Comparing Landmark Greenhouses with UK imports
Landmark Greenhouses are trusted by the professional gardeners at Altamont Gardens, Co. Carlow.
Why Landmark Greenhouses Delivers Exceptional Value
Landmark offers exceptional value for a premium greenhouse.
Landmark frames are ultra-strong, unlike many UK imports.
Landmark offers 4mm toughened glass whereas many UK greenhouses offer 3mm glass.
Landmark includes built-in staging shelves, louvre windows, and automatic vents.
When in stock, Landmark delivers in 21 days.
If you're considering buying a premium greenhouse in Ireland, you've probably come across a wide range of UK-imported models sold by Irish retailers. Many of these greenhouses are advertised as premium but not all are built to the same high standards.
In this guide, we explore the key differences between Landmark Greenhouses and typical UK imports and explain what to look out for when comparing different models.
Who We Are
Landmark Greenhouses is an Irish-owned company based in Carlow, with distribution facilities in Dublin. Founded by lifelong gardeners, Landmark was set up with a simple goal — to make high-end greenhouses more affordable for Irish gardeners.
We achieved this by developing one purpose-built line of greenhouses, designed to deliver everything an Irish gardener needs. All our greenhouses are built to endure high winds and heavy rainfall while providing a beautiful, efficient growing space for passionate gardeners.
We will look at how to compare models when it comes to:
Frames
Glass
How the Glass Is Held in Place
Staging Shelves
Climate Control
Foundation & Installation
Warranty
1. Aluminium Frame Strength
When you’re investing in a greenhouse, you want the reassurance that it’s built to last — strong, stable, and ready to stand up to the Irish weather. Frame strength is the single most important factor to consider. Without a solid structure, even the toughest glass won’t withstand a winter storm. Look for real substance: a sturdy frame, thick joints, and proper structural bracing that ensures your greenhouse stays secure for years to come.
In our experience, aluminium greenhouses fall into two categories:
Light aluminium (appears similar to stronger aluminium models but doesn’t have the same quality).
Ultra-strong aluminium (ultra-strong frames set on a foundation that will last for years to come).
Landmark: Our frames are thick, solid, and reinforced at every joint — engineered to last a lifetime. Built with high-grade aluminium capable of withstanding Irish coastal winds of up to 110 kph, each structure comes with a 12-year structural warranty. In addition, we recently introduced an extra storm cross-beam which can be installed in the event of a hurricane warning. We haven’t seen these on any UK models.
UK Imports: Frame quality varies more than you might think.
While the best UK greenhouses offer excellent durability, they tend to be significantly more expensive than Landmark — especially once you add built-in staging and shelving. On bigger models, You could easily end up paying thousands more, depending on the size of the greenhouse you are buying.
Mid-range and lower-cost models might appear similar in photographs. But they are lighter and less stable, especially in high winds. When viewing a greenhouse in person, make sure to give the frame a gentle push or lift — a well-built structure should feel solid and unmoving when properly secured to its foundation.
Key Takeaway:
True value comes from quality — invest in a sturdy frame, and enjoy peace of mind for years to come.
2. Glazing: Not All Glass Is Equal
Landmark: At Landmark, we believe in using only the finest materials — that’s why we only use toughened safety glass throughout our range.
Not only does toughened glass offer exceptional strength, but the weight of the glass also provides a natural ballast to the frame, helping the structure remain secure in stormy conditions. We don’t use polycarbonate glazing because it’s lightweight and doesn’t add enough ballast to stabilise the frame in high winds.
At Landmark, we use 4 mm toughened safety glass — a full millimetre thicker than the 3 mm glass found in most premium UK greenhouses. It’s also safer: if broken, the glass shatters into small, blunt fragments rather than sharp shards, greatly reducing the risk of injury.
UK Imports: When it comes to toughened safety glass, always check the thickness of the glass. Most UK models use 3 mm glass. We’ve even seen an Irish retailer advertise 4 mm glass, but if you check with the manufacturer, those greenhouses use 3 mm.
3. How the Glass Is Held in Place
The way glass is secured to the frame is one of the most important — and often overlooked — factors in greenhouse strength and weather resistance. It’s also a common weak point in many mid-range UK models, where panes are often held in place with metal spring clips instead of rubber beading or bar-capping systems.
