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8’x12′ Palram Canopia Rion Grand Gardener Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse

First Added - August 4 2022
Last Updated - August 4 2022 - 0 Data Points Updated - 52 Data Points Added
Reviewed & curated by a panel of garden building experts. Using methodology 1.1

Product ID: SKU: 702493

Size: 8' x 12'

Merchants Checked: 12

Available From: 3

Mano Mano
£2,279.00
See Deal
HomeBase
£2,400.00
See Deal
BuyShedsDirect
£1,989.00
See Deal

Support WhatShed: by making a purchase after clicking a link above, a portion of the sale supports this site.

85
Good Ranked in the Top 8% of Greenhouses.
Position 60 of 836 Greenhouses - Up 60 places from previous update.
Quality of materials
Construction quality
Ease of construction
Value for money

See how our panel of industry experts helped create the impartial judging criteria used to calculate the Expert Score.

Our verdict on the 8’x12′ Palram Canopia Rion Grand Gardener Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse

The 8’x12′ Palram Canopia Rion Grand Gardener Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse comes with an apex style roof, holds a 7 Years guarantee, is fit with lockable double doors that use a lockable locking system, and is treated using a uv protected process [1]. The windows window used on this particular 8′ x 12′ use a polycarbonate [2] glazing material (Thickness was not specified).

Base material: polycarbonate [3]

Our experts say this has 3 stand out features. A stand out feature is something found on over 70% of the top 10% of products in a particular category or is an exceptionally good feature as rated by our panel of experts.

1. The polycarbonate construction like the one used on the roof of this greenhouse is rated one of the best by our panel of experts.

2. This polycarbonate glazing material is one that our experts say is one of the best available for windowed greenhouses.

3. A uv protected treatment like the one used on this greenhouse is one our experts are happy to say is one of the best around.

Below is a brief overview of how some of the key points of this greenhouse fairs across the market.

Treatment/Guarantee

The uv protected treatment process used here is one of the best types of treatment out of 2 [4] types we’ve identified on same-size greenhouses that you’ll see getting used on 4% [5] (34 of 787) of all greenhouses analysed, as well as being used on 32% [6] (25 of 78) of the top 10% of greenhouses. Even though the Expert Score of this particular greenhouse is 1 point below that of the average uv protected treated 8′ x 12’s (they have an average Expert Score of 86), with it being on 32% of the top 10%, its use here is a reassuring sign of quality. You’ll also find the uv protected treatment showing up on 8% of 8′ x 12′ greenhouses (3 in total [7]).

On a plastic greenhouse, the guarantee that the manufacturer offers is usually a very good indicator of the quality of the building. The longer the guarantee the more the manufacturer believes in the quality of the building they have produced. Typically we see manufacturer guarantees for plastic Greenhouses ranging from zero right up to a 15 years guarantee.

This plastic greenhouse comes with a 7 years guarantee. Most plastic greenhouse come with a 5 years guarantee (52.56% of them) [8].

For this particular brand (Palram Canopia) they offer 6 [9] different types of guarantees on their plastic greenhouses, with the 7 years guarantee on this being one of the shortest they offer. The 7 years guarantee is found on 6.90% of Palram Canopia plastic greenhouses [10], with a 5 year guarantee on 82.76% and a 10 year guarantee on 10.34% of its plastic greenhouses. It is great that this greenhouse was given one of the highest guarantees offered by the brand, and this shows the manufacturer has a lot of faith in the overall quality of this part of their product range.

When looking at comparable 8′ x 12′ plastic greenhouses (we found 39 of them) the most popular guarantee length offered by manufacturers was 5 years [11]. 48.72% came with a missing guarantee, 17.95% came with a 5 year guarantee, 17.95% came with a 10 year guarantee, 12.82% came with a 12 year guarantee and 2.56% came with a 7 year guarantee.

Read full analysis for treatment/guarantee.

