Compare UK Polytunnels: How EasyBuild Stacks Up
When we set out to create the EasyBuild Polytunnel, we had a simple goal: make a stronger, smarter tunnel that’s easier to build and better value than anything else on the market.
But we wanted to be sure.
So we did what any serious grower would do, we went polytunnel shopping. We visited a handful of popular UK websites, configured like-for-like (or as close as possible) tunnels with similar features, and compared them against our own EasyBuild spec.
Here’s what we found.
Finding a Like-for-Like Tunnel Wasn’t Easy
We tried to match a popular garden tunnel size, 3m x 6m, with these key features:
- A steel frame including base and side rail (no timber)
- Side ventilation on both sides with roll-up curtains
- 3 ridge bars
- Crop bars at all internal hoops
- Sliding metal doors on both ends
- A robust cover fixing method (no staples or battens)
- Diffused cover
- Ground cover
The result? Not a single competitor offered this full spec without add-ons or compromises, and in most cases, we had to upgrade components just to get close to the EasyBuild’s standard offering.
What We Compared
Here’s how our EasyBuild Polytunnel stacked up against three popular UK suppliers (names removed for fairness):
| Feature | EasyBuild Polytunnel | Competitor A | Competitor B | Competitor C |
| Size | 3m × 6m | ~3.05m × 6.10m | ~3.05m × 6.10m | ~3.05m × 6.09m |
| Cover | Diffused | Clear only | Clear only (upgrade needed to match guage) | Clear only |
| Cover Fixing | Wiggle wire & steel rail | Nailed battens | Nailed battens | Nailed battens |
| Tensioning System | Jacking system included | None | Not available with metal rails | None |
| Anchors | Screw anchors | Screw anchors | Anchor plates only | Screw anchors |
| Base Rail | Galvanised steel | Aluminium | Aluminium | Aluminium |
| Side Rail | Galvanised steel | Aluminium | Aluminium | Timber only |
| Hoop Size | 50x25mm oval as standard | 32mm (upgrade) | 38mm (upgrade) | 35mm (upgrade) |
| Crop Bars | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Ridge Bars | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Side Ventilation | Both sides with roll-up | Both sides (no curtain) | Both sides (no curtain) | Both sides with curtain |
| Ground Cover | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Doors | Aluminium sliding doors | Sliding timber only | Sliding timber only | Sliding timber only |
| Price (inc. VAT) | £1,460.82 | £1,587.20 | £2,597.00 | £1,958.00 |
Here’s What Stood Out
Most Alternatives Use Timber
Most competitor kits use timber base rails, timber side rails, or timber-framed doors as standard. These may work fine in the short term, but they’re prone to warping, rotting, and failure over time. EasyBuild is 100% timber-free for a reason.
Core Features Often Come as Extras
In other kits, essential elements like sliding doors, roll-up ventilation, or steel rails are often add-ons… not included as standard. This inflates the price and creates confusion for new growers.
With EasyBuild, these features are available in one clear configurator, with live pricing and instant downloadable specs. No surprises.
Better Spec. Lower Price.
Even after upgrading competitor kits to match our spec as closely as possibly, all other options came up short and our EasyBuild came out as the most affordable option.
Why? Because we manufacture our tunnels in-house, right here in the UK. That means fewer mark-ups and no compromises on quality.
The Benefits of an EasyBuild Polytunnel
- No timber: all metal construction = no rot, no warp, no nails
- Made in Britain: manufactured by us in Lancashire
- Built to last: 50x25mm oval steel hoops as standard
- Built to British Standards EN 13031
- Easy to build: jacking system tensioning, pre-cut parts, and clear instructions
- Simple to configure: try our online configurator and see it live
I recently purchased a polytunnel from Northern Polytunnels , the quality of all the components is very good, I called up by phone before ordering on line and the advice I received was very helpful in helping me decide what to order , the build was an enjoyable experience too , couldn’t recommend Northern enough.
Susan Eley
Never bought or constructed a PT before a friend suggested NPT – we found them very helpful before we purchased and then again during construction. The design makes it super easy to get it right!
Phillip B
Northern Polytunnels has one of the best customer service attitudes that I have ever come across. We bought a 30ft tunnel from them a few years ago, and then latterly a side vent kit. After two or three years, the polythene on the vent degraded and started to fall apart. I emailed them to see if they sold replacement polythene, and to my surprise, they replaced it free of charge. Customer service over an above. Brilliant company. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
David Schofield
Try It Yourself
Thinking of getting a polytunnel? Don’t just take our word for it, try the EasyBuild Configurator and compare for yourself.
We built EasyBuild to make polytunnel growing easier, tougher, and better value. Looks like it worked.
