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Yardistry Greenhouse Review: Cedar Kit Pros, Cons and Alternatives

Yardistry greenhouse review: the Costco 8x7 and 8x10 cedar kits and the Obsidian greenhouse-shed, with owner ratings, assembly reality, warranty, and alternatives.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Picks are based on specs, retailer data and owner reports, not paid placement. Disclosure.

Quick answer

The Yardistry greenhouse is the best-reviewed greenhouse at Costco: the 8x7 rates 4.6/5 on 1,033 reviews and the 8x10 4.6/5 on 615. You get a pre-stained cedar frame, double-wall polycarbonate windows, 32 in cedar base walls and an automatic roof vent at a price well below most cedar kits. The trade-offs: no published wind or snow rating, a 1-year warranty (5 years against rot), roughly two days of assembly, and yearly sealing. Great for mild and moderate climates. For heavy snow or year-round growing, look at the Outdoor Living Today cedar greenhouses at Eartheasy.

  1. 1
    Best value cedar greenhouseYardistry 8x7

    Best-selling budget wood greenhouse; the Costco default.

    No published wind or snow rating
    $800–$1,000typical, Oct 2026
  2. 2
    Best Yardistry for spaceYardistry 8x10

    Larger Costco wood greenhouse with standing room.

    No published wind or snow rating
    $2,000typical, Oct 2026
  3. 3
    Best greenhouse-shedYardistry Obsidian Greenhouse + Shed

    Proper wooden greenhouse and lockable tool shed under one roofline.

    No published wind or snow rating
    $2,000typical, Oct 2026
  4. 4
    Best cedar upgradeOutdoor Living Today Cedar 8x8

    Cedar greenhouse that looks like a garden building; ~2-day DIY assembly.

    No published wind or snow rating
    $4,046typical, Oct 2026
  5. 5
    Best modern cedar alternativeBackyard Discovery 9x6 Willow

    Modern sloped-roof cedar greenhouse with thicker 4-wall panels than most rivals.

    Wind100 mph
    $1,999typical, Oct 2026

Yardistry is the wood-structure brand behind Costco's best-selling greenhouse. Search for "Yardistry greenhouse" and you mostly find Reddit threads, build videos and Costco reviews. Here's the full picture in one place: what the kits are, what owners say after building them, and when a different cedar greenhouse is worth the extra money.

Our verdict is based on Costco's owner ratings (with review counts), Yardistry's own product pages and manuals, and published owner feedback. We have not assembled a Yardistry ourselves. How we research.

Yardistry greenhouse models

ModelSizeWhere soldOwner rating
Yardistry 8' x 7' Greenhouse (YM12842)6.7 x 7.8 ft, 7.7 ft peakCostco4.6/5 (1,033)
Yardistry 8' x 10' Greenhouse (YM12854)8 x 9.7 ft, about 8 ft peakCostco4.6/5 (615)
Obsidian Greenhouse & Storage Shed8.1 x 11.4 ft overallYardistry directNo reviews captured

Note the naming: Costco calls the smaller kit an "8x7", but the actual footprint is 6.7 x 7.8 ft. Yardistry's own site sells a 6.7 x 7.8 cedar garden greenhouse of the same dimensions.

What you get: the Yardistry cedar kits reviewed

Best value cedar greenhouse

Yardistry 8x7

Twin-wall
$800–$1,000typical, Oct 2026

This is the default Costco greenhouse. Yardistry's pages describe 100% FSC-certified cedar, pre-stained mocha brown, with double-wall polycarbonate windows, 32 in tongue-and-groove cedar base walls (which also double as a lower shelf area) and a heat-sensitive automatic roof vent. The 6 ft sidewalls give more headroom at the edges than the 6-ft-wide Palram kits. Costco owners rate it 4.6/5 on 1,033 reviews. House Digest's January 2025 summary of owner feedback calls it "almost entirely positive", with assembly time the main complaint.

