A T-shaped greenhouse has a long main house with a wide wing in the center. From above, it looks like the letter T. That shape gives you more headroom in the middle and a classic look from every side. Below, we compare five T-shaped greenhouse kits side by side: the Exaco Junior, Royal and Antique orangeries, plus the Alton Cambridge and Durham in cedar.
We cover sizes, vents, doors, foundations, winter ratings and price per square foot. By the end, you will know which one fits your yard and your plans.
✅ Quick answer
- The Junior Victorian Orangerie (about 116 sq ft) is the smallest and lowest-cost T-shaped kit we carry.
- The Royal Victorian Orangerie and Royal Antique Orangerie share the same 185 sq ft footprint. The Antique adds French doors, more auto vents and sits on a 24" wall.
- The Alton Cambridge (10 ft peak) and Durham (narrower, 8'10" peak) are cedar orangerie greenhouses with shelves included.
- The Janssens models use 4mm tempered glass. The Alton models use 3mm toughened glass.
- For the most space per dollar, the Junior and Royal Orangerie lead, at roughly $103 to $106 per sq ft (October 2026).
We are a small, woman-owned greenhouse business in Georgia. Our customers ask us about T-shaped models almost every week, and we answer every question personally. This guide is what we tell them on the phone.
What is a T-shaped greenhouse?
A T-shaped greenhouse joins two glass houses at right angles. The main house runs side to side. A shorter wing sticks out from the middle, usually with the door at its end.
You will often see these sold as an orangerie greenhouse. The name comes from the glass orangeries of old Europe, which kept citrus trees alive through winter. Today the word mostly describes the elegant, decorated style.
Why choose a T-shape over a regular greenhouse?
- More headroom in the center. Where the roofs cross, you get the tallest space for trees, palms or a seating area.
- Natural zones. Use one arm for seedlings, one for potted citrus and the center for a work bench.
- A stronger garden feature. It looks good from every angle, so it can sit near the house or a patio.
- More light from more sides. The extra glass faces catch sun through the whole day.
Our older article on what you need to know about the T-shaped Royal Victorian orangeries covers the Royal style in more depth. Here we focus on comparing all five.
T-shaped vs linear greenhouse: what's the difference?
A linear (rectangle) greenhouse gives you the most bench space for the money. A T-shape trades a little efficiency for headroom, looks and flexible zones. If you only want rows of vegetables, a rectangle is often the better buy. If you want a garden room that also grows plants, a T-shape shines.
Which T-shaped orangerie greenhouse kits are we comparing?
These are the five T-shaped orangerie greenhouse kits we carry today. The table below compares the Junior, Royal, Antique, Cambridge and Durham at a glance.
| Model | Size (D x W) | Peak height | Frame and glass | Approx. price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Victorian Orangerie | 10'3" x 12'6" | 8'2" | Aluminum, 4mm glass | ~$12,000 |
| Royal Victorian Orangerie | 12'10" x 15'6" | 9' | Aluminum, 4mm glass | from ~$19,700 |
| Royal Antique Orangerie | 12'10" x 15'7" | 9' (+ 24" wall) | Aluminum, 4mm glass | ~$28,500 |
| Alton Cambridge | 9'10" x 12'5" to 20'10" | 10' | Cedar, 3mm glass | from ~$30,250 |
| Alton Durham | 7'5" x 12'5" to 20'10" | 8'10" | Cedar, 3mm glass | from ~$28,600 |
*Prices checked in October 2026. Prices can change and sales may apply, so click the model name to see today's price.
Is the Junior Victorian Orangerie big enough?
The Exaco Janssens T-Shaped Junior Victorian Orangerie is the entry point to the style. It measures 10'3" deep by 12'6" wide, with about 116 sq ft inside. Side walls are 5 feet and the peak is 8'2".
Here is what comes standard:
- 4mm tempered glass in single, full-height panes held by rubber seals.
- Two roof windows with automatic openers.
