Greenhouse Questions

What are the features and benefits of the Sunshine Greenhouse Kits?

• The Greenhouse combines top quality components and functional design.
  
  
• An Attractive and Durable Redwood Frame, which is naturally resistant to insect and moisture damage. Only second growth redwood is used, preserving old-growth redwood.
  
  
• Double-Wall Polycarbonate Panels will not crack or shatter, retain heat in the winter, diffuse light for even plant growth, and block 98% of the harmful UV rays. The impact strength of polycarbonate is 30 times greater than acrylic, and 200 times greater than glass.
  
  
• Assembles Easily and Quickly . The major components of the Greenhouse Kit are panelized for an easy sure fit.  And each Kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions, and a convenient product assembly video.
  
  
• Patented Rigid Tie connectors make the structure rigid and strong.  
  
  
• The Greenhouse was tested by an independent lab, and withstood their maximum wind load capacity of 85 mph with no damage.
  
  
• The 45 degree roof slope transmits low angle sun in the winter, and reflects high angle sun in summer. This increases heat in the winter and reduces it in the summer. It also provides ample headroom and plant-hanging space. The steep roof slope sheds show in the winter, and can withstand a snow load of 18 lbs. per square foot.
  
  
• Automatic solar-powered vent operators on the roof and the base of the Greenhouse contain a paraffin (wax) cylinder that expands when the temperature reaches about 65 degrees F., pushing the vent open to its fully opened position at about 85 degrees F. As the temperature cools and the paraffin contracts, the vent operators springs draw each vent closed. It is also easily detachable for manual operation. A circulating chimney effect is created as cool air is drawn in from the base vent, and warmer air is allowed to escape from the hottest point at the roof ridge.
  
  
• A convenient Dutch Door Entry provides additional ventilation control and access.
  
  
• The frame base of the Greenhouse is a durable plastic with the authentic look, color and texture of redwood, but with the consistent properties of plastic, making it resistant to insect and moisture damage.
  
  
• A foundation is not required. It is only necessary to prepare a flat surface of gravel, wood, cement, or other material as indicated.

What are the various sizes of Greenhouse Kits?

• 4' x 8' Greenhouse This lean-to structure fills the need for gardening in limited space. It is designed to attach to a smooth vertical wall, and has two doors, one at each end.  Automatic ventilation is not built into this unit.
• 6' x 4' Greenhouse Contains the same features and height as the 6'x 8' size; This model is one-half the size of the 6' x 8' size.
• 6' x 8' Greenhouse Our most popular model is surprisingly spacious due to its 8'6" height. It comes complete with automatically operated roof and base vents, and a convenient Dutch door entry.
• 6'x 12' Greenhouse Contains the same features and height as the 6'x 8' size, but includes 50% more space.
• 8' x 12' and 8' x 16' Greenhouses The largest Greenhouse kits have a roof height of 10 feet. This size affords plenty of space for plants and even outdoor furniture. Expanded ventilation includes two automatic roof ridge vents, and two automatic base vents on the back wall.

Why are the Greenhouses made out of Redwood?

We use redwood for its dimensional stability. Wood acts like a sponge; when it absorbs moisture it swells and when it loses moisture it shrinks. Redwood has thinner cell walls which shrink and swell less than other woods, so redwood is less likely to warp, split, cup or check.

Why should a person buy a Greenhouse made out of redwood?

There are many reasons including it's natural beauty and durability. Redwood heartwood is naturally resistant to decay and insects.  Redwood is an excellent choice because it is easy to paint, stain and glue, and no other softwood holds paints, stains and other coatings better than redwood.

Do I need to finish exterior redwood?

Though redwood will perform better than most other woods if left without a finish, it will look better and last longer if a protective finish is applied and maintained.

How do I keep my new redwood Greenhouse looking new and natural?

Clear water repellent finishes containing mildewcides help preserve the natural appearance of redwood siding. They may not, however, prevent the natural color changes associated with the weathering process. Clear water repellents or water repellent preservatives are the most natural types of finishes, but they are also the least durable. They require reapplication every one to two years. These finishes can be used on decks, fences, siding or other exterior projects.

What type of finish is more durable than clear water repellent but still retains a natural appearance?

Transparent and semitransparent stains may last from three to four years. These finishes contain pigments which protect the wood from the degrading effects of solar radiation.  The best products contain water repellents, mildewcides and ultraviolet light blockers or absorbers. When selecting a pigmented stain, CRA recommends testing finishes on a small area to be sure the desired color effect is achieved. Transparent stains contain less pigment than semitransparent stains and provide a more natural look. These finishes can be used on decks, fences, siding or other exterior projects.

What finish should I use on the interior of my redwood Greenhouse?

A wide variety of finishes can be used on interior redwood, including the option of using no coating at all. Areas, such as kitchens and baths, which are subject to moisture need the most protective finishes. Alkyd resin or polyurethane sealers and varnishes are appropriate for these areas. Elsewhere, wax finishes, penetrating oils, stains and paints may be used.

Are there any special precautions I should take when painting redwood?

Redwood takes and holds paint better than most woods. It is important, however, to select and correctly apply the right primer.  Use oil- or alkyd-based primers or water-born stain-blocking primers on redwood. These primers are available from many paint manufacturers and are formulated especially for redwood, cedar and other wood with a high extractive content.  Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application closely. The best finishes will not perform if they are applied incorrectly. High quality acrylic latex top coats provide the best durability.

Are there different types of redwood?

There are three redwood species. The Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the Sierra Redwood (Sequoiadendron gigantea) are native to California. The Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia) grows in China. The Coast Redwood is used to make redwood lumber and is the subject of this website.

Is the Coast Redwood an endangered species?

No. Redwood is not an endangered species. There are more redwoods today than when man first harvested the trees.

Where is redwood harvested?

Redwood lumber is harvested almost entirely from private lands. These lands are zoned for timber production