): Essence, Balance, Bella — see 8 ft wide greenhouses
- 10 ft wide (spacious, for serious gardeners): Balance, Victory Orangery — see 10 ft wide greenhouses
- 12 ft wide (largest, for residential or commercial use) — see 12 ft wide greenhouses
When can I install my greenhouse accessories?
Compatible greenhouse accessories can be installed at any time during the assembly process. You can also add accessories after the greenhouse is fully built, so you can start with a basic kit and expand later as your gardening needs grow.
Browse Palram-Canopia accessories and Rion accessories.
Gardening Questions
When should I start planting seeds?
The answer to this depends on where you are located and what type of seeds you are planting. Our Gardening Information page is a good starting point, and our Vegetable Planting Guide lists sowing times crop by crop. Together they cover Plant Hardiness Zones in Canada, and ideal temperatures for seed germination.
What temperature is ideal for gardening?
This all depends on what you are planting specifically. For most plants, optimum temperatures range between 15-30°C (60-86°F), but there is a lot of variation, so it is best to research the specific items you are planning to grow. See our Vegetable Planting Guide and Gardening Information page for more detail.
It's too hot in my greenhouse. What do you recommend I do?
To keep your greenhouse cooler, you can consider the following options:
- Ventilation: Open vents at the top and sides to allow hot air to escape and cooler air to flow in. An automatic louver vent opener does this for you without opening and closing them manually.
- Shading: Install shading cloth or mesh on the roof and sides to block direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day — our interior shade kit is made for this. You can also use reflective materials on the exterior to reduce heat buildup.
- Misting or Spraying: Set up a misting system or periodically spray the plants with water to cool down the temperature inside the greenhouse.
- Insulation: If you have a structure that traps heat too easily, consider using insulating materials like bubble wrap or thermal screens during the hotter months.
- Cool Soil: Adding a layer of mulch to the soil can help keep it cooler and reduce heat radiating into the air.
- Placement: If possible, move the greenhouse to a location with some natural shade or use tall plants or structures nearby to shield it from the sun.
Implementing a combination of these methods can significantly reduce the heat in your greenhouse and create a better environment for your plants.
Do I need the Greenhouse Shade Kit for my greenhouse?
Whether you need the Greenhouse Shade Kit depends on the growing conditions you’re aiming for in your greenhouse. The Shade Kit is particularly helpful if you’re looking to:
- Reduce heat buildup and create a more controlled environment for your plants.
- Protect your plants from direct sunlight, especially during the hotter months or in regions with intense sun exposure.
- Add flexibility by easily repositioning the shade as the seasons change or as you grow different crops.
If you're growing plants that are sensitive to extreme heat or direct sunlight, the Shade Kit can be a great addition to your greenhouse. However, if your greenhouse is naturally shaded or you’re in a cooler climate, you may not need it.
About Polycarbonate
What is polycarbonate?
Polycarbonates are a group of thermoplastic polymers. Their strength and toughness allows them to be used as engineering plastics. They have superior service temperature range, impact resistance, and optical quality.
See our About Polycarbonate page for more information - click here.
Protection against UV exposure?
Actually there are 3 kinds of UV rays: UVC, UVB & UVA
The harmful UVC & UVB rays are blocked up to 100%
The UVA which is partially beneficial for plants growing is blocked up to 95%
What material are the clear greenhouse panels made of, is it glass?
The panels are not made of glass, they are made of polycarbonates (engineered plastics).
See “What is polycarbonate” above for more information.
What is the difference between the 4mm and .7mm panels?
The 4mm twin-wall panels appear translucent and allow approximately 80-82% light transmission. click to view
The .7mm polycarbonate panels appear transparent/clear. They allow more light through, approximately 90% light transmission, than the 4mm twin-wall panels. click to view
Surprisingly, while the .7mm panels are thinner, they contain more material than the 4mm panels. It takes an additional vacuum form process to create the .7mm panels, which changes the appearance and adds to the strength of the panels.