- One sliding door, which can go on a gable end.
- A 4¼" foundation frame, plus large gutters with downspouts.
- Black frame using the same square tube framing as the Royal Victorian line.
It is a great fit for a first orangerie, a smaller lot, or a potting and seed-starting house. With only two roof vents, plan on a fan or louvre for hot Southern summers.
Royal Victorian Orangerie vs Royal Antique Orangerie: what's different?
These two share the same T-shaped footprint of 185 sq ft, with 6'7" side walls and a 9-foot center. The differences are in the doors, the vents and how they sit on the ground.
Royal Victorian Orangerie: the value pick
The Royal Victorian Orangerie is made in Belgium and comes in black or dark green. It includes three roof windows (two automatic, one manual), two louvre windows and a double sliding door. Hinged doors are an optional upgrade.
It is also the one model here with published structural ratings on our product page: 115 mph wind (3-second gusts) and 28.5 PSF ground snow load. An optional accessory kit adds shelves, a shade curtain and a misting system.
Royal Antique Orangerie: the showpiece
The Royal T-Shaped Victorian Antique Orangerie comes in black or white. It is built to stand on a 24" high stem wall, which you build first. That raised base gives it a grand, permanent look.
- Four roof windows, all with automatic openers.
- Two louvre windows, also with automatic openers.
- Lockable French doors with a 60" double opening, great for moving pots and furniture.
📌 Important: The 24" wall under the Antique Orangerie is not in the kit. Budget for a mason or a block-and-stone wall, and get the exact measurements from the assembly document before you build.
Are cedar orangerie greenhouses worth it?
Alton builds its T-shaped models in the UK from Grade 1 Western Red Cedar. Wood feels warmer and softer in a garden than metal. It also holds a little less cold on winter nights.
Alton Cambridge: tallest of the group
The Alton Cambridge T-Shaped Cedar Orangerie is 9'10" wide with a 10-foot peak. It comes in three lengths: 12'5", 16'8" and 20'10". The roof windows rise from four to six with size, all with automatic openers, plus two to four louvres.
Alton Durham: the narrow cedar option
The Alton Durham T-Shaped Cedar Orangerie is only 7'5" wide, with an 8'10" peak. It suits side yards and narrow spaces. It also has a low threshold, which makes wheelbarrows and carts easier.
Both Alton models include slatted shelves, a lockable hinged door, gutters and an aluminum base frame that keeps the wood off the ground. Alton gives a 10-year limited warranty and guarantees the frame against rot for 10 years. They suggest treating the wood every three years.
Still torn between wood and metal? Our guide to wooden vs aluminum frame greenhouses walks through upkeep and lifespan. You can also browse all Alton cedar greenhouses.
Which T-shaped greenhouse gives the most space for the money?
Sticker price alone can fool you, because the sizes are so different. Price per square foot gives a fairer comparison.
📐 Price per square foot
Price per sq ft = Kit price ÷ Floor area
Kit price = today's price on the product page · Floor area = usable square feet from the spec sheet
🧮 Worked example: Royal Victorian Orangerie
The Royal Victorian Orangerie started at about $19,699 when we wrote this (October 2026, dark green on sale; black was $21,999), with 185 sq ft inside. $19,699 ÷ 185 = about $106 per sq ft. The Junior, at about $11,999 for 116 sq ft, works out to about $103 per sq ft.
Here is the same math for all five kits, using the smallest size of each.
| Model | Floor area | Approx. price* | Price per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Orangerie | 116 sq ft | ~$11,999 | ~$103 |
| Royal Orangerie | 185 sq ft | ~$19,699 | ~$106 |
| Royal Antique Orangerie | 185 sq ft | ~$28,499 | ~$154 |
| Alton Cambridge 10x12 | ~122 sq ft** | ~$30,250 | ~$248 |
| Alton Durham 7x12 | 87.5 sq ft | ~$28,600 | ~$327 |
*Prices checked in October 2026. Prices can change and sales may apply, so click the model name to see today's price. **Our estimate from the outer size (9'10" x 12'5"); usable floor is a little less.
