If you’re considering adding a polytunnel to your garden or allotment, you might be wondering: should you build your own or buy one? It’s a big decision, and both options have their advantages.
Tony O’Neill from Simplify Gardening recently shared his experience of owning both a DIY-built polytunnel and a professionally manufactured one (from Northern Polytunnels, no less!). He breaks down the pros and cons of each, so we thought we’d take a moment to highlight some key points and offer some extra insights—especially with the introduction of our latest EasyBuild Polytunnel.
The Case for Building Your Own Polytunnel
Some people love a good DIY project, and building your own polytunnel can be a rewarding experience. Here’s what Tony found were the biggest advantages:
- Cost Savings – If you can salvage materials like timber, scaffolding poles, and plastic sheeting, you could save money.
- Bespoke Design – You can customise your tunnel exactly how you want it, from taller sides for tomatoes to built-in shelving.
- Unique Features – Tony added large, pull-out ventilation windows, a built-in propagation room, and even a rainwater collection system.
However, there are also some clear downsides:
- Time-Consuming – Tony’s build took weeks, requiring complex timber work, drilling, and careful measuring.
- Durability Issues – After 10 years, the timber is splitting, window frames are rotting, and the plastic is loosening with no easy way to re-tension it.
- Difficult to Adapt – With no modular system in place, adding or adjusting elements later can be tricky.
If you love hands-on projects and don’t mind the maintenance, a homemade polytunnel could be a great fit. But if you’re looking for something durable, adaptable, and quick to set up, a pre-made tunnel might be the better option.
After 10 years, my homemade polytunnel is showing its age—the timber is splitting, window frames are rotting, and the plastic has loosened with no easy way to re-tension it. But my purchased polytunnel? Still solid, thanks to its modular design and built-in tensioning system.
Tony O’Neill from Simplify Gardening
The Benefits of Buying a Polytunnel
Tony also shared his experience with purchasing a polytunnel, which he found to be a much easier and more reliable option. Here’s why:
- Quick Assembly – With a modular design and clear instructions, two people can put up a polytunnel in a day.
- Built to Last – Galvanised steel frames, corkscrew-style ground anchors, and pre-cut materials mean a stronger, longer-lasting structure.
- Better Ventilation – Many models (like ours) include roll-up side curtains and built-in windows for easy airflow.
- Re-tensionable Plastic – Unlike DIY tunnels, professionally made tunnels have built-in mechanisms to keep the plastic taut over time.
- Low Maintenance – No worrying about rotting timber or replacing awkwardly sized windows.
What About Adaptability?
One concern Tony raised was that adding custom features to a pre-made tunnel—such as attaching trellis wires or modifying ventilation—can sometimes be tricky. However, this is exactly why we created the EasyBuild Polytunnel.
With EasyBuild, you get a fully modular system that’s designed to be retrofittable. Want to add extra ventilation, shelves, or even expand your structure later? No problem—you can adapt as your needs change without any complex modifications. It gives you the flexibility of a DIY build with the reliability of a professional polytunnel.
So, Should You Build or Buy?
It ultimately comes down to time, budget, and personal preference. If you love DIY and have the materials to hand, building your own could be an enjoyable project. But if you want a stronger, longer-lasting polytunnel that’s quick to set up and easy to maintain, buying one—especially a modular one like EasyBuild—is a solid choice.
A huge thanks to Tony at Simplify Gardening for his honest insights—his full video is well worth a watch if you’re considering a polytunnel. And if you’re ready to start growing under cover, check out our latest models to find the perfect fit for your space.
Got questions? Drop us a message—we’re always happy to help!
