Good buy or not

I am thinking of buying a polytunnel . If I was in the UK I am sure I could make one but here in France its more difficult to get stuff like scaffolding poles free etc etc .
Origionally I looked at these guys Crysland http://www.serre-de-jardin-crysland.com/serre-de-jardin-noiselle-4m-4m-16m-xml-250-700.html
However it seems to be frank very gold plated eg 40mm galanised tube

Then there is this at a third of the price but its only 25mm tubes

http://www.outiror.com/030547-serre-xxl.html

Then I was recommended these guys http://www.firsttunnels.co.uk/
I looked on there web site and their tunnels are 25mm too but the cost plus transport should put it into the 500 600 € range

Anyone any thoughts experiance to share

I live in an area quite sheltered so no hurricains

David

I built my own polytunnel- out of scaffolding poles and 50mm gas pipe- but none of it was free, I had to buy it. The poles were was used though, and cheaper than buying a whole polytunnel- and I'd like to think my 50mm tubing it all sturdier than 25mm tubing would be. I'm not sure how easy it is to buy building materials, or how much they would cost for you (I am in the mainland UK).

I use 25mm galvanised poles for the chicken run, with mesh on though so the wind and rain go through, they're quite sturdy (I used galvanised electricians conduit) if it has a proper frame- with cross supports and the like. Personally for the linked-to polytunnel I think it looks a bit on the wimpy side, the cover isn't taut at all and wouldn't last very long- but I live on a relatively windy hillside.. so it really depends on your environment!

Thanks for that Charli
Yes if I was in the UK I would be building one out of stuff like you have but here in France its a different world .
I have talked to the English company http://www.firsttunnels.co.uk/ who seem very good value and exerlent service BUT the cost of transport kills it for me It takes the cost over 1000 euro even though they have the far the best product and service

I have found a new product that appears to have a better structure plus free delivery

http://www.castorama.fr/store/Serre-maraichere-21m-prod11890017.html?isSearchResult=true&navAction=jump#

Now to do some more thinking

DAvid

Hi David,

I don't know much about these smaller scale polytunnels, the one's I've came across were much larger (8m x 40m). But here are a few hints that may help you out.
- For the structure poles, go for the heavier and wider. You'll get more stability towards strong winds or heavy snows (one single storm is enough) and the structure strength will give you more possibilities for hanging or building stuff on it
- For better money value, you can also consider buying a second hand polytunnel from a private individual (http://www.leboncoin.fr/jardinage/offres/pays_de_la_loire/?q=serre&it=1&f=p) or go ask local farmers (they always have scrapped structures that they never bother selling). The plastic is cheap and can be bought new to any supplier
- I'd always buy a bigger polytunnel than necessary. They are so handy from seedlings producing to growing things in it, as animal pens, for tools or machinery storage or growing more stuff in it. Once the tunnel is mounted, it is not easy to have it extended...

Hope you'll manage... Keep up the good work.

Thanks for your kind reply erkan .
I know what you mean about farmers but I have seen a couple of these and they are huge even bigger than I have space for .
18m sq would be my limit . I would think .
Plus they are a pain to take apart .
I am going to talk to some local folks but I think the one from castorama looks the best bet at the moment .

David