Outsunny 39" Aluminum Vented Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse Kit - Silver/Transparent
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The only instructions I had were the ones that came with it, which were mostly just pictures.
I live in Connecticut, so year-round planting is not an option for me.
Dimensions in total: 39" L x 4" W 4" W
It's made of plastic that's been used to make greenhouses. Plant call walls come to mind when I see this. Basically, two layers of plastic sheeting separated by a quarter-inch line of plastic. I'd use it for my turtles if I were a wildlife biologist! However, cutting it could be challenging. If you're successful, line the edges with something soft, such as electrical tape, to keep it from cracking and splitting.
Selected User Reviews For Outsunny 39" Aluminum Vented Cold Frame Mini Greenhouse Kit - Silver/Transparent
The panels are made of extruded aluminum with plastic overlays. The construction is extremely light. You'll have to re-assemble the window frames if you don't pay attention to both the pictures and the text when putting them together. To ensure that the window vent pieces are facing the right way, assemble them correctly. The instructions make it difficult to figure out. The two windows' hinges are essentially screws threaded into the extrusion channels. The issue is that when the windows are opened and closed, or if there is a strong wind that opens the window completely (beyond what was intended), the screw will pull out of the channel's end (it only penetrates about an inch). Visit a Lowe's near you- Look for 1/8" steel rod at Home Depot and insert it along the entire length of the hinge channel, then bend it into an "L" shape to secure it in the end brackets. Since I did that, it hasn't broken.
This is a poorly constructed piece. Yes, you have a sturdy aluminum frame, but they expect you to use bolt heads to pressure fit it together. The bolt manufacturer must have precision engineering and provide bolts of uniform size in order for this process to work. The instructions are poorly written; just when you think you've finished putting together the main frame, you're given a cross bar to attach that requires you to disassemble a piece of the frame you've just struggled to put together. If you move it once it's put together, it'll fall apart, which isn't a big deal because the 'poly-' Panels made of carbonate will only last a season. Consider clear cardboard, which is easily damaged and appears to degrade in the sun.
It's been 6 hours and counting, but it's finally finished. Because the instructions were so bad, I had to redo the entire assembly process several times. To make assembly easier, I decided to reassemble it in a different order. As someone else pointed out, the lid does not close properly and hangs open on one side, making it appear as if it was poorly designed. It's very flimsy, and I'm not sure how it'll fare in the snow. But, unlike the other items I ordered, it was delivered.
I can put together ikea flat packs in under an hour, but this took me over seven hours, so be prepared because it's fiddly and the instructions aren't very clear. If you don't put the screws where they need to go, you'll have to go back to the beginning. In the garden, however, I'm content with it. I'd recommend doing some research on the type of plastic it's made of before purchasing it because I'm not sure what grade it is.
The only positive aspect was the cost, but as you'll see from the rest of the review, that was clearly the flaw. br>br>Contrary to popular belief, there are a number of disadvantages to using this product. Packaging waste, extremely difficult and time-consuming to assemble (and I'm a pro), flimsy, product wouldn't close all the way unless I used a brick on the lids — in other words, poorly engineered. I requested a refund and was told that if I provided photos, I could get a partial refund. My fall vegetable crop was ruined as a result of it. When it comes down to it, you get what you pay for.
Before the snow started to fall, I was able to put it together and put it in place. It will be much more sturdy if you use silicone caulking and a socket set for extra grip while assembling. Before you begin, make sure you have thoroughly read the instructions.
Remember, for $47, you get an aluminum cold frame with polycarbonate panels! This isn't much more than building a cold frame out of cedar and PVC plastic sheeting yourself. As long as I treat it gently, I believe I'll be able to get three years out of it. br> The instructions resemble a 40-page handbook with a bonus instructional DVD from IKEA. Take it easy! If at all possible, enlist the help of a colleague. The use of a ratcheting handle and a hex nut driver was extremely beneficial. I assembled it in about 2 1/2 hours by myself. br> I also purchased an automatic vent opener, but I have yet to install it. I'm not sure if the frame will hold up. I'll have to "McGyver" a way to fit the vent opener to the coldframe because it was designed for a greenhouse.
The instructions aren't any worse than those provided by IKEA. Pay close attention to the graphics and the order in which the parts in the booklet are presented. Each piece has its own distinct characteristics. If you make a mistake, it's simple to loosen and reposition. The poly panels are light and easy to work with. They do advise using silicon to keep things sealed. I'm not sure when the best time to add that would have been, before or after it was all put together in the channel. It would have been nice to have a latch to secure the top down in case it blew off. It's possible that a solution will be required.
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