Why it stands out

  • Best owner rating on the biggest sample of any Costco greenhouse
  • Automatic roof vent included
  • Cedar base walls protect the lower glazing from mowers and kicks

Watch out for

  • No published wind or snow rating
  • Owners report about two days to build, not 10-12 hours
  • Cedar needs a yearly water-based sealant
Full specs
Sizes
7.8x6.7
Footprint
6.7 x 7.8
Peak height
7.7 ft
Frame
100% FSC-certified wood, 32" high wood base walls
Panels
Double-wall polycarbonate windows
Vents
Heat-sensitive automatic roof vent opener
Door
Door opening 26.75" x 76.5"

Specs from costco.com, costco.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Best Yardistry for space

Yardistry 8x10

Twin-wall
$2,000typical, Oct 2026

The same design scaled up to 8 x 9.7 ft with an 8 ft peak: room for benches on both long walls and a path between them. It rates 4.6/5 on 615 Costco reviews. It arrives curbside in boxes, and the base and assembly are on you. If you're deciding between the two, the 8x10 is the one with room for a real bench layout; our 8x10 greenhouse guide shows the layout to scale.

Why it stands out

  • Room for a proper two-bench layout
  • Same strong owner ratings as the 8x7

Watch out for

  • No wind or snow rating
  • A big price step from the 8x7
Full specs
Sizes
8x9.7
Footprint
8.0 x 9.7
Peak height
8.06 ft
Frame
100% FSC-certified wood, 32" high wood base walls
Panels
Double-wall polycarbonate windows
Vents
Heat-sensitive automatic roof vent opener

Specs from costco.com, costco.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Best greenhouse-shed

Yardistry Obsidian Greenhouse + Shed

Twin-wall1-yr warranty
$2,000typical, Oct 2026

The Obsidian combines a greenhouse (7 x 5.3 ft inside) and a lockable storage room (7 x 3.8 ft) under one roofline, built from FSC-certified lumber with double-wall polycarbonate, a black aluminum roof on the storage side, front and rear doors with key locks and an automatic roof vent. Yardistry offers anchoring as a paid add-on service. Like the Costco kits, it has no published snow or wind rating, and the warranty is 1 year plus 5 years against rot. More combos are in our greenhouse shed guide.

Why it stands out

  • Greenhouse and tool shed in one footprint
  • Lockable doors front and rear

Watch out for

  • Greenhouse section is small (about 37 sq ft)
  • Ships in one 710 lb box
Full specs
Sizes
8.1 x 11.4 overall; greenhouse interior 7 x 5.3; storage interior 7 x 3.8
Footprint
8.1 x 11.4
Frame
100% FSC-certified lumber, tongue-and-groove cedar-style base walls
Cover
Double-wall polycarbonate; black aluminum roof on storage section
Shelves
Dual upper and lower shelves (one folds down)
Door
Front and rear doors with key locks and closers (opening 25.75 x 76.25 in); auto roof vent
Warranty
1 year from purchase plus 5 years against rot and decay

Specs from yardistrystructures.com, yardistry.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Yardistry greenhouse pros and cons

ProsCons
4.6/5 owner ratings on more than 1,600 Costco reviewsNo published wind or snow load
Cedar frame with factory stain; looks like a garden building1-year warranty on defects (5 years on rot and decay), original owner only
Automatic roof vent includedAssembly takes owners about two days
Double-wall polycarbonate windowsNeeds a yearly water-based sealant to keep the cedar looking good
6 ft sidewalls and wooden base wallsSold through Costco (membership, delivery only) or Yardistry direct

Assembly: what owners actually report

Yardistry quotes 10 to 12 hours for two people. Owners quoted by House Digest report about two days. The parts are pre-cut, pre-drilled and pre-stained, and the instructions are illustrated, so it's a straightforward build, just a long one. Yardistry's instructions stress starting with a square, solid and level base, and suggest working on a raised flat surface such as sawhorses for the sub-assemblies.

  1. Prepare the base before delivery. A treated-timber frame on compacted gravel or pavers, or a slab. Measure both diagonals; they must match. See our greenhouse foundation guide.
  2. Inventory the boxes. The kits arrive curbside in several heavy boxes. Unpack and sort parts by number before starting.
  3. Book two days and a helper. Wall panels and the roof need two people.
  4. Anchor it. A wooden greenhouse is lighter than it looks once it's up. Fix the base to the ground or slab.
  5. Seal the cedar. Apply a water-based sealant soon after building, then once a year.