Landmark: We use continuous rubber beading along every pane. This creates a tight, weatherproof seal that prevents rattling and water leaks while keeping panes perfectly aligned. This kind of system is vital to keep the greenhouse strong and stable.
UK Imports: Like Landmark, the most expensive freestanding UK greenhouses use rubber beading systems with bar-caps. But these greenhouses are also significantly more expensive. Mid-range models use metal clips to secure the glass in place. These can loosen or even fly off in strong gusts.
Key Takeaway:
If the glazing system uses clips, ask if an upgrade to bar-capping is possible.
4. Base Design
The base of a greenhouse frame determines how securely it’s anchored to the foundation — and that has a direct impact on both strength and stability. Some UK models use a low-threshold design (step-free access), while others rely on a full-threshold base that forms a continuous frame around the structure.
Landmark: At Landmark, we tested low-threshold greenhouses in the past, but we found they didn’t offer the level of storm resistance Irish conditions demand. That’s why all our models include a four-sided aluminium base frame that bolts securely into your foundation. This continuous frame locks the entire structure together, distributing wind loads evenly and keeping the greenhouse firmly in place for years to come.
UK Imports: Many imported models feature low-threshold or step-free designs. While these can be convenient for wheelbarrow or wheelchair access, they often sacrifice rigidity. Without a solid perimeter frame, the structure has fewer anchoring points and can flex or shift under high wind pressure — especially on uneven ground or in exposed gardens.
5. Staging Shelves
Landmark offers two built-in staging shelves at no extra cost.
Landmark: Every Landmark greenhouse comes with two full-length built-in staging shelves. These sturdy aluminium shelves run the entire length of the greenhouse, giving you generous space for seed trays, pots, and tools. They also provide a practical work surface for potting and planting — everything within easy reach.
Beyond convenience, the shelves play an important structural role. Their weight adds extra ballast to the frame, helping to stabilise the greenhouse in strong winds and harsh weather. This makes the overall structure stronger, steadier, and better balanced for long-term durability.
UK Imports: In contrast, most UK greenhouse companies treat staging as an optional add-on — at a steep extra cost (on top models, you could pay more than €800 extra for staging). Some models don’t offer built-in shelving at all, meaning you’ll need to purchase freestanding units separately. However, freestanding shelves can tip or shift during storms, sometimes striking the glass panels and causing damage.
6. Ventilation & Airflow
Roof ventilators open and close automatically, adapting to daily changes in temperature.
Once you have a strong, well-built greenhouse, it’s important to make sure it performs — and ventilation plays a key role in that. That’s why every Landmark Greenhouse comes with roof vents and louvre side windows to ensure natural air circulation throughout the day.
To make life easier, we also include automatic roof vent openers. These open in the morning as temperatures rise and close again at night, giving your plants consistent protection and ideal growing conditions — without the need to climb a stepladder every evening.
UK Imports: Most imported greenhouses require you to pay extra for louvre windows and automatic openers. Models that include them as standard are typically far more expensive.
Landmark: At Landmark, we believe proper ventilation isn’t an optional upgrade — it’s essential. So while others charge extra for fresh air, we build it in from the start.
7. Foundation and Installation
Get in touch for advice about the best foundation options for your garden
If you want a professional to install your greenhouse, it will cost extra whether you are buying from Landmark or any UK-manufactured greenhouses.
Landmark: We recommend a solid concrete foundation, and we will connect you with qualified installers who build to exact specifications.
UK Imports: Installation is offered by Irish retailers at an extra cost.
8. Delivery
Landmark: We hold stock in Ireland and can deliver within 21 days (once your foundation is ready). 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 may get free delivery from most Irish retailers.
9. Warranty and Longevity
Landmark: We offer a 12-year structural warranty. 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.
Conclusion
When comparing Landmark Greenhouses, make sure you are comparing like for like. Most UK manufacturers offer greenhouses at different prices. But they are not all built the same. Landmark Greenhouses compete with the strongest UK greenhouses but are significantly cheaper when you factor in the premium features of 4 mm toughened glass, built-in staging, automatic roof vents, louvre windows, and a 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.