Cladding

The polycarbonate cladding(walls) used here is an about average form of construction for walls and is the only type [12] we’ve identified on same-size greenhouses, that you’ll also see getting used on 9% (69 of 787) of all greenhouses analysed [13], as well as being used on 27% (21 of 78) of the top 10% of greenhouses [14]. You’ll also find the polycarbonate cladding showing up on 13% of 8′ x 12′ greenhouses (5 in total) [15], and if we compare this item against those 5 we find it’s Expert Score is 7% higher than the average score for a 8′ x 12′ polycarbonate greenhouse.

Read full analysis for cladding.

Roofing

Polycarbonate is the material used for the roofing, our experts rate this one of the best forms of roof material and is the only type we’ve found on same-size greenhouses [16]. This roofing material is used on 8% of all greenhouses analysed, and 50% of the top 10% of greenhouses. 15% of 8′ x 12′ greenhouses (6 in total) use polycarbonate construction for the roof, and when taking the average Expert Score of those 8′ x 12′ greenhouses (82), the 8’x12′ Palram Canopia Rion Grand Gardener Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse is just above the average with an Expert Score of 85.

A 4.0mm thick roof material was used on this greenhouse which is the worst thickness used for a roofing material out of 3 thicknesses identified on same-size greenhouses [17]. It’s used on 2% of all greenhouses and 9% of the top 10% of greenhouses. 8% of 8′ x 12′ greenhouses (3 in total) use a 4.0mm thick roof material, with this product having an Expert Score 10% higher than average.

Read full analysis for roofing.

Window

Polycarbonate windows come installed on this greenhouse. As a glazing option, we rate it one of the best out of the 2 glazing types found on 8′ x 12′ greenhouses [18]. This particular type of glazing is used on 8% of all windowed greenhouses and 33% of the top 10% of greenhouses with windows we analysed. 19% of 8′ x 12′ greenhouses with windows (4 in total) use polycarbonate windows, and when taking the average Expert Score of those polycarbonate 8′ x 12′ greenhouses (83), the 8’x12′ Palram Canopia Rion Grand Gardener Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse is just above the average with an Expert Score of 85.

Read full analysis for window.

Height

The height of this greenhouse is 1610mm (5′) which is 40% less than the average 8′ x 12′ greenhouse, giving you 650.0mm (2′) less headroom.

Read full analysis for height.

Doors

The door height is 1,940.00mm (6′) tall which is 10% or 173.57mm (0.6′) taller than the average 8′ x 12′.
The door width is 1,205.00mm (4′) wide which is 3% or 33.89mm (0.1′) narrower than the average 8′ x 12′.

Read full analysis for doors.

You Might Also Consider

We found 5 8′ x 12′ greenhouses with comparable specifications. The 8’x12′ Palram Canopia Rion Grand Gardener Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse has an Expert Score that is 7% higher than average and is £31 more expensive than average. If you are looking for the best value or highest expert scoring greenhouses out of the 5 with comparable specifications the following might be of interest.

Best value – If you are looking for something comparable that costs less, then you could save £1,040 with this BillyOh Harvester Walk-In Aluminium Polycarbonate Greenhouse. It is priced at £949, this is 110% less than this and has an Expert Score of 75, 10 points less than the 8’x12′ Palram Canopia Rion Grand Gardener Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse.

Highest Expert Score – With an Expert Score of 90 vs 85 for this product, the 8’x12′ Palram Canopia Glory Grey Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse is the best 8′ x 12′ greenhouse with comparable specifications, and is priced at £1,849, that’s £140 less than the 8’x12′ Palram Canopia Rion Grand Gardener Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse.

High Wind Area – If you live in a particularly exposed or high wind area then having a greenhouse with a thicker cladding and higher than average frame thickness can be preferable. We found at least 2 greenhouses that have a combination of features that can make them more suited to higher wind areas.
Marlborough Greenhouses 12′ x 8′ Wooden Greenhouse with 4 windows
Marlborough Greenhouses 16′ x 6′ Wooden Greenhouse with 4 windows

Coastal Consideration – If you live in a particularly wet or harsher environment such as by the coast then you might want to consider something with a more robust pressure treatment or something made from metal or plastic, both materials that are particularly suited to such harsh environments. We’ve found at least 3 greenhouses that have a combination of features that can make them more suited to higher wind areas.
8′ x 12′ Palram Canopia Octave Silver Greenhouse
8’x12′ Palram Canopia Glory Grey Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse
8’x12′ Palram Canopia Bella Large Walk In Silver Aluminium Framed Greenhouse

