In the vibrant industry sector of small polytunnels for sale, where they are mainly used for gardening and small-scale domestic polytunnels, they come in various designs and sizes for enthusiasts to enjoy across the UK. Small polytunnels have emerged as a fundamental tool, in fostering a controlled environment for plants and extending growing seasons. As with any domestic polytunnel purchase, understanding the available sizes makes and models, even down to the materials used, and customised build options available is essential. Let’s take a quick look into the build and dimension elements, a purchaser should ponder on what they wish to grow and how much room is required to achieve it, before deciding on which small polytunnel for sale kit suits their requirements the best, and why custom builds are available in the market.
Dimensions
Small polytunnels for sale, come in a wide range of sizes and models that cater to the many different requirements and needs. Small polytunnels can range from miniature versions just a couple of meters wide to more substantial structures spanning six meters or more in width. The length can also vary, offering differing sizes for most garden spaces.
Mini hooped tunnels: Both for keen hobbyists or domestic growers with limited space, spanning around 1-3 meters wide and varying heights.
Small Garden Types: Varying in widths from 3m to 4m and various available lengths.
Medium Polytunnels: Medium sized domestic polytunnels, offer a balance between space and functionality. These are generally 4-6-8-10 or more meters wide and also come in various lengths and selected heights, allowing for a more productive growing environment space.
Large domestic and single-span commercial polytunnels These are designed to accommodate individuals who prefer walking inside, and tending to their plants, offering widths greater than 6 meters upwards and increments of 2m on the length.
Different design shapes are available to suit various and different growing requirements and the crops and plants natural growth methods of vegetables, fruits, salad varieties, and many other niche crops. All garden and domestic polytunnels are easily extended, to suit your individual needs.
Materials and Durability
Deciding on the correct material for the frame and other build fittings is important, as well as the various cover types that are produced, this is pivotal to the known longevity of a polytunnel housing. Different materials offer varying levels of strength, insulation, and protection to garden and domestic polytunnels, whilst producing known micro-climates.
Clear and opaque polythene covers are most common and come in various gauges, a film thickness of UV- stabilisers and additives are then placed onto the polythene, the film allows certain amounts of the sun rays to pass through it, offering a high light transmission rate for optimum plant growth, the polythene itself comes in different gauges, the thicker the gauge the more robust and durable the manufactured cover becomes. Other coloured covers are available.
Polycarbonate: A more robust, stronger, and thicker alternative to polythene, offering better insulation and protection from hail or other severe weather conditions.
Steel Frames: Galvanized steel frames are preferred for their strength and resistance to corrosion, and can also be coated.
Aluminium Frames: Lighter than steel, they are easier to install and resist rust effectively. More likely used on smaller and single-span commercial structures and can also be used on heavy-duty builds using reinforced aluminium.
Makes and Models
Several renowned manufacturers offer a variety of large and small polytunnels for sale, each distinguishing themselves with unique features, shapes and build technologies. You can either contact the manufacturer directly or choose a polytunnel supplier who will stock a range of quality makes and models.
Customised Builds
Custom builds, hold a bespoke requirement place in the sales market, driven by the diverse needs of individual gardeners and small or large-scale growers. The freedom to tailor a polytunnel to suit exact requirements offers many benefits:
Gardens and allotments come in all shapes and sizes. Custom builds can adhere to the peculiarities of individual spaces, optimising the area effectively.
Some growers have particular needs, such as additional height for climbing vegetables, fruits, and plants, using structures and frames to withstand harsh UK weather conditions.
Personal Preferences: Custom builds allow gardeners to infuse their personality into the structure's design shape, specific materials selected, cover properties and colours used, along with additional features like doors hinged or sliding, flaps, roll-up sides, and ventilation and temperature systems.
Thoughts before purchasing
Embarking on the purchasing journey of small polytunnels for sale in kits or bespoke builds, a thorough exploration to select suitable options available, in terms of size, material, and the various domestic polytunnels available in varying makes and models present in the market.
Bespoke and customised builds stand out as a testimony to the evolving market, ready to cater to the distinctive and sometimes changing seasons, location, and cultivation requirements, along with the diverse range of produce to be grown.
Read More:
Different Sized Polytunnel Installation and Construction
UK Polytunnels Tailoring Coverings and Frames to Local Conditions