How Much Does A Greenhouse Cost? Answered 2022

Typically made of glass, a greenhouse is a building with a transparent roof and transparent walls. They keep plants inside, giving them a controlled environment in which to grow. The interior of the greenhouse, which is exposed to sunlight, warms up significantly more than the exterior, making them ideal for plants that require controlled climatic conditions. How much does a greenhouse cost?

Greenhouses can be simple or complex. Between $2,500 and $25,000, or about $15,000, can be spent on their construction.

The detailed cost guide for greenhouses is provided below if you’re looking to build or purchase one. It includes information on various greenhouse types, cost-saving techniques, and other topics. Keep reading!

Greenhouse Cost Per Square Foot

As a greenhouse’s square footage grows, the cost to construct one will also grow. Nevertheless, as the total square footage rises, prices per square foot actually fall. The overall cost will still be higher, but it won’t rise exponentially.

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

The frame, siding, and floor of a greenhouse make up a straightforward structure. These components can be made of a variety of materials, including wood, steel, glass, concrete, and plastic.

An enclosed structure’s support system is its frame. Typically, greenhouse frames are constructed from weather-resistant steel or solid wood. Wood framing costs about $1 per linear foot, while steel costs $2.50 per linear foot.

Another crucial component of a greenhouse is its siding, which shields plants from the elements and allows in plenty of sunlight to feed them. Glass siding is common in greenhouses and costs $2.50 per square foot. However, because glass is so heavy, a sturdy steel frame will probably be required to support it. Low-cost substitutes include polyethylene and fiberglass.

While greenhouses can function without a proper floor, flooring has advantages. It deters pests from entering and destroying plants while also aiding in the insulation of the building. The typical flooring material for greenhouses is rolled rubber, which costs $2 per square foot. Other greenhouse flooring options include concrete, stone, brick, or even mulch. You must ensure that whatever material you choose has some form of drainage.

Different Types Of Greenhouses And Costs

Greenhouses come in many different shapes and styles. The styles vary depending on a number of variables, including the weather and the crops that will be planted. Each fashion choice comes at a price.

Some of the most common greenhouse styles and their square footage cost include;

1. Hoop Greenhouse

One of the least expensive types of greenhouses to construct is a hoop house. Hoops that are buried in the ground makeup hoop greenhouses. The hoops are protected by plastic sheeting.

The most advantageous feature of plastic sheeting is that it is affordable and widely accessible. A hoop greenhouse typically costs between $5 and $10 per square foot to operate.

Different hoop greenhouse sizes exist. They can be small and low or big enough for a person to walk through. Snow and water can easily slide down them, and they have excellent ventilation features.

2. Lean-to Greenhouse

As the name implies, a lean-to greenhouse is constructed to lean against existing walls. These might be the garage or home’s walls. It uses less material than a standalone greenhouse because of the shared wall.

As a result, the price per square foot is reduced to about $25. Typically, glass serves as the cover. The walls of a lean-to greenhouse absorb heat, which helps to control the greenhouse’s temperature.

3. Gothic Arch Greenhouse

A hoop greenhouse and a Gothic arch greenhouse are almost identical. Its semicircular frame, however, makes it simple to shed snow and water. A greenhouse constructed in the hoop style has a lower peak than this one.

Galvanized pipes are typically used for its frame, which is then covered in plastic sheeting. Its low sidewall, however, makes it challenging to walk through and also limits plant growth. The greenhouses price per square foot for a Gothic arch structure ranges from $10 to $15.

4. Rooftop Greenhouse

Rooftop greenhouses are typically installed on flat roofs. They are widespread in cities with constrained space, where rooftops are the only available space. It can also be constructed into building walls.

Although these greenhouses are straightforward, they need sturdy materials like metal frames, glass, or solid plastic panels. Rooftop greenhouses can range in price from $10 to $25 per square foot.

5. Dome Greenhouse

The round shape of a dome greenhouse with its domed peak aids in the absorption of light and heat. It is constructed with a metal or PVC frame, which is then covered in glass or plastic sheeting. Building a square foot costs anywhere from $10 to $25.

A domed greenhouse is roomy and offers enough room for both people and plants to grow. Keep it modest in size to lessen the height and diameter if you don’t want to spend a lot of money.

6. Pit Greenhouse

Pit greenhouses are constructed over a hole that is typically excavated in the ground. The earthy floor of these greenhouses prevents heat loss, making them warmer than other greenhouses.

However, you must carefully examine the soil you are building on. For instance, a structure might not be able to be supported by loose soil.

