When you’re ready to buy a greenhouse, one of the first big questions is: Should I get a kit or go the custom route? Kits are quick, affordable, and beginner-friendly. Custom builds, on the other hand, give you flexibility, more design freedom, and long-term investment value.
At Charley’s, there’s one thing both options share: every greenhouse we offer is built to last. Unlike flimsy kits from big-box stores, our structures are made from durable, high-quality components that require a proper foundation and become a true showpiece in your yard. Charley’s offers the best greenhouse kits and custom builds for gardeners who want strength, durability, and long-term value: not a throwaway structure.
Our Ready-to-Ship Cross Country Kits and other greenhouse kits are available right in our online store. And if your dream greenhouse calls for something bigger, with additional features, or uniquely designed for your home or property, our Made-to-Order Cross Country models are built exactly to your specifications.
Let’s explore the differences, so you can find the right fit for your garden and your goals.
What Is a Greenhouse Kit?
A greenhouse kit is a pre-designed structure that comes in specific sizes with standardized features, boxed and ready to ship. These kits are designed to be easy to assemble, affordable, and quick to get growing.
At Charley’s, our kits include:
You can browse and purchase all of these kits directly through our online store.
Ready-to-Ship Cross Country Kits: Small Size, Big Quality
Don’t let the word “kit” fool you. The Ready-to-Ship Cross Country greenhouses are made with the same industry-leading quality and strength as our custom Cross Country line. That means the same snow load ratings, the same wind ratings, and the same durable frame.
The only difference? These are pre-packaged, smaller models designed for quicker turnaround and easier ordering. They’re an excellent value, especially if you want Cross Country quality without the wait.
While Charley’s also offers Heritage Wood and Winter Gardenz greenhouses, the rest of this article will focus on our most versatile line: Cross Country Greenhouses. We’ll compare the Ready-to-Ship kits with the Made-to-Order models so you can see which best fits your needs.
What Is a Custom Greenhouse?
A custom greenhouse is built to order, letting you choose the size, height, free-standing or attached, glazing, color, accessories, and more. Made-to-Order Cross Country greenhouses are especially popular for:
- Home-attached styles like lean-tos or gable-attached designs.
- Estate or conservatory greenhouses that make a statement.
- Unique spaces or features, such as fitting a lean-to greenhouse snugly between your home and a detached garage.
- Turning your vision into reality. If you can dream it, we can build it. With thousands of options to choose from, you can create the perfect greenhouse for your garden and your goals.
With a custom build, you also have the option to upgrade ratings for extreme climates. So if you’re gardening in heavy snow country or an exposed windy ridge, a Cross Country custom can be engineered to meet those demands.
Kits vs. Custom Builds: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Greenhouse Kits | Custom Builds |
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront, long-term investment |
| Assembly | Often can be assembled over a weekend with two handy people, faster setup | Professional help needed for more complex builds |
| Size Options | Limited standard sizes | Wide range, fully customizable |
| Durability | Excellent! The same Cross Country quality for Ready-to-Ship models | Excellent, with ability to enhance for extreme environments |
| Quality | Premium & long-lasting, far beyond big-box store kits | Premium plus tailored upgrades for climate and design |
| Aesthetic | Limited by pre-set colors, sizes, and features | Tailored to match your home or landscape |
When to Choose a Greenhouse Kit
A greenhouse kit is the right fit if you’re eager to get growing without a long wait or the complexity of a fully custom project. Because kits come pre-packaged and ready to ship, they let you move quickly from decision to installation. They’re also easier on the budget, which makes them an excellent choice for first-time greenhouse owners or gardeners who want to test the waters before committing to a larger build.
At Charley’s, though, our kits are in a completely different category from the lightweight models you’ll find at big-box stores or discount retailers. Every greenhouse we sell, kit or custom, is built from high-quality, durable components designed to stand the test of time. These greenhouses require a proper foundation, and once installed, they become true showpieces in your yard. Charley’s Ready-to-Ship Cross Country Kits are some of the best greenhouse kits available anywhere, combining convenience with true professional-grade quality.