The aluminum Janssens models win on space per dollar. The cedar models cost more per foot, but you pay for real wood, included shelves and the tall Alton profile.
How do the vents, doors and foundations compare?
Good airflow matters more in a glass house than almost anything else. Here is how the five compare on the parts you use every day.
| Model | Roof windows | Louvres | Doors | Base |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 2 (auto) | None listed | 1 sliding | 4¼" frame |
| Royal Orangerie | 3 (2 auto) | 2 | Double sliding | 4¼" frame |
| Royal Antique | 4 (all auto) | 2 (auto) | French doors | 24" wall |
| Cambridge | 4 to 6 (auto) | 2 to 4 | Hinged | Aluminum base |
| Durham | 2 to 6 (auto) | 2 to 4 (manual) | Hinged | Aluminum base |
Every one of these needs a level, solid, square base. Most customers use a concrete slab or a perimeter footing. Our practical guide to a greenhouse foundation shows the options and costs.
💡 Tip: A T-shape has more corners and more glass than a rectangle, so assembly takes longer. If you would rather not build it yourself, ask about our optional assembly crews.
Can a T-shaped glass greenhouse handle winter?
Yes, with the right model and a heater. The Royal Victorian Orangerie is rated for 115 mph wind and 28.5 PSF ground snow. For the other models, ask us for the certification letter before you order if you get heavy snow.
All five use single glass, so they lose heat faster than insulated glazing. Size your heater with our greenhouse heater calculator. Then see our guide on how much it costs to heat a greenhouse in winter for real monthly numbers.
If you live in harsh winter country, also read our picks for the most durable greenhouses for wind, snow and harsh winters.
📌 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.
Which T-shaped orangerie should you choose?
Here is the short version we give customers on the phone:
- Smaller yard or first orangerie: the Junior Victorian Orangerie.
- Most space for the money: the Royal Victorian Orangerie.
- A true showpiece by the house: the Royal Antique Orangerie on its stone wall.
- Warm wood look and lots of headroom: the Alton Cambridge.
- Narrow side yard: the Alton Durham.
🌿 Our verdict: for most buyers, the Royal Victorian Orangerie is the sweet spot. It has the big 185 sq ft T-shape, published wind and snow ratings and strong value per foot. Choose the Antique or a cedar Alton when looks and feel come first.
Ready to compare prices today? See every model side by side in our collection of T-shaped orangerie greenhouses. We ship free to the continental US. Want to see the wider range, including the Cathedral? Browse all orangerie greenhouses.
Frequently asked questions
What is a T-shaped greenhouse used for?
A T-shaped greenhouse is used for growing plants and as a garden room. The tall center fits citrus trees, palms or a table and chairs. The two arms make handy zones for seedlings and potted plants.
Is an orangerie greenhouse the same as an orangery?
They are close cousins. A classic orangery is often a brick-and-glass room built onto a house. An orangerie greenhouse is a freestanding glass kit in that elegant style. Our guide on orangery vs greenhouse explains more.
How much does a T-shaped greenhouse cost?
In our store, these kits ranged from about $12,000 to about $41,250 in October 2026, depending on size and frame. Add the cost of a foundation and, if you want it, assembly. Call us for today's price.
Does a T-shaped orangerie need a foundation?
Yes. Every model needs a level, solid base, such as a concrete slab or footing. The Royal Antique Orangerie is designed to sit on a 24" stem wall that you build first.
Is a cedar or aluminum orangerie greenhouse better?
Aluminum needs almost no upkeep and gives more space per dollar. Cedar looks warmer and holds a little less cold, but needs treating every few years. Both are built to last many years with basic care.
Need help choosing a T-shaped greenhouse?
Tell us your yard size and what you want to grow. We will help you pick the right orangerie and confirm today's price and any current sale.
Call 678-408-8222 · [email protected]
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