Yardistry also offers professional installation on its own site, with a lead time of 6 to 12 weeks from order.

Is a Yardistry right for your climate?

Yardistry doesn't publish wind or snow ratings, so it's hard to say exactly what it can take. Practical guidance: in mild and moderate climates, owners are clearly happy. In heavy-snow regions, plan to brush snow off the roof after every big fall, or choose a kit with a published snow load. For winter growing, the double-wall windows help, but a wood frame with many glazing joins won't hold heat like a dedicated four-season greenhouse. Read our winter greenhouse guide before relying on it for overwintering.

Mistakes to avoid with a Yardistry greenhouse

  • Building straight on the lawn. Wood in contact with wet soil is what rots first, and the 5-year rot warranty won't help if the base sits in water. Raise the frame on gravel, pavers or a slab so it drains.
  • Skipping the sealant. The factory stain is a starting coat. Owners recommend a water-based sealant every year; it keeps the cedar from greying and checking.
  • Ordering the 8x7 when you need benches and beds. At 6.7 x 7.8 ft the smaller kit fits one main job. If you want trays and tomatoes at the same time, the 8x10 is the better buy. See what fits in our 6x8 greenhouse layout guide.
  • Relying on the auto vent alone in summer. One roof vent can't keep up on a hot day. Prop the door open and add shade cloth or a fan; our ventilation guide covers options.
  • Not anchoring it. With no published wind rating, treat anchoring as essential, especially on open lots.
  • Losing the receipt. The warranty applies to the original owner only, so keep proof of purchase.

Alternatives to the Yardistry greenhouse

If you like the cedar look but need more strength, insulation or size, these are the alternatives we'd consider. Some are sold through retailers we may earn a commission from.

Best cedar upgrade

Outdoor Living Today Cedar 8x8

Twin-wall 6 mm
$4,046typical, Oct 2026

Outdoor Living Today's 8x8 is a heavier cedar build: Western red cedar with 3.5 in posts and rafters, 6 mm Polygal twin-wall panels (R-value 1.53), a Univent automatic roof opener plus two lower wall vents, and a 31 in Dutch door. It's pre-cut and panelized and described as roughly a two-day DIY build. It costs several times the Yardistry 8x7, ships free from Eartheasy, has no floor and isn't returnable once shipped.

Why it stands out

  • Thicker framing and twin-wall panels
  • Low wall vents plus an auto roof vent for real airflow
  • Taller 8.7 ft peak

Watch out for

  • Much more expensive
  • No published wind or snow rating either; not returnable once shipped
Full specs
Sizes
8x8 (also 8x12)
Footprint
8.0 x 8.0
Peak height
8.7 ft
Frame
Western red cedar, 3.5" x 3.5" posts and rafters, pre-cut panelized, ships unstained
Panels
6 mm Polygal twin-wall polycarbonate (R-value 1.53)
Vents
1 roof vent with Univent automatic opener (~70 F) + 2 lower wall vents
Door
31" Dutch door

Specs from eartheasy.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Best large cedar

Outdoor Living Today Cedar 8x12

Twin-wall 6 mm1-yr warranty
$5,046typical, Oct 2026

The 8x12 version adds two heat-activated roof openers and 24 lineal ft of shelving, enough to line both sides. Same 6 mm twin-wall glazing. The warranty is only 1 year, the same as Yardistry's general warranty.

Why it stands out

  • Shelving included
  • Two auto roof vents plus wall vents

Watch out for

  • 1-year warranty
  • Floor or foundation extra
Full specs
Sizes
8x12
Footprint
8.0 x 11.8
Peak height
8.7 ft
Frame
Western red cedar, pre-cut panelized
Panels
6 mm Polygal twin-wall polycarbonate (R-value 1.53)
Vents
2 heat-activated roof vent openers (~70 F) + 2 lower wall vents
Door
Full polycarbonate door
Warranty
1-year manufacturer

Specs from eartheasy.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Best modern cedar alternative

Backyard Discovery 9x6 Willow

Twin-wall 10 mmWind 100 mph5-yr warranty
$1,999typical, Oct 2026

Backyard Discovery's Willow is a 9x6 cedar greenhouse with a modern sloped roof and thicker glazing than most rivals: 10 mm 4-wall polycarbonate rated R-2.1. It includes a thermostat-activated exhaust fan and a casement window. Backyard Discovery states 100 mph wind, gives snow load only as a total weight rather than per square foot, and offers a 5-year warranty.