Kits make sense if:
- You want fast delivery and a simple ordering process.
- You’re new to greenhouse gardening and want something straightforward to get started.
- You don’t need a lot of space since you’ll mainly be growing herbs, seedlings, or seasonal vegetables.
- You love the idea of owning a Cross Country greenhouse but don’t need custom sizing. The Ready-to-Ship models offer the same strength, durability, and lifetime guarantee as the custom line at a lower cost.
- In many areas, smaller greenhouse kits fall below the thresholds that require a building permit, making them even easier to add to your property. (Always check with your local permitting office to confirm requirements in your area.)
When to Choose a Custom Built Greenhouse
A custom greenhouse is the right choice if you’re looking for a structure that goes beyond “standard.” When your gardening plans, your property, or your local climate require a greenhouse that does more than a kit can provide, customization becomes key. From upgraded glazing to lean-to styles that tuck into tight spaces, custom Cross Country models can be designed to fit your exact needs. They’re also built for the long haul, with engineering that can be enhanced for extreme snow or wind loads when needed.
Custom is the best route if:
- You want to garden year-round, even in challenging climates.
- You live in a region with heavy snow or high winds that requires enhanced structural ratings.
- You need a greenhouse to fit a unique space, such as between your home and detached garage.
- You’re dreaming of a statement structure like a conservatory or estate greenhouse that adds architectural beauty and long-term value to your property.
- You want exactly what you have in mind: if you can dream it, a Made-to-Order Cross Country greenhouse can bring it to life, with thousands of options to choose from.
Greenhouse Kits vs. Custom Builds: Common Questions Answered
Do Charley’s kit greenhouses last as long as custom builds?
Yes. Our Ready-to-Ship Cross Country Kits are built with the same durability and lifetime warranty as custom Cross Country models. Both are designed to stand the test of time and withstand real-world weather conditions.
Can I customize a kit?
Kits are limited to their standard sizes and designs, but you can still add accessories like benches, shelving, and fans. On Ready-to-Ship Cross Country models, you may also add features such as a Door-Drop Kit or Ridge Cresting by working with your greenhouse expert.
Do custom builds take longer?
Yes, because they’re made-to-order and engineered for your specifications. The payoff is a greenhouse that fits your exact space and growing needs. That said, Cross Country Greenhouses have some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry. If your timeline is important, ask a greenhouse expert about current lead times to help plan your project.
Do greenhouse kits require a permit?
In many areas, smaller greenhouse kits do not require a building permit because of their size. That said, requirements vary by location, so it’s always best to confirm with your local permitting office before starting your project.
Which option is better for my home resale value?
Both add value to your property, but custom builds often have a greater impact because they can be designed to complement your home’s architecture and serve as a long-term feature.
Can Charley’s help me decide?
Absolutely. Whether you’re browsing kits or considering a custom build, our greenhouse experts can answer your questions, walk you through foundations and installation, and guide you through the purchase process.
Greenhouse Kits vs. Custom Builds: Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re looking for a fast and affordable way to get growing, a greenhouse kit is a fantastic option. Our Ready-to-Ship Cross Country models deliver the same strength, ratings, and lifetime warranty as the custom line in a pre-packaged design.
But if you want something uniquely tailored to your home, your growing goals, your design sensibility, or your climate, a Made-to-Order Cross Country greenhouse may be the smarter long-term choice. Whether it’s an attached lean-to, a showpiece estate conservatory, or a structure engineered for extreme conditions, custom gives you room to dream.
Not sure which route is best? Our team of greenhouse experts is here to answer questions, help with sizing, discuss foundations and installation, and guide you through the purchase process.
👉 Explore our Greenhouse Kits today, or start your custom greenhouse journey with the Cross Country Design Your Own Greenhouse Tool. With this tool, you can:
- Choose your style, glazing, and size from over 4,000 options
- Get an instant greenhouse price estimate to help plan your budget
- Complete the process in just a couple of minutes
Whether you choose a kit or a custom build, Charley’s offers the best greenhouse options available, structures designed with the quality and durability that have made Cross Country a trusted name for decades.