The greenhouse can be any shape or style once it is above the ground. You can construct the frame for less money by using hoops.

Rigid roofs are an additional option, but they cost more. Building a pit greenhouse typically costs $20 per square foot.

Factors That Affect Greenhouse Cost

The national average for greenhouse construction costs is a good place to start, but it may not be accurate for every project. According to the following considerations, such as the size, style, required materials, and labor, a new greenhouse may cost more or less.

Greenhouse Style

There are many different ways to construct greenhouses, some of which are more complex than others. It will be simpler to construct and maintain a straightforward greenhouse than a more complex one. A straightforward hoop-style greenhouse, for instance, costs $5 to $10 per square foot, while a more complex A-frame greenhouse costs $25 to $35 per square foot. Construction labor costs will increase for intricate structures.

Greenhouse Size

The size of the building is the primary factor determining a greenhouse’s price. The price per square foot can range from $5 to $35, with an average of about $20. A greenhouse’s size affects how much labor and materials are needed to build it. The price would be around $1,000 for a 50-square-foot small hobby greenhouse. A greenhouse of 500 square feet could cost around $10,000, while one of 1,000 square feet could cost $20,000, or double that price.

Framing Materials

There are a few different kinds of materials that can be used to construct a greenhouse’s frame. While PVC or plastic is frequently the least expensive framing material, it can also be of lower quality than other materials and may not last as long in regions with harsh weather. The second-best material is typically an aluminum metal, which offers a good balance between price and toughness. Galvanized steel is the most expensive choice; it is more durable and long-lasting than aluminum, but it costs more. To achieve a particular look, greenhouses may occasionally use wood framing, but keep in mind that metal is more durable outside. These various framing materials have the following costs:

• PVC: $0.50 to $2 per linear foot
• Aluminum: $1 to $2 per linear foot
• Wood: $1 to $2 per linear foot
• Galvanized steel: $2.50 to $3 per linear foot

Glazing Materials

The greenhouse glazing material covers the framing and shields the plants inside from the elements. Additionally, the glazing will regulate the humidity and temperature. The best plastic greenhouse sheeting, also known as polyethylene glazing, is a practical and affordable solution for beginning gardeners. But rigid glass glazing panels are the best choice for people looking for a long-term greenhouse solution. Although this is the priciest choice, the material has a long lifespan and offers excellent temperature control. Two additional glazing choices that are more resilient than plastic and more affordable than glass are corrugated fiberglass and polycarbonate. The cost of greenhouse glazing materials will fall within these ranges:

• Plastic/polyethylene: $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot
• Corrugated fiberglass: $1 to $2 per square foot
• Polycarbonate: $1.60 to $3 per square foot
• Glass: $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot

Foundation And Flooring Type

Some greenhouses have different materials for the floor or foundation, while others frequently use the ground beneath them as their floor. The least expensive option is to lay down gravel for the greenhouse floor, which is followed by rubber matting. A more rigid, floor-like surface can be achieved with concrete pavers, which are slightly more expensive but simpler to install. A concrete slab foundation is typically necessary for stronger, more stable greenhouse structures.

• Stone gravel: $1 to $3 per square foot
• Rubber mats: $2 per square foot
• Concrete pavers: $8 to $25 per square foot
• Concrete slab: $3 to $6 per square foot

Site Preparation

Site preparation is necessary to make a greenhouse’s chosen location clear and level if it is not already. Shovels can be used to flatten a slightly hilly building site, but an excavator is needed for more significant grade changes. It may cost between $3 and $6 per square foot to excavate land with only a slight incline. It can cost $15 or more per square foot to clear and grade very hilly land with a lot of vegetation.

Labor

Although labor costs are typically not broken out and are instead factored into the greenhouse cost per square foot metric, labor costs to construct a greenhouse will probably range from $300 to $500 per day. This expense works out to $150 to $250 per day, per person. Construction of a more complicated greenhouse may take several days or even a few weeks, whereas a straightforward one will take less than a day. Building a greenhouse will probably cost between $50 and $100 per hour from a landscaping contractor.

Additional Costs And Considerations

The following greenhouse project cost factors should still be taken into account even though they are less frequently applicable. The overall cost will rise, for instance, if a greenhouse requires utilities, insulation, cooling, a specific type of door, or any other customizations.

