Planta Greenhouses vs Cedar-Built Greenhouses: Which Greenhouse Is Better for Your Climate & Garden Goals?
Choosing the right greenhouse isn’t just about size or style — it’s about how well it stands up to your climate, supports your growing goals, and fits into your life long-term. Whether you’re battling heavy snow, strong winds, or simply want a reliable space for year-round growing, the materials and engineering behind your greenhouse matter more than most gardeners realize. In this guide, we take a clear, side-by-side look at Planta Greenhouses and Cedar-Built Greenhouses, comparing their most popular models across durability, climate resistance, usability, and value, so you can confidently choose the greenhouse that truly works for your garden and environment.
Planta Greenhouses
Planta Greenhouses is renowned for its European-engineered quality, designed for growers seeking professional-grade greenhouses at an affordable price. Unlike lightweight hobby kits, Planta Greenhouses specializes in heavy-duty, climate-resistant greenhouses that can withstand snow, wind, and year-round use.
Two flagship models by Planta Greenhouses showcase their philosophy:
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Engineered for harsh winters, deep snow loads, and strong winds, making it a fortress for all-season growing.
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: A more compact, budget-friendly model with the same robust steel frame, perfect for backyard growers in moderate climates.
Planta Greenhouses positions itself as a premium yet affordable choice: built to last, tested for extreme weather, and backed by dedicated customer support.
Sungrow 20 vs. Cedar-Built 10′ × 20′ Greenhouse
Comparing Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20 vs. Cedar-Built 10′ × 20′ Greenhouse
The Cedar-Built 10′ × 20′ Greenhouse Kit is the closest match to Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20 in both size and intended use. Like the Sungrow 20, it’s designed for serious, year-round gardeners who need durability and weather resistance. With its 10-ft wide footprint, 20-ft customizable length, 8′-8″ ridge height, and 6-ft sidewalls, it offers generous growing space and vertical clearance.
Design & Aesthetics
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Rounded tunnel arc, modern steel look, dual doors, optional roof vents for cross-ventilation.
- Cedar-Built 10 × 20 Greenhouse: Angular post-and-beam timber design, traditional greenhouse look, full-panel glazing doors with roof and wall vents.
Build Materials
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Galvanized steel frame, 6 mm double-wall polycarbonate (10 mm upgrade available).
- Cedar-Built 10 × 20 Greenhouse: Coastal Western Red Cedar post-and-beam frame, 6 mm polycarbonate or plexiglass panels.
Climate Resistance
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Snow load up to 75 psf; wind resistance up to 65 mph.
- Cedar-Built 10 × 20 Greenhouse: Marketed as “extreme snow and wind resistant,” though no PSF rating is published.
DIY Friendliness & Installation
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Intermediate build, two to three people recommended, modular design with no permanent foundation required.
- Cedar-Built 10 × 20 Greenhouse: DIY kit but heavy cedar timbers; easier screw-together system, though requires precision and likely two people.
Check out 5 essential tips to simplify your greenhouse build
Year-Round Growing Capabilities
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Double-wall polycarbonate insulation improves winter crop performance.
- Cedar-Built 10 × 20 Greenhouse: Natural cedar provides insulation; paneling helps retain warmth.
Growing Space & Versatility
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Tunnel shape maximizes vertical space; modular extension possible.
- Cedar-Built 10 × 20 Greenhouse: Tall ridge and sidewalls allow shelving and trellis installation.
Post-Purchase Support
- Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20: Backed by a 10-year warranty and supported by responsive customer service. Planta owners also benefit from the Planta Greenhouses Community, a private group of thousands of growers who share real-world tips, seasonal advice, and installation guidance.
- Cedar-Built 10 × 20 Greenhouse: Warranty varies; fewer public reviews and online resources.
Key Differences: Sungrow 20 vs. Cedar-Built 10 × 20
Key Differences: Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20 vs. Cedar-Built 10 × 20 Greenhouse
| Feature | Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20 | Cedar-Built 10 × 20 Greenhouse |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Galvanized Steel | Western Red Cedar |
| Panel Thickness | 6 mm / 10 mm Polycarbonate | 6 mm Polycarbonate / Plexiglass |
| Snow Load Capacity | 75 psf | Not published (marketed for heavy snow) |
| Wind Resistance | Up to 65 mph | Marketed for high winds |
| DIY Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner/Intermediate |
| Warranty | 10 years | Limited / varies |
| Price | $3,600-$3,900 | $10,550+ |
Why Choose Planta Greenhouses Sungrow 20?
- Built for harsh climates: Engineered to handle up to 75 psf snow load and winds up to 65 mph, making it suitable for snowy and windy regions.
- Heavy-duty construction: Galvanized steel frame paired with durable polycarbonate panels for long-term structural reliability.
- Low maintenance: Steel construction and polycarbonate panels require minimal upkeep compared to wood-frame alternatives.
- Long-term confidence: Backed by a 10-year warranty and a proven track record in extreme-weather environments.