What is the temperature range of the polycarbonate panels?
The polycarbonate roof panels can withstand temperatures from −40 °C (−40 °F) to 87.8 °C (190 °F)
Does polycarbonate provide or require UV protection?
Polycarbonate inherently absorbs up to 100% of harmful UV radiation; it provides complete protection but in order to maintain its properties and integrity for many years it needs to be protected. Palram-Canopia Polycarbonate panels for exterior use have an embedded UV protective layer that must be installed outwards facing the sun. Twin-wall or multi-wall panels have a “This side out” marking; please make sure you install them accordingly and remove the marking after installation.
What advantages do polycarbonate greenhouses have over glass greenhouses?
Polycarbonate panels withstand extreme weather conditions due to their strength and flexibility.
They do not shatter, making them safer than glass, especially around children.
The low weight of the panels -- less than 1kg - makes the greenhouse easy to deliver, handle, assemble and also relocate - an assembled 6x8 harmony greenhouse weighs less than 45kg.
Polycarbonate shields from the harmful effects of UV radiation and protects everything inside the greenhouse: people, plants, pots, tools etc.
See our Palram-Canopia competitive advantages page for a fuller comparison, or browse the Harmony greenhouse series mentioned above.
Order & Shipping
What methods of payment do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Google Pay, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, PayBright, Interac Debit, and Interac e-Transfer
How do I pay using Interac e-Transfer?
To pay with Interac e-Transfer, select Interac e-Transfer as your payment method at checkout, and then click "Pay Now".
Once it says Order is Completed, follow these steps:
1. Sign on to your online or mobile banking and select the account you want to transfer the money from.
2. In the Amount field, enter the total invoice amount.
3. Enter sales@canada-greenhouse-kits.ca as the Recipient
4. Do not use a security question because it is already setup as an Autodeposit.
5. Complete the transfer.
*Please note your order will not be processed until the funds are received in full.
* Individual amount limits for Interac e-Transfer will vary. If needed, multiple Interac e-Transfers can be sent to complete the purchase.
Please see the below links for instructions for specific financial institutions:
RBC: Website
Scotiabank: Website and App
BMO: Website
How do I pay using Affirm Financing?
Affirm (formerly PayBright in Canada) is a buy-now-pay-later financing option available at checkout. Select Affirm as your payment method to see your installment options.
How long will it take to receive my order?
For in stock items, orders typically ship approximately 2-7 business days after receipt, and take approximately 3-10 business days in transit.
For pre-orders, the items will ship within one week of the estimated date and take approximately 5-10 business days in transit. See our pre-order page for how pre-orders work.
Tracking will be emailed as soon as the item is shipped.
How to track my order?
Please track your order at our Tracking link emailed to you when your order shipped.
I never got my order, what to do?
Please make sure you tracked your order from our emailed Tracking link. Or call us at TOLL FREE: 1 (877) 322-5487
What is your shipping policy?
We offer FREE shipping in Canada on orders over $125.00* to non-remote locations. See shipping policy page for more details.
Do you ship internationally?
No, we do not ship internationally.
Do you ship to P.O. Boxes?
No, we cannot ship greenhouse kits to P.O. Boxes due to their size and weight. Please provide a physical street address for delivery.
Where do you ship from?
All Palram-Canopia and Rion products ship from the below warehouse address
1700 Courtneypark Drive East, Unit 2,
Mississauga, Ontario
L5T 1W1, Canada
If you can pick up your order from our Mississauga warehouse, contact us first to ask about the "PICKUP" Discount Code. Full details are on our shipping information page.
Where do you ship to?
We ship all across Canada.
If you live in a particularly remote area, please contact us.
Click here to see where we have sold and shipped our greenhouses.
Exchange & Return
Can I exchange an item?
You can exchange an item before shipment.
After shipment, refer to Return & Refund Policies.