Why it stands out

  • Thickest panels in this group (R-2.1)
  • Exhaust fan included; 5-year warranty

Watch out for

  • Snow rating not comparable to psf figures
  • No owner reviews we could verify
Full specs
Sizes
9x6 (also white version)
Frame
FSC-certified kiln-dried cedar
Panels
10 mm 4-wall polycarbonate (R-2.1)
Vents
1 thermostat-activated exhaust fan + 1 casement window
Wind rating
100 mph
Warranty
5-year

Specs from backyarddiscovery.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

ModelSizesWarrantyTypical priceShop
Yardistry 8' x 7' Greenhouse (Model YM12842)7.8x6.7—$800–$1,000Costco
Yardistry 8' x 10' Greenhouse (Model YM12854)8x9.7—$2,000Costco
8.1 x 11.4 Obsidian Greenhouse & Storage Shed8.1 x 11.4 overall; greenhouse interior 7 x 5.3; storage interior 7 x 3.81 year from purchase plus 5 years against rot and decay$2,000Yardistry
8' x 8' Western Red Cedar Greenhouse8x8 (also 8x12)—$4,046Eartheasy
8' x 12' Western Red Cedar Greenhouse8x121-year manufacturer$5,046Eartheasy
Backyard Discovery 9x6 Willow Greenhouse9x6 (also white version)5-year$1,999Backyard Discovery
Palram - Canopia Natura Cedar Wood Greenhouse 8' x 12'8x12 (also 8x7, 8x17, 8x22)5-year (Canopia)—Walmart
Prices are typical ranges checked Oct 2026. Specs from manufacturer and retailer listings.

Also new: Palram-Canopia's Natura cedar greenhouse (8x7 to 8x22) is rated 62 mph and 16 lb/sq ft with a 5-year warranty, but it's too new to have owner reviews and we couldn't verify a US price. If you'd rather have aluminum and twin-wall panels all round, the Palram Mythos gives you twin-wall panels, published wind and snow ratings and a 5-year warranty for similar money. Compare Palram lines in our Palram-Canopia review. For more wood options, see wooden and cedar greenhouse kits.

Verdict

Buy the Yardistry if you want a good-looking cedar greenhouse for spring-to-fall growing in a mild or moderate climate, and you're happy to spend a weekend building and an afternoon a year sealing. It's the best-reviewed greenhouse at Costco by a wide margin, and our Costco greenhouse review shows how it compares with the rest of Costco's range.

Look elsewhere if you need published snow and wind ratings, plan to heat it through winter, or want a longer warranty. The Outdoor Living Today and Backyard Discovery kits above are the natural next step.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Yardistry greenhouse good?

Owners think so. At Costco the 8x7 rates 4.6/5 on 1,033 reviews and the 8x10 4.6/5 on 615, the best ratings of any greenhouse Costco sells. The main complaints are assembly time and the need to reseal the cedar.

How long does it take to put together a Yardistry greenhouse?

Yardistry says 10 to 12 hours for two people. Owners quoted by House Digest (January 2025) report about two days. Add time to prepare a level base beforehand.

What wood is the Yardistry greenhouse made of?

Yardistry's product pages describe 100% FSC-certified cedar lumber, pre-stained mocha brown, with double-wall polycarbonate windows and 32 in tongue-and-groove cedar base walls.

What is the Yardistry greenhouse warranty?

Yardistry's pages list one year against defects in materials and workmanship, plus five years against rot and decay for the lumber. It applies to the original owner only.

Does the Yardistry greenhouse need a foundation?

It needs a level, square, solid base. Yardistry's instructions stress starting with a square and level base. A treated-timber frame on gravel, pavers or a slab all work. The kit has wooden base walls but no floor.

Where can I buy a Yardistry greenhouse?

The 8x7 and 8x10 are sold through Costco (online, delivery only). Yardistry also sells some models, including the Obsidian greenhouse and storage shed, on its own website.

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