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Customer Reviews for CANOPIA by PALRAM Hobby Gardener 8 ft. x 8 ft. Green/Diffused DIY Greenhouse Kit

Internet #202219951

Model #702496

Store SKU #1000596806

  • Polycarbonate greenhouse provides diffused light, heat retention
  • PVC profiles enhance insulation for ideal plant growth conditions
  • DIY Greenhouse accessories available separately to grow your way

Customer Reviews

  • 3.6
    out of 29 reviews
  • 74% recommend this product
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Showing 1-29 of 29 reviews
Poor QA, better customer service.
This item arrived later than I expected in 3 large boxes and even though I had paid for in home delivery the driver had not been briefed on this. So that was a waste of money. Not every part is labelled so it took me a long time to go through everything to figure out I was still missing another large box of parts. Dealing with Palram (poly-tex) customer service to get the missing pieces was great, but I could tell they were used to dealing with this so it must be very common for them to ship many incorrect pieces with their kits? Either way, months after my purchase, I finally got all the pieces I need to assemble this. All of the pieces feel flimsy and I'll be looking for something to hold the resin beams together after I assemble it all.
by
    Rion 8 ft x 8 ft Greenhouse
    The Greenhouse was not easy to assemble, mostly because the instructions are lacking in detail. It would be helpful to have some quick hints on the construction. The window in the roof is also of poor design. It is important to make sure that parts are not lost as the manufacturer does not give any extra. I have only had it up for a few days and it seems to stay warm even through the night here in Wyoming. The true test will be during the winter with snow and wind.
    by
      • Recommended
      1 found this review helpful
      It was easy to put up but the instructions were only pictures no words or descriptions..a less me...
      It was easy to put up but the instructions were only pictures no words or descriptions..a less mechanically inclined person might have trouble. Had a thunderstorm the day after I put it up and it seemed to hold up under gusts topping 50 miles an hour and torrential rains so far I'm happy with it.
      by
      • Verified Purchase
      • Recommended
      1 found this review helpful
      Purchased this greenhouse in June of 2017. Now in 2018 it is being held together with tape & a t...
      Purchased this greenhouse in June of 2017. Now in 2018 it is being held together with tape & a tarp over the top to prevent leaking. The problem is the warping plastic, some mild, some extreme. This was not placed in the shade but full sun. There was nothing in the directions saying it couldn't handle the full sun, but there should have been.
      by
        17 found this review helpful
        We are a cooperative garden in a condo community. We purchased the 8 X 20 ft. Hobby Gardener to ...
        We are a cooperative garden in a condo community. We purchased the 8 X 20 ft. Hobby Gardener to replace our hoop house assembly. We grow plants for our plant sale to help support our harden. The basically simple modular design should have been relatively simple to assemble, but not in the 2 men/48 hours estimate. It took a number of men two weeks to complete, thanks to weather issues and confusion over instructions. there are many YouTube presentations which demonstrate on a dumber of models and with different sequence of assembly steps. This, compounded by the fact that the instructional guide on your site is inconsistent with the enclosed instructions, added to the issue. This was a painful discovery which we belatedly discovered. In the end, however, we are proudly sharing pictures of our beautiful new greenhouse in our newsletters and on line. We are installing a new propane system which will allow us to better control the environment and hopefully grow a healthy crop of seedlings for our plant sale. At present, we are readying to install our shelving, watering table and planting equipment.
        by
        • Verified Purchase
        • Recommended
        1 found this review helpful
        Full disclosure: I was prompted to leave this review by the manufacturer at palram.com, and I wil...
        Full disclosure: I was prompted to leave this review by the manufacturer at palram.com, and I will receive two free gifts of greenhouse accessories once they verify the review. However, it will not affect my review of this product. I ordered this product because of its positive reviews, the videos of its construction online, and the materials. I received the product on time, the three boxes were undamaged, and after completing an inventory of the parts, found that no parts were missing. I assembled the first half of the 60 something steps on my own in a few hours and found no problems. It definitely helps to organise all the parts beforehand even though it takes awhile. I could have easily completed it all myself, but I did enlist the help of family members for the next day. We were able to finish it in another couple of hours. The visual instructions were easy to follow if you take your time. The only mistakes I made in the process were when I used a piece that looked similar, but didn't check the number and had to disassemble parts to switch in the correct ones. However, the parts came apart easily and I was able to rectify my mistake quickly. The vent in the top doesn't close perfectly, but close enough. After using the greenhouse for several weeks, I only have three minor complaints. One is the rubber weather stripping along the doors. It doesn't quite fit tightly enough and slides down when the doors are moved and hampers the movement. I am thinking of adding glue to address this and its not a big deal. Second, the greenhouse doesn't seem the best at holding heat. It gets plenty hot during the day, but at night it doesn't keep the inside warmer than the outside. I have added a small electric heater now, and on low setting has kept the inside from dropping below freezing. Perhaps that is how all greenhouses work. This is my first. Finally, some of the bolts and nuts stick out on the doors and present a little of a scratching hazard. Would have liked them to be shorter or covered with rubber.
        by
          • Recommended
          9 found this review helpful
          Very pleased with this purchase!
          I did allot of research before making this purchase.The price was the best anywhere,and it arrived on time and undamaged.The directions were clear,and the greenhouse was assembled in one day.I couldn't be happier with the product,and Home Depot,both were top rate.
          by
          • DIY
          • Verified Purchase
