How do Landmark Greenhouses compare to the best UK imports?
Thinking of buying a premium greenhouse in Ireland?
If you're comparing greenhouse options in Ireland, you've probably seen a wide range of UK-imported models sold by Irish retailers. In this guide, we explore the key differences between Landmark Greenhouses and typical UK imports that many Irish gardeners consider. We’ll highlight what to look out for – from structural strength and glazing to long-term value – and show you why we believe Landmark Greenhouses are the best greenhouses in Ireland.
Who We Are:
We’re Landmark Greenhouses, an Irish-owned company based in Carlow and Dublin. Over the last decade, we’ve specialised in delivering greenhouses specifically designed with the Irish climate in mind. Our greenhouses are built to withstand high winds and heavy rainfall while offering a beautiful, efficient growing space for serious gardeners.
How to compare:
For this article, we will focus on comparing freestanding aluminium greenhouses readily available in Ireland. But remember: not all greenhouses are built with the same quality materials or to the same design standards. When you are comparing greenhouses, it is important to compare like for like.
In our experience, aluminium greenhouses fall into two categories:
Light aluminium greenhouses (they look similar to stronger aluminium models but don’t have the same build quality or durability - even some that are advertised as premium)
Ultra-strong aluminium greenhouses (ultra-strong, premium frames with toughened glass and weatherproof glazing fittings).
Here is what to look out for when comparing Landmark Greenhouses to UK aluminium imports.
1. Aluminium Frame Strength
Frame strength is the single most important factor in any greenhouse. Without a robust structure, even the strongest glass won’t survive a winter storm. Pay attention to frame weight, joint thickness, and the presence of structural bracing.
Landmark: Built with heavy-duty aluminium profiles designed to withstand Irish coastal winds. Each structure is engineered for durability and comes with a 12-year structural warranty. Our frames are thick, solid, and reinforced at every joint — built to last a lifetime.
UK Imports: Frame quality varies widely. Premium English models can be strong, but some mid-range versions use noticeably lighter aluminium. When viewing in person, try gently pushing or lifting the frame. A solid structure should feel immovable.
Key Takeaways
Strong aluminium is essential in Ireland’s climate.
Landmark frames compare with the best UK greenhouses.
A 12-year Irish warranty guarantees long-term security.
2. Glazing: Not All Glass Is Equal
Glass choice affects durability, weight, insulation, and how the structure behaves in strong winds.
Landmark: Every model uses 4 mm toughened safety glass — a full millimetre thicker than the 3 mm glass found in most premium English models. The extra milimetre makes the glass stronger than most UK greenhouses. Toughened glass not only gives you extra strength, it also provides extra ballast that helps maintain the greenhouse structure in high winds. We don’t offer polycarbonate or horticultural glass we don’t think they are strong enough.Polycarbonate panels are lightweight and don’t give any ballast to the greenhouse frame. They also tend to rattle in windy weather.
UK Imports: Check what type of safety glass is being used. Most UK models use 3 mm glass or polycarbonate panels if that’s what you want. Some irish retailers even advertise 4mm glass, but if you check with the manufacturer, it is actually 3mm. While lighter and cheaper, polycarbonate panels flex under wind pressure and can dislodge.
3. How the Glass Is Held in Place
Check how the glass is secured to the frame — this is a common weak point on mid-range UK greenhouses. Options include clips, rubber beading, or bar capping.
Landmark: Uses continuous rubber beading along every pane. This creates a tight, weatherproof seal that prevents rattling and water ingress while keeping panes perfectly aligned.
UK Imports: Check what you are getting. The best models use ‘clipless’ glazing like Landmark. But these greenhouses are also significantly more expensive. Cheaper or mid-range English greenhouses often use spring clips, which can loosen or even fly off in strong gusts. Bar capping (a superior system) is often available — but at an added cost.
Tip: If the glazing system uses clips, ask if an upgrade to bar capping or gaskets is possible — and how much it costs.
4. Base Design and Structural Integrity
A greenhouse’s base determines how securely it’s anchored to the foundation. Some UK models use a low-threshold design (step-free access), while others rely on a full-threshold base. The difference impacts both usability and structural strength.
Landmark: Every greenhouse includes a full-threshold aluminium base that bolts securely into your foundation. This four sided base ensures maximum durability. We sampled low-threshold greenhouses, but we decided they didn’t offer the level of storm-resistance that we think is essential for Irish gardens.
UK Imports: Many feature low-threshold or step-free designs. While convenient for wheelchair access, these reduce the four-sided rigidity of the base, making the structure more flexible in storms.
5. Hidden Costs
When comparing prices, dig into what’s actually included. Many imported greenhouses advertise a low starting price, but once you add essential extras, the total can climb by €800–€1,000.
a. Staging Shelves
Landmark includes two full-length built-in staging shelves as standard. These increase your growing space and give you a work-shelf for potting. They also provide extra ballast for the greenhouse frame, helping stabilise the structure in strong winds. For uk imports, staging is usually an optional (and expensive) add-on. Some greenhouse don’t even offer built-in staging shelves. For these greenhouses, be careful of buying a freestanding shelf because they can fall over and knock against the glass panels.
b. Climate Control Features
Landmark greenhouses come with automatic roof vents and louvre side windows for natural air circulation — no manual adjustments needed.
UK imports typically include manual roof vents on the standard models only. You will be charged extra if you want the convenience of having the roof vents open automatically in the morning and shutting at night.
c. Storm Bracing
Landmark greenhouse are designed to withstand winds up to 110 km/h. But we recently innovated an extra storm cross-beam which can be installed in the event of a hurricane warning. We haven’t seen these on any English models.
6. Foundation and Installation
If you want a professional to install your greenhouse it will cost you extra whether you are buying from Landmark or any Irish retailer.
Landmark: We recommend a solid concrete or paved foundation - and we will connect you with qualified installers who build to exact specifications — like constructing a small house.
UK Imports: Installation is offered by Irish retailers at an extra cost.
7. Delivery, Installation & Support
Landmark: We hold stock in Ireland and can deliver within 21 days (once your foundation is ready). But we charge an additional delivery fee of around €100 depending on where you live in Ireland.
UK Imports: Delivery can take 8–12 weeks, although you get free delivery from most Irish retailers.
8. Warranty and Longevity
Landmark: Offers a 12-year structural warranty. But once your greenhouse has been installed on a foundation and is properly maintained, you can safely assume, it will last a lifetime.
UK Imports: Warranties vary. Many UK greenhouses have 10-year warranties. Some of the very expensive models offer 25 year warranties, but you will pay significantly more for these models.
9. Pricing: What You Actually Pay
When comparing Landmark Greenhouses, make sure you are comparing like for like. As many UK manufacurers offer numerous models, but they are not all built the same. Landmark Greenhouses is best compared to the best UK greenhoues, but is significantly cheaper when you factor in the premium features of 4mm toughened glass, built-in staging, automatic roof vents, louvre windows, and storm-resistant cross-beam.
Come see for yourself: Tell us where you are based, and we’ll set up a viewing at a site near you.
