Exaco Janssens hobby greenhouses are worth buying if you want a classic glass greenhouse that will last for many years. They use 4mm tempered glass set in rubber seals, on a strong aluminum frame made in Belgium. The real question is which series fits your yard: the compact Junior Victorian or the taller Royal Victorian.
We sell and support these greenhouses every week. This guide compares every popular model, shows the price per square foot, and covers what to plan before you order.
✅ Quick answer
- Janssens of Belgium makes them. Exaco brings them to the US. The Victorian model came out in 1999.
- Junior Victorian (J-VIC 23, 24, 25): 5'2" side walls, all glass, black frame. About $8,000 to $10,000 when we wrote this.
- Royal Victorian (VI23, VI34, VI36, VI46): taller 6'7" side walls, black or green, with a hybrid roof option on the larger sizes. About $9,200 to $20,000.
- Both series use single-piece 4mm tempered glass in rubber seals and are TÜV and GS tested.
- Bigger models cost less per square foot. A Royal VI34 can be better value than a Junior J-VIC 25.
Who makes Exaco Janssens greenhouses?
Janssens is a Belgian company that has made high-end glass greenhouses for over 30 years. Its "Helios" line includes the Victorian greenhouses. Exaco is the US distributor, and we are an authorized retailer.
The style is a classic English glass house. Think tall glass walls, a steep roof and a decorative ridge. It adds real beauty to a garden, which is why many of our customers place one close to the house.
What makes Janssens greenhouses better than cheaper glass kits?
Most glass kits look alike in photos. The difference shows up in the details, and in how the greenhouse holds up over time. According to the manufacturer's specs, Janssens hobby greenhouses share these features:
- 4mm tempered glass. Many budget kits use 3mm glass.
- Rubber seals. The glass sits in rubber seals instead of metal clips. That cuts drafts and rattles.
- One-piece panes. The walls use single panes, not small overlapping pieces that trap dirt.
- Thicker aluminum profiles. The Juniors now use the same heavy "square" hollow tube framing as the Royal series.
- Gutters and downspouts are included, so you can collect rainwater.
- Safety testing. The product pages list TÜV and GS testing, which is similar to a UL listing.
💡 Why the seals matter: rubber-sealed, single-piece glass leaks less air than clipped, overlapping panes. That makes a Janssens easier to keep warm than many glass greenhouses in its price range.
Junior Victorian vs Royal Victorian: what is the difference?
This is the choice most buyers wrestle with. Both series share the same glass, seals and Belgian build. Here is where they differ:
🌱 Choose a Junior Victorian if:
- Your yard is small. All three Juniors are under 8 feet wide.
- You mostly grow on benches, so the lower 5'2" walls don't bother you.
- You want the lowest price for the Janssens look.
- A black frame and all-glass walls suit you.
🌳 Choose a Royal Victorian if:
- You want to stand and work right up to the glass. The side walls are 6'7" tall, about a foot higher.
- You grow tall plants, like tomatoes or citrus trees.
- You want a green frame, or a choice of colors.
- You get hail and want the hybrid polycarbonate roof (VI34, VI36 and VI46).
The Royal series also adds more included parts. The VI models come with a misting system (you supply the hose), a louvered window, and both spindle and automatic roof window openers. Spindle openers hold firm on windy days.
Which Exaco Janssens hobby greenhouse sizes are there?
Here are the seven most popular models side by side. Sizes come from each product page.
| Model | Outside size | Floor area | Side wall | Price guide* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior J-VIC 23 | 7'8" x 10'2" | ~80 sq ft | 5'2" | ~$7,999 |
| Junior J-VIC 24 | 7'9" x 12'6" | ~96 sq ft | 5'2" | ~$8,999 |
| Junior J-VIC 25 | 7'8" x 15' | ~120 sq ft | 5'2" | ~$9,999 |
| Royal VI23 | 7'9" x 10'2" | ~80 sq ft | 6'7" | ~$9,211 |
| Royal VI34 | 10'2" x 15' | ~150 sq ft | 6'7" | ~$11,499 glass / ~$14,999 hybrid |
| Royal VI36 | 10'2" x 19'11" | ~200 sq ft | 6'7" | from ~$12,599 |
| Royal VI46 | 12'7" x 19'11" | ~250 sq ft | 6'7" | ~$16,599 glass / ~$19,999 hybrid |
*Prices checked in October 2026. Prices can change and sales may apply, so click the model name to see today's price.
