Cedar-Built Greenhouses started with a single backyard project: a simple cedar structure that was so warm, sturdy and beautiful that it sparked the idea to share these sanctuaries with gardeners everywhere. Over 25 years later, the family-run company in Abbotsford B.C., designs and handcrafts premium cedar greenhouse kits for customers across Canada and the U.S.
From a small facility in the heart of Western Red Cedar country, a team of five skilled woodworkers produces eight to 10 made-to-order greenhouses each month.
“Our goal remains unchanged: to create enduring, heirloom-quality garden sanctuaries that elevate every property, and to expand so that the world can benefit from having one as well,” says Scott Frost, director at Cedar-Built.
With support from Export Navigator, this small but mighty company is doing just that, expanding its reach beyond its current markets through new production technology and advice on managing trade regulations.
Time to grow up and out
The U.S. tariffs hit hard, as Cedar-Built’s largest customer base is south of the border. They recognized the need for help to explore new markets. The company learned about Export Navigator through the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) delivered by the World Trade Centre Canada and the Vancouver Board of Trade. From there, the team connected with Export Advisor, Brady Calancie.
“Export Navigator has been indispensable,” says Frost. “Brady helped us develop a strong export plan, offered insight on tariffs and gave technical advice on exporting both materials and intellectual property.”
Export Navigator helped Cedar-Built turn new trade realities into a practical, step-by-step strategy. The company now has a roadmap to export, knowing which programs to apply for, how to position their premium cedar greenhouses in new markets, and how to handle cross-border compliance for wooden structures.
Next steps defined
Export Navigator also provided grant opportunities the team hadn’t known about, easing the costs of market entry.
The impact is already tangible. “We’ve vastly increased our productivity toward exporting,” explains Frost. “Export Navigator has saved us significant consulting fees, and we received $5,000 in legal assistance related to CUSMA.”
Cedar-Built has learned how to handle the timber-specific rules and paperwork that can slow or stall shipments, ensuring the business can move quickly when new orders come in. “We are well on our way to exporting to new markets next year,” says Frost.
With Export Navigator’s help, Cedar-Built is also building new technologies to help their Canadian-made kits stand out globally while staying true to their hallmark of craftsmanship and durability.
Premium craft, broader reach
As interest in home gardening and year-round growing continues to rise, Cedar-Built aims to meet the demand with scalable, handcrafted production and personalized service. The team will serve customers across North America while opening channels abroad, focusing on markets that value sustainable cedar, timeless design and greenhouses that last for decades.
Get the right expertise
Their advice to other B.C. businesses simple: get started. “Don’t hesitate,” advises Scott. “We would recommend Export Navigator in a heartbeat to anyone considering export anywhere.”
He also credits their advisor, Brady Calancie in particular. “Brady has been extremely helpful throughout the process, both in his knowledge of exporting and with technical advice.”
Thanks to Export Navigator, Cedar-Built can invest where it matters while crafting world-class cedar greenhouses.