Explore the entire Sungrow Greenhouses Collection here!
Why Choose Cedar‑Built 10′ × 20′ Greenhouse?
- Classic cedar craftsmanship: Post-and-beam Western Red Cedar construction offers a warm, traditional aesthetic that blends well into landscaped gardens.
- Spacious interior height: Tall sidewalls and a high ridge provide excellent headroom for shelving, trellising, and vertical growing.
- Natural insulation: Cedar’s thermal properties help moderate interior temperatures in cooler conditions.
- Ventilation-focused layout: Roof vents and base-wall vents support airflow and temperature regulation.
- Permanent garden structure: Designed as a long-term installation that can last for decades with proper care.
Sigma 20 vs. Cedar-Built 8′ × 18′ Greenhouse
Comparing Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20 vs. Cedar-Built 8′ × 18′ Greenhouse
The Cedar-built 8′ wide greenhouse kits are a good alternative to the Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20 in terms of footprint and affordability. With an 8-foot width, customizable lengths up to 18 feet, an 8-foot-2-inch ridge height, and 6-foot sidewalls, these compact structures strike a balance between practicality and strength. Made from Coastal Western Red Cedar and glazed with 6 mm polycarbonate, they’re marketed as capable of handling high wind and snow loads, while offering natural insulation.
Design & Aesthetics
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Rounded tunnel arc for airflow and even sunlight; dual doors and vents.
- Cedar-Built 8′ Series Greenhouses: Classic timber look; full glazing doors and roof vents.
Build Materials
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Galvanized steel frame, 6 mm polycarbonate panels.
- Cedar-Built 8′ Series Greenhouses: Cedar post-and-beam with 6 mm polycarbonate or plexiglass.
Climate Resistance
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: 32 psf snow load; wind resistance up to 65 mph.
- Cedar-Built 8′ Series Greenhouses: Rated for heavy snow/wind, but no published PSF.
DIY Friendliness & Installation
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Intermediate assembly, modular sections for easy expansion.
- Cedar-Built 8′ Series Greenhouses: DIY kit, easier screw-together assembly, heavy timbers.
Year-Round Growing Capabilities
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Double-wall panels regulate temperature and light.
- Cedar-Built 8′ Series Greenhouses: Thick cedar framing and paneling retain heat well.
Growing Space & Versatility
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: Tunnel design maximizes vertical space and crop variety.
- Cedar-Built 8′ Series Greenhouses: Narrower footprint limits some crops, but tall walls allow shelving.
Post-Purchase Support
- Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20: 5-year warranty with responsive customer support.
- Cedar-Built 8′ Series Greenhouses: Warranty varies by component.
Key Differences: Sigma 20 vs. Cedar-Built 8′ Series
Key Differences: Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20 vs. Cedar-Built 8′ Series Greenhouses
| Feature | Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20 | Cedar-Built 8′ Series Greenhouses |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Galvanized Steel | Western Red Cedar |
| Panel Thickness | 6 mm Polycarbonate | 6 mm Polycarbonate / Plexiglass |
| Snow Load Capacity | 32 psf | Not published |
| Wind Resistance | 65 mph | Marketed for high winds |
| DIY Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner/Intermediate |
| Warranty | 5 years | Limited / varies |
| Price | ~$3,050 | $12,565–$13,515 |
Why Choose Planta Greenhouses Sigma 20?
- Compact strength: Galvanized steel frame paired with 6 mm double-wall polycarbonate delivers solid durability in a smaller footprint.
- Efficient tunnel design: Rounded structure maximizes airflow and evenly distributes sunlight throughout the growing space.
- Budget-conscious option: Priced lower than many full-size greenhouses while still offering real snow and wind ratings.
- Expandable system: Modular design allows the greenhouse to be lengthened as gardening needs grow.
Why Choose Cedar‑Built 8′ × 18′ Greenhouse?
- Compact yet elegant footprint: An 8-ft width makes it well-suited for smaller backyards without feeling cramped.
- Cedar post-and-beam construction: Provides a warm, natural aesthetic while offering inherent insulating properties.
- Efficient use of vertical space: 6-ft sidewalls and a tall ridge height support shelving and vertical gardening.
- Garden-friendly design: Blends naturally into landscaped spaces and can serve as a visual focal point.
- Built for longevity: Designed as a long-term structure, though it requires occasional maintenance and comes at a higher price point than metal-frame alternatives.
At the end of the day, the better greenhouse isn’t about which brand looks nicest on paper — it’s about which structure aligns with your climate realities, maintenance expectations, and long-term gardening vision. Planta Greenhouses stand out for growers who prioritize proven snow and wind ratings, low maintenance, and cost-effective durability in demanding conditions. Cedar-Built Greenhouses, on the other hand, appeal to gardeners drawn to classic craftsmanship, natural materials, and a permanent garden centerpiece. Both can support productive, beautiful gardens — but when you weigh performance, price, and real-world climate resilience, the right choice becomes much clearer. Invest wisely, and your greenhouse will reward you season after season.