          • Recommended
          7 found this review helpful
          by
          • Verified Purchase
          This was the most difficult greenhouse to assemble. Pins...
          This was the most difficult greenhouse to assemble. Pins would not go in with me using a hammer and then they snapped off, every step was very frustrating, parts had to be forced in and sometimes they cracked. Buyers remorse! Do not purchase!!
          by
          Response from Palram – Canopia TeamJun 9, 2022
          Hi Verysadgardener,
          Sorry to hear you had such a negative experience with your new greenhouse. We take your comments very seriously and will do whatever we can to improve the manual & overall experience. if there is anything we can do for you, please contact us at https://canopia.com/support PalramApplications
          • Verified Purchase
          1 found this review helpful
          Buyer's Remorse
          The greenhouse is not easy to assemble. The instructions are lacking detail. The polycarbonate panels are not labeled which adds to the confusion. After 3 long weekends, we are not close to being complete. I question it longevity and durability. The panels are flimsy and the structure doesn't seem secure. Only time will tell if it makes it through any storms or snow loads. I really wish we hadn't made this purchase. I wish I had more space to elaborate but this review is limited in characters.
          by
          Response from Palram – Canopia TeamJun 9, 2022
          Hi Yardener,
          we assure you that the Hobby Gardener Greenhouse model is highly durable and secure.
          it is made of the highest grade material and can resist strong weather.
          along with its 7 years warranty, you can rest assured to enjoy gardening for a long time worry-free.
          if there is anything we can do for you, please contact us at https://canopia.com/support PalramApplications
            1 found this review helpful
            Instructions suck. Could reduce stress with a few hints along...
            Instructions suck. Could reduce stress with a few hints along and proper dimensions.
            by
            Response from Palram Product ExpertJun 20, 2021
            Hi, We are sorry to hear you had troubles assembling the Hobby Gardener Greenhouse. Please be sure We take your feedback very seriously and will try to improve the instructions for easier assembly process.
            if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 877-627-8476 Monday through Friday 8-4:30 MST, or send us an email anytime at customer.service@palram.com, we would be more than happy to help. PalramApplications
            • Verified Purchase
            3 found this review helpful
            Turns into a cracked plastic mess
            Blowing in the wind we have a lot of cracked pieces. It just doesn't hold up well.
            by
              2 found this review helpful
              Frustrating assembly, wrong hole size for pins
              I am mechanically inclined and have assembled dozens of kits like this. I've strung together curses I didn't know existed building this thing. For starters a hydraulic press should be included for the plastic pins. I had to ream out most of the holes to make it work. Trying to get the mouldings into the ridge beam was extra special. One out of 4 worked. Had to take the ridge apart to get the others in. Not packed well some stuff bundled but a lot of small parts buried out of sight and floating around. Looks like it will be pretty difficult to replace the side panels unless I missed a write-up on that. Did I get one made on Fri afternoon ? Never again...
              by
                3 found this review helpful
                It came with missing parts. 6-8 weeks for replacement. Directions...
                It came with missing parts. 6-8 weeks for replacement. Directions on putting it together were horrible to follow. Would not recommend!!!
                by
                Response from Palram Product ExpertApr 29, 2021
                Hi, we are sorry to hear you were missing parts of your new Hobby Gardener Greenhouse.
                we take your review very seriously and will investigate the long wait you experienced.
                if there is anything we can do Please don't hesitate to give us a call at 877-627-8476 Monday through Friday 8-4:30 MST, or send us an email anytime at customer.service@palram.com. PalramApplications
                • Verified Purchase
                A little tricky to put together but works well for...
                A little tricky to put together but works well for what we are doing
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                This EXPENSIVE greenhouse is flimsy plastic, assembled with pins, and...
                This EXPENSIVE greenhouse is flimsy plastic, assembled with pins, and there are missing parts that have still not shipped. The sides bowed outward and the roof sagged, so I had to reinforce with 3 - 10ft pieces of strut. Assembly instructions are not very clear. It did not come with the side lovers as deceptively depicted even in the photo above. The online specs clearly showed 90 MPH wind rating, but found out that it was only 90 KPH or 55 mph. VERY disappointed, and would NOT recommed.
                by
                Response from Palram Product ExpertMar 11, 2021
                Hi T38Jett, We are so sorry to hear you were unhappy with the material of the Hobby Gardener greenhouse. We understand why you might think of the panels as “flimsy.” The polycarbonate is a very flexible material and that is part of where its resilience come from. Its expansion rate is higher than other materials generally used. This means it won’t sag or melt with extreme heat or become brittle with extreme cold.
                We would love to help you sort the issue of missing parts as soon as possible. Please give us a call at 877-627-8476 from Monday through Friday 8-4:30 MST or send us an email anytime at customer.service@palram.com. PalramApplications
                • Verified Purchase
                2 found this review helpful
                Rating provided by a verified purchaser...
                Rating provided by a verified purchaser
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                1 found this review helpful
                I love my greenhouse! Keep your parts organized, and follow...
                I love my greenhouse! Keep your parts organized, and follow directions. A flat solid surface is a necessity.
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                1 found this review helpful
                Instructions are inadequate, need more detail information. Make sure you...