Public-Facing – Extra security measures might be more of a concern if you’re placing your building in an area that is more public-facing than a garden. Features such as security windows or even having no windows at all, and the ability to lock all opening doors are usually much more important when you have something that is more public-facing. We found at least 3 greenhouses that have options that you might find a better fit if this is a concern you have.
8’x12′ Palram Canopia Bella Large Walk In Silver Aluminium Framed Greenhouse
8’x12′ Palram Canopia Glory Grey Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse
8’x12′ Palram Canopia Rion Grand Gardener Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse

More Child Friendly – If you have children and you are looking for something that has that little extra in terms of durability then tougher glazing options might be a better option. Here we have at least 3 other options that will fill those needs.
8’x12′ Palram Canopia Bella Large Walk In Silver Aluminium Framed Greenhouse
8’x12′ Palram Canopia Glory Grey Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse
8’x12′ Palram Canopia Rion Hobby Gardener Large Green Greenhouse

Product Details

Building Type
Greenhouses, Large Greenhouses, Plastic Greenhouses
Metric Size (Meters)
8' x 12'
Material
Plastic
Roof Style
Apex
Number of Windows
Has Windows
Door Type
Double Door
Cladding Type
polycarbonate
Treatment Type
UV Protected
Guarantee
7 Years
Height (Imperial)
1610mm
Height (Metric)
1610mm
Height
1.61 m
Width
258 cm
Internal Size
9.83 m²
Window Size (Metric)
nan x nan
Locking System
Lockable
Glazing Material
Polycarbonate
Eaves Height (Imperial)
1550.0mm
Eaves Height (Metric)
1550.0mm
Ridge Height (Imperial)
2375.0mm
Ridge Height (Metric)
2375.0mm
Depth Including Overhang (Imperial)
13'
Depth Including Overhang (Metric)
3890.0mm
Width Including Overhang (Imperial)
9'
Width Including Overhang (Metric)
2670.0mm
Depth At Base (Imperial)
13'
Depth At Base (Metric)
3840.0mm
Door Height (Imperial)
1940.0mm
Door Height (Metric)
1940.0mm
Door Width (Imperial)
1205.0mm
Door Width (Metric)
1205.0mm
Roof Material
Polycarbonate
Roof Thickness (Imperial)
4.0mm
Roof Thickness (Metric)
4.0mm
Width At Base (Imperial)
8'
Width At Base (Metric)
2600.0mm
Frame Type
Heavy Duty Resin Frame
Packaged Weight
135kgs
Overall Depth (Imperial)
13'
Overall Depth (Metric)
3890.0mm
Overall Height (Imperial)
8'
Overall Height (Metric)
2375.0mm
Overall Width (Imperial)
9'
Overall Width (Metric)
2670.0mm
Door Size (Imperial)
6' x 4'
Door Size (Metric)
1940.0mm x 1205.0mm

Comparisons of Similar Sheds

701626_01polytunnel-greenhouse-4x106x2-m-424-m-green-L-5595322-13753590_1701635_01701786_01701550_01
Expert Score 8580858585
Price £389.99£529.42£389.99£609.99£489.99
Size 6' x 6'4' x 10.6'6' x 4'6' x 14'6' x 8'
Brand Palram CanopiaDan CoverPalram CanopiaPalram CanopiaPalram Canopia
Material PlasticPlasticPlasticPlasticPlastic
Cladding Thickness
Guarantee 5 Years5 Years5 Years5 Years
GoGoGoGoGo
Joel Bird

Joel Bird

Profile

Our resident shed building expert Joel was the 2014 winner of Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year having beat over 10,000 applicants to win. He returned to the show the following year as a judge. He is also the author of The Book of Shed and has designed & built over 50 small bespoke garden builds. Joel has appeared on various TV or Radio shows include George Clarkes Amazing Spaces, Alan Titchmarsh Love your Garden, Chris Evans Breakfast Show and BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live.

