Small Polycarbonate Greenhouse | Exaco RIGA s

The Ultimate Compact Greenhouse for Year-Round Growing

Looking for a small polycarbonate greenhouse that can handle real weather? The RIGA S series delivers German engineering in a compact footprint, built tough enough for heavy snow, high winds, and hail while giving you genuine four-season growing space.

This isn't a flimsy seasonal tent or a big-box store special that buckles under the first spring storm. The RIGA small polycarbonate greenhouse is manufactured by Hoklartherm, a German company with over 30 years of greenhouse expertise. Every panel, seal, and extrusion is designed to perform in demanding climates where other greenhouses fail.

Whether you're overwintering vegetables, starting seedlings months ahead of your neighbors, or cultivating year-round herbs and flowers, the RIGA S series gives you professional-grade growing conditions in a backyard-friendly size.

Why Choose a Small Polycarbonate Greenhouse Over Glass or Film?

Before diving into the RIGA specifically, it's worth understanding why polycarbonate has become the material of choice for serious hobby growers and commercial operations alike.

Durability That Glass Can't Match

Traditional glass greenhouses look beautiful but shatter under hail, heavy snow loads, or an errant baseball. Polycarbonate panels are virtually unbreakable, they flex under impact rather than shattering, making them ideal for unpredictable weather.

Superior Insulation

Single-pane glass provides almost no insulation. The RIGA's twin-wall polycarbonate panels trap air between layers, dramatically reducing heat loss. This means lower heating costs in winter and more stable temperatures year-round.

UV Protection Built In

Quality polycarbonate panels include UV-blocking coatings that protect both your plants and the material itself from degradation. The RIGA's panels are rated for 10+ years of UV exposure without yellowing or becoming brittle.

Lightweight Yet Strong

Polycarbonate weighs significantly less than glass, reducing structural requirements and making assembly more manageable. Despite being lighter, it's far more impact-resistant.

Light Transmission

Modern twin-wall polycarbonate transmits 80-85% of available light—more than enough for healthy plant growth—while diffusing harsh direct sunlight that can scorch leaves.

RIGA S Series: Three Sizes for Different Spaces

The RIGA S series offers three footprint options, all sharing the same premium construction and 7'8" width. Choose based on your available space and growing ambitions:

Riga 2s – 54 Square Feet

Dimensions: 7' Length × 7'8" Width × 7'1" Peak Height (2 Panels)

The most compact option, ideal for urban lots, small backyards, or gardeners who want to test the waters with a premium greenhouse before scaling up. Despite its modest footprint, the 7'1" peak height provides genuine walk-in space.

Riga 3s – 81 Square Feet

Dimensions: 10'6" Length × 7'8" Width × 7'1" Peak Height (3 Panels)

The sweet spot for most home gardeners. Enough room for a serious vegetable start operation, overwintering tender perennials, and year-round herb production without overwhelming a typical suburban yard.

Riga 4s – 108 Square Feet

Dimensions: 14' Length × 7'8" Width × 7'1" Peak Height (4 Panels)

Maximum growing space in the compact S series. If you're planning to grow food year-round or maintain a diverse plant collection, the 4s gives you room to work without stepping up to the larger (and wider) standard RIGA models.

 
Need more space? The RIGA Large Polycarbonate Greenhouse offers 102–165 sq. ft. of growing area with the same German engineering and automatic ventilation.

What Makes the RIGA Small Polycarbonate Greenhouse Different?

German Engineering, Not Commodity Manufacturing

Hoklartherm doesn't mass-produce greenhouses in overseas factories. Each RIGA is manufactured in Germany using precision-engineered components that fit together properly and stay together for decades. This isn't marketing speak, it's the difference between struggling with misaligned holes and warped panels versus a structure that assembles cleanly and operates smoothly year after year.

Twin-Wall Polycarbonate with Variable Thickness

Most greenhouse manufacturers use uniform panel thickness throughout. The RIGA S series uses 8mm twin-wall polycarbonate on the side walls where impact resistance matters most, and 10mm panels on the gable ends for additional insulation and structural rigidity. This thoughtful engineering provides better thermal performance where heat loss is greatest.

Heavy-Duty 13-Gauge Aluminum Framing

The RIGA's frame isn't the thin-wall aluminum tubing found in budget greenhouses. Every extrusion is substantial 13-gauge aluminum, anodized for corrosion resistance and built to handle snow loads that would collapse lesser structures.