Insulation And Cooling

In cold and warm climates, additional precautions might be required to control greenhouse temperatures. For example, many homeowners install insulation in cold climates to retain heat in the winter, either with a thermal screen, base cladding, double-pane glass, or even bubble wrap. Another choice is to use one of the best greenhouse heaters to generate heat. In hot climates, a greenhouse may require cooling measures, such as ventilation fans, air conditioners, or a combination of both, to prevent plants from overheating in the summer. Insulation and cooling measures have the following costs:

• Thermal screen: $1.50 to $4 per square foot
• Base cladding: $1.60 to $3 per square foot
• Double-pane glass: $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot
• Bubble wrap: $2.60 to $3 per square foot
• Greenhouse heater: $60 to $300 each
• Greenhouse ventilation fan: $10 to $50 each

Utilities

There are many greenhouses that don’t need any utilities. For more sophisticated gardening tasks, however, access to electrical, plumbing, or heating may be required—electrical for lighting, plumbing for plant watering, or heating for temperature control. Depending on how far away the nearest utility hook-up point is—most likely at the main house—the cost of greenhouse utilities varies. It will cost more to access utilities at a greater distance. Hiring specialty contractors to install these utilities will warrant the following costs:

• Plumber: $45 to $200 per hour
• Electrician: $50 to $100 per hour
• HVAC technician: $50 to $150 per hour

Door Type

For both people and plants to enter and exit, a greenhouse needs an entrance. Depending on whether the door is made of glass or polycarbonate, single sliding doors or single-hung doors on hinges are the most affordable options, costing between $600 and $900. If, however, a homeowner has large plants or needs to store large machinery and supplies inside their greenhouse, they might want to think about installing a double door. A polycarbonate or glass double-hung or sliding greenhouse door costs between $900 and $1,500. Some homeowners may decide to install an insulated roll-up door on their greenhouse, which will cost them between $700 and $1,000.

Customizations

A greenhouse can become a true gardening haven by adding special features. Install rows of shelving, for instance, to keep potted plants that aren’t rooted in the ground, at a cost of $10 to $50 per unit. Because every gardener needs a place to sit and take in their work, including bench seating that costs $50 to $100 each. A watering or misting system, which ranges in price from $500 to $1,000, can help with daily watering tasks for those who have larger greenhouses filled with numerous plants.

Also Read: How to Heat a Greenhouse?

How To Reduce Cost To Build A Greenhouse?

Costs associated with building a new greenhouse from the ground up can be high, particularly when using premium construction supplies. Consider utilizing one or more of these cost-cutting strategies to reduce the cost of a greenhouse project.

• Ask contractors for several estimates. Always try to get at least three quotes before selecting a contractor to complete the work so that you can compare prices and make an informed choice.
• DIY only a few components of the project. A greenhouse project can be helped along by the majority of homeowners with a few minor tasks. For example, they could remove minor objects from the construction site or add the finishing touches themselves, such as shelving, benches, or concrete pavers.
• Make a spending plan and follow it. Homeowners can set a total budget for their greenhouse project and ensure that they stick to it when selecting the size and materials for their greenhouse.
• Recycle your materials. If there are any materials that can be used again for the greenhouse project, homeowners should inquire with their contractors or neighbors. Plastic sheeting, concrete pavers, and gravel fill are a few possible useful items.

Benefits Of Building A Greenhouse

The ability to grow more plants in better conditions all year round is one benefit of a greenhouse that dedicated gardeners are aware of. A greenhouse provides a significant advantage in the race to improve gardening abilities.

Extended Growing Season

In order to encourage plant growth, a greenhouse’s internal temperature can be adjusted with the right ventilation. These controlled growing conditions allow for year-round plant growth. In cold climates without a greenhouse, it is impossible to grow plants outside during the winter. In addition, fruits and vegetables thrive in greenhouse settings, enabling homeowners to consume fresh produce outside of just the region’s best growing season.

Wider Choice Of Plants

In some climates, it can be challenging to grow certain kinds of plants. These challenging plants are protected from the elements and given the ideal environment in a greenhouse. Sensitive plants that couldn’t survive even a few weeks in the natural environment can develop into tall, healthy plants in a greenhouse environment.

Improved Weather And Pest Protection

Within the walls of an enclosed greenhouse, plants are shielded from the elements. In other words, they are shielded from environmental factors like snow and rain as well as pests like deer and other animals that would eat them. Plants can be planted earlier in the season and have longer lives if you protect them from pests and the elements. Pests can still become a problem around a greenhouse’s exterior even though a greenhouse keeps them out. If unwelcome pests appear, think about hiring one of the top pest control businesses.

Related Reading: How To Keep A Greenhouse Warm In The Winter?

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