Meet the experts

Sources

Merchants Checked

12 different sources were used to research information on this product, and 3 contained information that we were able to use to compile the data used on this page.

The following merchants were checked on the 06 August, 2022 to see if they stocked this product.

ManoMano UK – 922302 products checked, found 1 match.
Homebase – 35509 products checked, found 1 match.
Buy Sheds Direct – 1635 products checked, found 1 match.
Waltons – 231 products checked, found no matches.
Wickes – 19576 products checked, found no matches.
B&Q – 78905 products checked, found no matches.
Wilko.com – 21232 products checked, found no matches.
sheds.co.uk – 1999 products checked, found no matches.
BillyOh – 1244 products checked, found no matches.
Garden Buildings Direct – 1284 products checked, found no matches.
Shedstore – 1373 products checked, found no matches.
Tiger Sheds – 635 products checked, found no matches.


1. UV treated: The British Plastics Federation says that the addition of light stabilisers (they are called hindered amine light stabilisers (HALS)) in plastics are used “to inhibit the reactions in plastics which cause undesirable chemical degradation from exposure to UV light.” This chemical degradation from exposure to UV light is often seen as chalking or a white residue that forms as the polymers degrade over time. This degradation can often be avoided by adding HALS that are UV absorbers such as benzotriazoles, benzophenones or organic nickel compounds. By incorporating weathering stabilisers into the plastics used the damaging effects of UV light will be slowed down considerably. 

2. Polycarbonate: Is one of the toughest plastics available. The excellent toughness and thermal stability make Polycarbonate one of the most widely used thermoplastics. This durability makes this ideal for garden equipment and extremely durable plastic garden structure. Polycarbonate is also used for things such as riot shields, vandal proof glazing, safety helmets and headlamp lenses.

According to data from the British Plastics Fedaration the physical properties of Polycarbonate are that it is very good when exposed to high heat with a maximum continuous use temperature of 125 °C. This is coupled with the outstanding Notched Impact Strength data of 60 – 80 Kj/m². 

3. Polycarbonate: Is one of the toughest plastics available. The excellent toughness and thermal stability make Polycarbonate one of the most widely used thermoplastics. This durability makes this ideal for garden equipment and extremely durable plastic garden structure. Polycarbonate is also used for things such as riot shields, vandal proof glazing, safety helmets and headlamp lenses.

According to data from the British Plastics Fedaration the physical properties of Polycarbonate are that it is very good when exposed to high heat with a maximum continuous use temperature of 125 °C. This is coupled with the outstanding Notched Impact Strength data of 60 – 80 Kj/m². 

4. Treatment types identified: untreated, uv protected 

5. Global treatment data sourced from: All uv protected greenhouses 

6. Top treatment data sourced from: Top 78 uv protected greenhouses 

7. 8′ x 12′ treatment data sourced from: 39 8′ x 12′ uv protected greenhouses 

8. Global guarantee data sourced from: All 7 years greenhouses 

9. Guarantee types identified: 7 years, 10 years 

10. Guarantee data sourced from: Palram canopia 7 years greenhouses 

11. 8′ x 12′ guarantee data sourced from: 39 8′ x 12′ 7 years guaranteed greenhouses 

12. Cladding types identified: polycarbonate 

13. Global cladding data sourced from: All polycarbonate greenhouses 

14. Top cladding data sourced from: Top 78 polycarbonate greenhouses 

15. 8′ x 12′ cladding data sourced from: 39 8′ x 12′ polycarbonate greenhouses 

16. Roof material types identified: polycarbonate 

17. Roof thickness types identified: 4mm, 10mm 

18. Glazing material types identified: polycarbonate, twin wall polycarbonate 

Product ID: SKU: 702493

Size: 8' x 12'

Merchants Checked: 12

Available From: 3

Mano Mano
£2,279.00
See Deal
HomeBase
£2,400.00
See Deal
BuyShedsDirect
£1,989.00
See Deal

Support WhatShed: by making a purchase after clicking a link above, a portion of the sale supports this site.