Rion or HFGH?

19 years ago

I am going to purchase a greenhouse this year, but I am debating which way to go. Of course like all people, at least us common folks, money is quite an issue. I have been following the HFGH readings and I am impressed about the modifications and low cost of the initial unit. Yes, I have read about the couple,and I do mean couple of bad reviews that the unit has gotten, but there is a lot more positive reviews. I have noticed that the unit is now around $700, so it must be getting popular. The way I have it figured is that even at the new price, you could probably have a good GH set up for around $1500. That would include heater, vents, openers, venilation, etc. That wouldn't include the foundation, wireing, plumbing, etc. Now the other unit that is reasonably priced, Ha, is the Rion unit. I haven't found alot of negative about it, except for one really bad post on it being made out of plastic. The plastic is the part that bothers me. I have some plastic resin figurines in the garden area that are starting to look really cra--y after a couple of years and I am thinking that the same thing will happen to the Rion. Most of the post on it are from people who have just set thier up and how pretty it looks, but what about three years down the road.

Also, with either one of these units, is it feasible to do a cinder block wall 32" tall (four blocks) and then set the GH ontop of it. I think that it would look better, and it would protect the panels from flying projectiles set free by the weed eater or lawnmower.

Featured Answer

wetfeet101b

19 years ago

Heat is a major concern with the Rion kits. Their warranty certificate actually indicates in writing that Rion's warrantly does not cover damage due to excess heat.
So if you go with a Rion, you will need to pay extra attention to temperature management.
The Rion 8x16 I recently built, straight out of the box is a sauna. At noontime with no clouds, it was in the 70s F outside and it was breaking 120 degrees F inside. Shade cloth, fans and other supplemental cooling is a must.

The HFGH has some drawbacks straight out of the box too, but there is a wealth of information on these forums on how to reinforce them to make them sturdier and more efficient.
The price is also nice. For the price of one Rion, you can probably build 2 or 3 fully outfitted HFGH of similar size.

You could set them up on brick or concrete knee-walls. But bear in mind that these are already tall units to begin with. The Rion stands over 8 feet at the peak, the HFGH is pretty close to that too I think. It is something to think about if you are in an area with high winds.

I like my 8x16 Rion kit, but it is still too early to tell if it will age gracefully or crash & burn (or melt). I am willing to be the expensive guinea pig for everyone's sake :)

Some metrics: (**Disclaimer this is NOT an expert opinion**)
*Price: HFGH Wins - price difference is very significant.
*History/Shared knowlege: HFGH Wins - I have seen a lot more informative posts about the HFGH than Rion. Come on Rion owners, you gotta share the knowledge :)
*Sturdiness (Stock): Rion Wins - Straight out of the box, the HFGH needs some significant shoring up. The Rion has very substancial structure. This is assuming that both kits are properly anchored to the ground.
*Structural Integrity (Heat): HFGH? This is just based on the assumption that aluminum will be better able to withstand high temperatures compared to plastic/resin combos.
* Dead/Live Load: ????? - Rion claims that their GH can support a snow load of up to 1100lbs. I do not have data on the HFGH - can someone please fill us in?
* Aesthetics: Rion Wins - It sure is purrty! :)
* Expandability: ????? This is an iffy subject. You can purchase additional Rion "middle modules" to expand the
length of the GH in 4 foot increments. But the price of the expansion kits will probably match that of a whole HFGH kit. So the decision becomes "Expand the Rion? or Build another HFGH?"

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Comments (7)

gardenerwantabe
19 years ago
The 10X12 HFGH is about 10 feet tall it would look odd if it was sitting on a 3 foot wall. The polycarbonate panel will not break from a weed eater they are very strong.
I have my HFGH sitting on treated 4x4 foundation.
Below is a link to some photos of the Modifications that I did to mine.
In the past year it has been through a blizzard an ice storm and 80 mph wind storm with no damage I'm very happy with the results but without the modifications this GH will not survive the first storm.
I think you estimate for a completed GH is a little low.
Shelving--grow lights--ventilation fans--thermostats-heaters--shade cloth--thermo-blanket esc. It soon adds up.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pictures of HFGH and Modifications
birdwidow
19 years ago
You could build a 32 inch kneewall, but would need to devise some means of dropping the door frame, because custom door drops are not available with either the Rion or HFGH.

Or, go with a shorter knee wall, say about a foot, and use the space inside for gound insulating and drainage and build it up to the level of the base, then just set a step or a ramp in front of the door.

The easiest means for you to protect the GH base from flying objects tossed from a mower or weed wacker, might be to lay a garden timber frame around the entire perimiter of the GH, set about 2 -3 ft away from it, filled with gravel or decorative stone. 1/4" hardware cloth all around the base and out about 18 - 24" under the gravel, would also prevent critters from burrowing into your GH.

I can't comment on the ability of the Rion frame to hold up in the weater, but doubt the polycarb in Rion frames is the same material as used in resin lawn decorations, which are not much harmed by exposure so much as the cold paint on them fades and leaves them- as you put it, looking pretty cra--y.
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troykd
19 years ago
Great analysis wetfeet!

I looked at Rion vs HFGH and bought the HFGH. I do think the Rion is more attractive. A reinforced HFGH though is hard to beat. One of the factors was the polycarbonate on the Rion doesn't appear to have any insulating factors like the twinwall in the HFGH.

Here is a link that might be useful: Building our HFGH 10x12
bluepine
19 years ago
Has anyone estimated what additional costs were necessary to shore the HFGH up so you can sleep at night?
gardenerwantabe
19 years ago

Has anyone estimated what additional costs were necessary to shore the HFGH up so you can sleep at night?

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/strucs/2006122146005629.html
troykd
19 years ago
I have the HFGH cost breakdown at the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Building our HFGH

Rion or HFGH?

wetfeet101b

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