Aerodynamic Curved Roof Design

The distinctive curved roof isn't just attractive, it's functional. The profile naturally sheds snow and reduces wind resistance. While flat or peaked roofs catch wind and accumulate snow, the RIGA's design lets both slide off.

Integrated Ventilation System

Proper ventilation prevents overheating, reduces humidity-related disease, and ensures healthy plant growth. The RIGA S includes:

• Roof windows with automatic temperature-sensitive openers (no electricity required)
• Large rear window for cross-ventilation
• Dutch barn-style door that opens in sections for precise airflow control

The automatic roof vents are particularly valuable—they open when temperatures rise and close as they drop, maintaining optimal conditions even when you're away.

Professional-Grade Sealing

Gaps and leaks in cheap greenhouses waste heat, let in pests, and allow moisture intrusion that leads to mold and structural damage. The RIGA uses heavy-duty rubber seals throughout, keeping the interior environment controlled and the structure protected.

What's Included with Your RIGA Small Polycarbonate Greenhouse?

Every RIGA S series greenhouse ships as a complete kit containing:

• All polycarbonate panels (8mm sides, 10mm gable ends)
• Complete aluminum frame with all extrusions and connectors
• Barn-style hinged door with key lock (30" W × 72" H)
• Roof ventilation window with automatic opener
• Rear ventilation window
• Heavy-duty rubber seals
• All hardware and fasteners
• Detailed assembly guide

Optional Accessories

Shelf System

Maximize your growing space with the optional shelf kit designed specifically for the RIGA S series:

• Top Shelf: 10" wide, mounted near the roof for seedlings and heat-loving plants
• Bottom Shelf: 25" wide, perfect for staging and overflow

Shelf lengths vary by greenhouse size. The clever design hangs shelves from the frame rather than the walls, preserving interior floor space and allowing natural light penetration.

Foundation Frame

The aluminum foundation frame provides a level base and anchoring point when you're not mounting to an existing concrete pad. Simply bury it in a shallow trench around the perimeter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the RIGA compare to big-box store greenhouses?

Night and day. Mass-market greenhouses use thin aluminum, single-wall or 4mm polycarbonate, minimal sealing, and cheap hardware. They're designed to hit a price point, not to last. The RIGA's 13-gauge aluminum, 8-10mm panels, and precision engineering cost more upfront but provide genuine performance and longevity.

Can I heat a small polycarbonate greenhouse for winter growing?

Yes—and the RIGA's twin-wall panels make heating economical. The insulating air gap significantly reduces heat loss compared to glass or single-wall plastic. Many growers use small electric or propane heaters to maintain growing temperatures even in freezing weather.

What foundation do I need?

You have options: pour a concrete pad for permanence, lay pavers or gravel for drainage and leveling, or use the included aluminum foundation frame directly in soil. The frame buries in a shallow trench and provides a solid, level base without concrete work.

How long does assembly take?

Plan 6-10 hours with a helper. The kit includes everything you need and the instructions are clear. Unlike discount greenhouses, the precision manufacturing means parts actually fit together without modification.

Does South Table Sheds offer installation?

Yes, we provide professional greenhouse assembly throughout the Denver metro area. Contact us for pricing and scheduling.

What about permits?

Requirements vary by location. Most jurisdictions don't require permits for structures under a certain size (often 120-200 square feet), but check with your local building department. The RIGA S series falls within typical exemption limits.

Why Buy from South Table Sheds?

We're an authorized Exaco dealer with 17 years of greenhouse and outdoor structure experience in Colorado. That means:

• We know the product. We've assembled these greenhouses, helped customers troubleshoot them, and watched them perform through Colorado weather.
• We're here when you need us. Questions before purchase? Problems during assembly? Want installation help? Call us at 720-656-7313.
• Free shipping to the continental US. No surprise freight charges at checkout.
• Professional assembly available in the Denver area if you'd rather grow plants than read instruction manuals.

Ready to Start Growing Year-Round?

The RIGA small polycarbonate greenhouse is an investment in serious growing capability. German engineering, professional-grade materials, and thoughtful design combine to create a structure that performs in real-world conditions and lasts for decades.

These greenhouses are imported in limited batches and don't sit in inventory long. If you're ready to move beyond seasonal gardening limitations, now's the time.

Questions? Call us at 720-656-7313 or use the live chat. We're happy to help you choose the right size and accessories for your growing plans.