Want the deep dive on the Royal sizes? Read our review of all four Royal Victorian greenhouses or our full Royal Victorian VI46 review.
Which Janssens greenhouse gives the best value?
A smaller greenhouse costs less in total. But it often costs more for each square foot you can grow on. Here is a quick way to compare.
📐 Price per square foot
Cost per sq ft = Kit price ÷ Floor area
Use today's price from the product page · Floor area from the table above
🧮 Worked example (October 2026 prices)
- Junior J-VIC 23: $7,999 ÷ 80 = about $100 per sq ft
- Junior J-VIC 25: $9,999 ÷ 120 = about $83 per sq ft
- Royal VI34 (glass): $11,499 ÷ 150 = about $77 per sq ft
- Royal VI46 (glass): $16,599 ÷ 250 = about $66 per sq ft
So for about $1,500 more than a J-VIC 25, the VI34 gives you 30 more square feet and walls over a foot taller. If your yard has room for a 10-foot width, it is worth a look.
Don't forget the rest of the budget. Plan for a foundation, assembly help if you want it, and any upgrades like hinged doors. Shipping is free to the continental US.
📌 About prices: manufacturers update their prices during the year, and we often run sales and promotions. The price on the product page is always the current one. Prices in this article are a guide from when we wrote it (October 2026), not a quote or guarantee. Found a lower price for the same model at an authorized retailer? We offer a Price Match Guarantee - please check the rules first. Call us and we will confirm today's price and any current deals.
Should you pick all-glass or a hybrid polycarbonate roof?
The Junior Victorians and the VI23 are all glass. The VI34, VI36 and VI46 also come as a hybrid, with a polycarbonate roof and glass side walls.
- All-glass gives the clearest view and the classic conservatory look. It also costs less.
- The hybrid roof is the safer choice where hail is common, or where trees overhang the spot. Polycarbonate also softens strong summer sun.
On the VI34, the hybrid cost about $3,500 more than glass when we wrote this. From the garden, it still looks like a Victorian glass house, since the walls stay glass.
Are T-shaped orangeries worth it?
If you want a showpiece, yes. A T-shaped orangerie has a center wing that crosses the main house, like a small conservatory. It gives you more wall area for display and a grand entrance.
- T-Shaped Junior Victorian Orangerie: about 10'3" x 12'6", around 116 sq ft, with 5' side walls. About $11,984 when we wrote this.
- T-Shaped Royal Victorian Orangerie: 13 x 16 ft, from about $19,699 when we wrote this.
You pay more per square foot for the shape. Choose one when looks matter as much as growing space. Our guide to T-shaped Royal Victorian orangeries covers them in detail.
Can a Janssens glass greenhouse handle winter?
Yes, within limits. The Royal VI46 has an engineering rating of 25 psf ground snow load and 115 mph wind. That assumes a continuous concrete foundation and proper anchors. Other Royal models list a structural certificate on their product pages, so check yours before you order.
In winter, single-pane glass loses heat fast at night. The rubber seals help, but most year-round growers in cold areas add a heater. Our guide to the cost of heating a greenhouse in winter shows how to size one.
⚠️ Clear the snow: snow left to pile up can crush any greenhouse. The Royal Victorian warranty does not cover that damage, or glass broken by large hail, rocks or falling branches. Brush the roof after heavy storms.
What foundation does a Janssens greenhouse need?
Each kit comes with a low base frame, but not a foundation. You need a level, square base ready before delivery day.
