Cold frame assembly in Exeter
Professional cold frame assembly services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30-60 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional cold frame assembly - glazing fitted safely, hinges adjusted, and positioned in your garden for the best growing conditions. Ready for seedlings or year-round growing.
Extend Your Growing Season
Cold frames protect seedlings in spring, harden off plants, and keep salads growing through winter. But they need assembling properly, with glazing secure and ventilation working correctly.
🌱 Garden tip: South-facing against a wall is ideal - the wall stores heat and provides wind protection.
Glass vs Polycarbonate
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | Better heat retention, clearer | Fragile, heavier |
| Polycarbonate | Lighter, safer | Can bow if poorly fitted |
Either way, it needs fitting correctly so it doesn't rattle or leak.
What You Get
🔧 Full Setup
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Check | Glazing inspected for damage |
| Build | Base frame assembled first |
| Glazing | Panels fitted securely |
| Hinges | Lid mechanism adjusted |
| Position | Best location in your garden |
📦 Ideal Positioning
- South-facing for maximum sun
- Against south-facing wall (extra warmth)
- Sheltered from prevailing winds
- Level, well-drained ground
Pricing Guide
| Job | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Cold frame assembly | 30-60 mins | £60 |
| Plus positioning | 45-60 mins | £60 |
| With raised bed assembly | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Perfect For...
✅ Seed starting - Protected environment
✅ Hardening off - Transition plants outdoors
✅ Raised beds - Sit on top for complete setup
✅ Year-round growing - Salads through winter
Why Choose Us for Cold frame assembly in Exeter?
Glazing panels fitted securely - no rattling
Hinged lids adjusted for easy opening
Positioned for best sun exposure
Base levelled for proper drainage
What to Expect
Step 1: Check & Position
Glazing panels checked for damage, positioning options discussed, ground assessed.
Step 2: Assemble
Base frame built first, glazing panels fitted securely, lid and hinges attached.
Step 3: Adjust & Demonstrate
Prop mechanism adjusted, lid operation demonstrated, ventilation explained.
🔧 DIY Tips
Building it yourself? Here's what matters:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Allen keys (often supplied)
- Spirit level
- Gloves (for handling glass)
📐 Key steps
- Check all glazing for damage first
- Build base frame on level ground
- Fit glazing panels securely
- Adjust hinges so lid sits square
- Set prop stays to hold lid open
- Position for best sun
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Glazing not seated properly (rattles)
- Hinges misaligned (lid won't close)
- Poor positioning (too shady)
- Not levelling base (water pools inside)
💡 Pro trick: For polycarbonate glazing, check which side should face outward - there's usually a UV-treated side. Twin-wall types need their ends sealed or moisture gets in and causes algae growth.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌿 Combine with other jobs - At 30-60 minutes, add raised bed assembly, greenhouse setup, or general garden tasks.
Using your cold frame:
- Ventilate daily in sunny weather (overheating kills plants)
- Close by mid-afternoon to retain warmth
- Water in morning so foliage dries before night
- Add fleece in hard frosts
Seasonal use:
- Spring: starting seeds, hardening off
- Summer: melons, peppers in warmth
- Autumn: extending salad crops
- Winter: overwintering tender plants
Frequently Asked Questions
Where's the best place to put a cold frame?
South-facing gets most sun. Against a wall is ideal - stores heat and provides wind protection. Avoid areas that flood or pool water.
Do cold frames need anchoring?
Lightweight aluminium frames can blow around when empty. If exposed, I can secure with ground pegs or position against a wall.
Can you assemble on a raised bed?
Yes - this is a great combination. Cold frame sits on top of the raised bed. I'll make sure it's seated properly and the lid works at the raised height.
What if glazing is cracked?
I'll check all panels before assembly. Cracked glass should be claimed from supplier rather than fitted - it'll only get worse.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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