A greenhouse is a structure with a transparent roof and transparent walls typically made from glass. They house plants, providing them with a controlled environment to grow in. They work well for plants that need regulated climatic conditions as the inside of the greenhouse, which is exposed to sunlight, gets much warmer than the outside. Greenhouses make year-round gardening possible.
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Greenhouses can range from the size of a shed to an industrial-sized building. Most hardware stores sell greenhouse-building kits that allow you to build a standard one yourself. But if you prefer something larger and more customized, consider hiring a professional. Building one can cost between $2,500 to $25,000, or about $15,000 on average.
Greenhouse Cost
| Type of Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $15,000 |
| Highest Cost | $25,000 |
| Lowest Cost | $2,500 |
Greenhouse Cost Per Square Foot
The cost to build a greenhouse will increase as its square footage increases. That said, prices per square foot actually decrease as the overall square footage increases. It still makes for a higher total, but the cost increase won’t be exponential.
Standard mid-sized greenhouses cost $25 per square foot on average. Large commercial greenhouses that consist of plastic or fiberglass over a steel framework, and may or may not include ventilation and plumbing, cost between $2 and $4 per square foot.
Cost of Materials
Greenhouses are simple structures that consist of a frame, siding and a floor. Materials for these components vary but can include wood, steel, glass, concrete and plastic.
The frame of a greenhouse is the structure’s support system. Typically, greenhouse frames are made from strong wood or steel that can stand up to the elements. Wood framing costs about $1 per linear foot, while steel costs $2.50 per linear foot.
Siding is another important feature of a greenhouse that protects plants from the elements and lets in lots of sunlight to nourish them. Glass siding is common in greenhouses and costs $2.50 per square foot. Glass is heavy, though, so you will likely need a strong steel frame to support it. Polyethylene and fiberglass are low-cost alternatives.
While greenhouses can function without a proper floor, flooring does have its benefits. It helps to insulate the structure while preventing weed growth and stops pests from entering and destroying plants. Rolled rubber flooring is a common choice for greenhouse flooring and costs $2 per square foot. Concrete, stone, brick or even mulch are other greenhouse flooring options. Whatever material you choose must provide some sort of drainage.
Cost of Greenhouse Materials*
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood Frame | $1.00** |
| Steel Frame | $2.50** |
| Glass Siding | $2.50 |
| Polyethylene Siding | $0.12 |
| Fiberglass Siding | $0.70 |
| Rolled Rubber Flooring | $2.00 |
| Concrete Flooring | $2.00 - $6.00 |
| Stone Flooring | $6.00 |
| Brick Flooring | $5.00 |
| Mulch Flooring | $0.35 |
*Costs shown that are not marked with a double asterisk are per square foot. Costs shown that are marked with a double asterisk are per linear foot
Greenhouse Cost by Type
There are several greenhouse types and styles that come with their own pros and cons. Your area’s climate will help determine which type is best for you. Costs vary tremendously, but here are cost examples of common greenhouse types:
Hoop
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Costing between $5 and $10 per square foot, hoop greenhouses are made from multiple half- hoops in a row. Most of the hoop is above the ground and its ends are buried in the soil. Typically, the hoops are covered with a sheet of plastic.
Rooftop
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Rooftop greenhouses are often located in urban areas on the tops of tall, flat-roofed buildings. They range from $10 to $25 per square foot.
Geodesic
Geodesic or dome greenhouses are round structures with domed tops. They can be made from a variety of materials, including glass and plastic, and cost between $10 and $25 per square foot. While these types of greenhouses have a relatively small footprint, they can house many plants because of their tall shape. That makes them ideal for small spaces.
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A-Frame
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One of the most common greenhouse types is the A-frame. It has a high roof that slopes down to the ground to create an A shape. This greenhouse type works well in areas with lots of snowfall as the sloped roof allows snow to slide off without piling up and damaging it. A-frame greenhouse costs range from $25 to $35 per square foot.
Costs Per Greenhouse Type*
| Greenhouse Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hoop | $5 to $10 per square foot |
| Rooftop | $10 to $25 per square foot |
| Geodesic | $10 to $25 per square foot |
| A-Frame | $25 to $35 per square foot |
*Costs shown are per square foot
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is glass the best greenhouse siding material?
Glass is crystal clear and lets in an enormous amount of sunlight while remaining durable. And while glass is an efficient insulator, it can actually burn plants. Instead of diffusing sunlight, it magnifies it. To combat this issue, use mesh to protect plants.
If you have some construction knowledge and a well-stocked toolbox, you may be able to build a greenhouse from scratch. Small greenhouses, especially those that come in ready-to-make kits, can be built in a weekend, but larger ones may take a few weeks. Hiring a professional to help you build may be more efficient. Plus, professionals experience, meaning your greenhouse will be quality.
How long does it take to build a greenhouse?
Assembling a standard greenhouse yourself will take two to three days. Building a small greenhouse may take a weekend, while larger ones can take weeks to complete.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a greenhouse?
If you purchase a standard greenhouse kit with no frills, it will likely cost less than it would to build a greenhouse from scratch. However, if you want a customized large greenhouse, it will be more cost effective to build it yourself.
Is landscaping necessary?
Unless the site where you’re building your greenhouse is completely level and free of brush, you will need to landscape the area. The cost to excavate and landscape will vary based on the condition of the land, but average costs range from $3 to $15 or more per square foot.