- Check permits with your town, especially for the larger sizes.
- Pick a sunny, well-drained spot a delivery truck can reach.
- Build the base. A concrete beam, block wall or solid paver pad all work. The larger Royals need a concrete perimeter for their published ratings.
- Check level and square. Measure both diagonals. They should match.
- Set the anchors as shown in the assembly and foundation document.
Our practical guide to a greenhouse foundation compares each option.
Which accessories are worth adding?
The kits come well equipped. These are the add-ons our customers ask about most:
- Hinged doors in place of the sliding door, on the Royal series.
- Shelves or seed trays made to fit the Royal Victorian frame.
- Fly screens to keep insects out when the windows are open.
- A drop door kit made for the Royal Victorian.
- A roof window wind restraint kit for windy sites.
- An exhaust fan for hot summers, and a greenhouse heater for winter.
💡 Order upgrades with the greenhouse: door swaps like hinged doors are done by the manufacturer. Add them to the same order, so everything arrives together.
Who should buy an Exaco Janssens hobby greenhouse?
We have helped many customers choose. These greenhouses suit you best if:
- You want a beautiful glass house that adds to the look of your home.
- You grow orchids, citrus, succulents or seedlings and want clear, bright light.
- You plan to keep it for many years and want solid materials.
- You are handy, or happy to hire a crew for the build.
They may not be right if you need the cheapest way to grow, or you want a quick weekend build. If you live with heavy snow, also look at insulated polycarbonate houses. Our guide to the best glass greenhouses on the market compares Janssens with other glass brands. You can see every model in our Victorian greenhouse collection.
How do delivery and assembly work?
We ship Janssens greenhouses free to the continental US by freight truck, curbside. It usually comes on an 18-wheeler, so tell us about tight roads or low wires. Someone needs to be home to receive it.
You can build it yourself with two or more people, or hire help. We list trusted independent crews on our Assembly Crews page. We are a small, woman-owned business in Georgia, and we answer every question personally.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Exaco Janssens greenhouses made?
They are made in Belgium by Janssens, part of its Helios line. Exaco is the US distributor, and Mulberry Greenhouses is an authorized retailer.
What is the difference between the Junior Victorian and Royal Victorian?
The Junior has 5'2" side walls, an all-glass build and a black frame. The Royal has taller 6'7" side walls, comes in black or green, and offers a hybrid polycarbonate roof on larger sizes. Both use 4mm tempered glass in rubber seals.
How much does an Exaco Janssens greenhouse cost?
When we wrote this in October 2026, the Junior Victorians ran about $7,999 to $9,999. The Royal Victorians ran about $9,211 for the VI23 up to $19,999 for a hybrid VI46. Check each product page for today's price.
What does the Janssens warranty cover?
For the Royal Victorian, the aluminum frame and stainless hardware are covered for up to 15 years, and other defects for up to 10. Tempered glass and moving parts like opener pistons are not covered. See the warranty document on each product page.
Can I build a Janssens greenhouse myself?
Yes, if you are handy and have helpers. The kits include an assembly and foundation guide. For the larger sizes, we often suggest a crew, since big glass panes are heavy.
Any tips before I start assembling?
Yes, a few that save headaches. Janssens greenhouses are engineered in metric, so a metric tape measure gives the most accurate results. Leave about 30 inches of working room around the foundation. Anchoring hardware is not included, since the right anchors depend on your base. And check your order before you start: some accessories, like shelving, need their bolts slid into the frame profiles during the build.
Are Janssens greenhouses good for year-round growing?
Yes, with heat in colder regions. Rubber seals and one-piece glass hold warmth better than many glass kits. Single-pane glass still loses heat at night, so plan a heater for winter crops.
Not sure which Janssens greenhouse fits your yard?
We are a small, woman-owned business in Georgia, and we answer every question personally. Send us your yard size, your climate and what you want to grow. We will help you choose between the Junior and Royal series, confirm today's price and any current sale, and plan your foundation and assembly crew.