                Instructions are inadequate, need more detail information. Make sure you have a rubber mallet to put pieces together. Windows need to have a part number as well or at least dimensions in the instructions. I hope it is durable through weather and wind. Don't lose any of the screw, they only give you exact amount.
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                1 found this review helpful
                Not easy to assemble, instructions not that explcid. Only dislike is the hatch's, rather flimsy d...
                Not easy to assemble, instructions not that explcid. Only dislike is the hatch's, rather flimsy design. Rest of unit very good and strong, plan on at least 2 full days assemble the 16ft unit.
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                • Recommended
                1 found this review helpful
                price doesn't match quality of greenhouse...
                price doesn't match quality of greenhouse
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                3 found this review helpful
                Took 4 people 2.5 days, but it all came together, so far so good, reserving 1 star to see how it ...
                Took 4 people 2.5 days, but it all came together, so far so good, reserving 1 star to see how it holds up over time!
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                • Recommended
                Very sturdy structure. Nice fitting doors and anchors to hold open when needed.
                Very sturdy structure. Nice fitting doors and anchors to hold open when needed.
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                • Recommended
                I love it. Whoever thought it up is a genius. It took me 2 days to put together and I bet you it ...
                I love it. Whoever thought it up is a genius. It took me 2 days to put together and I bet you it will look just like it does now (brand new) the day I die and for much longer. This is well worth the money
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                • Recommended
                Awsome
                I bought this 8 x 20 greenhouse last week and it showed up at my house. I started putting it together yesterday , my wife helped about 2 hrs yesterday and 2 hrs today and by 4:00 I was finished. Whoever thought this up is unbelievable. They not only made it simple to put together they thought of people like me that don’t read to well. I love it we have quite a few plants germinating in my house that I am now able to plant in the greenhouse, thanks for the awesome product.
                by
                  • Recommended
                  1 found this review helpful
                  Loved my Rion Greenhouse. It is quite a chore to put together, but once it is together it stays t...
                  Loved my Rion Greenhouse. It is quite a chore to put together, but once it is together it stays that way. We had a tornado go through the neighborhood, it took down trees but only 2 of the plexiglass windows popped out. Make sure it is level where you put it in. We live in zone 5 and get many winter nights below freezing. We used a small space heater that barely ran and kept tender plants and vegetables growing all winter. My husband loved going in to water with all the summer smells. Make sure to get the automatic vents, 2 if you get this big size. We moved but the new owners use it like a shed for bikes and lawn mowers. It is still standing 15 years later. I would have another if I could.
                  by
                    • Recommended
                    8 found this review helpful
                    Not the best, but not the worst.
                    I was looking for a decent size greenhouse for winter growing. Found this greenhouse for a decent price. Was shipped directly to my house, packaged good no shipping damage. Opened it up and found no directions in any of the boxes. Found directions online,I don't have a printer so we had to follow them from a smart phone. Once the pad was leveled out assembly was pretty easy the pin tool could use a little changing(angle at the end of the handle kills your Palm after a couple hundred pins).Frame and walls were simple to install once we got to the ceiling panels the directions were complicated and not easy to follow. The roof will most likely leak on this greenhouse. Not a huge issue for me. I assembled this on New years Eve and day in New England it was cold so I assume that's why some of the pieces cracked like eggs during assembly. If the manufacturer could add a couple spare parts that would have been great we had exact numbers of nuts screws and bolts which can be aggravating working outside and accidentally dropping one. Other than that it's not a professional grade greenhouse but I think it wil function just great. It will take a day or two to assemble and I recommend at least 2-3 people working on it.
                    by
                      • Recommended
                      5 found this review helpful
                      Great Product
                      This Greenhouse is well designed, assembly instructions are easy to follow and it's aesthetically a good looking building. The locking rivets are simple to install with the included tools and really do hold the frame together well. This project will definitely help our gardening efforts and improve the value of our property.
                      by
                      • DIY
                      • Recommended
                      5 found this review helpful
                      Great greenhouse for the price
                      I purchased the Rion Hobby greenhouse around last January. I had to wait to put it up due to the snow in my area. Once the ground was clear I built the greenhouse and the customer service for Rion was great. The guy I talked with helped me through out the assembly process. The greenhouse is beautiful and easy to upkeep.
                      by
                      • DIY
                      • Recommended
                      10 found this review helpful
                      Showing 1-29 of 29 reviews

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                      Approximate Greenhouse Width (ft.)

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                      Width (ft) x Depth (ft)

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                      9x21

                      Greenhouse Features

                      Door latch, Double door, Vents

                      Door latch, Double door, Lockable door/gate latch, Threshold ramp, Vents

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                      Approximate Greenhouse Depth (ft.)

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                      Greenhouse Style

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