If you want to build or buy a greenhouse, below is a comprehensive guide on estimated greenhouse costs. It covers the different types and sizes of greenhouses, as well as the different materials and accessories you will need.
Imagine over 2,500 acres of space devoted to farming vegetables in the US alone! This one shows just how much people have adopted greenhouse farming. But why?
A greenhouse allows you to do year-round farming and enables cultivating seasonal and sensitive crops that would otherwise not grow in your climate. It’s, therefore, ideal for both personal and commercial farming.
Greenhouses can be simple or complex. A simple greenhouse is usually made of a simple frame and covered using a clear material like plastic, glass, or fiber. A complex greenhouse may include fixed glass panels, sophisticated irrigation systems, heating, and ventilation.
But how much do greenhouses cost? While it might be hard to get an exact price upfront, greenhouse costs depend entirely on the structure’s size and complexity.
Overall Cost Estimation of Greenhouse Building
In addition to the cost of the frame and cover, several other things add to the cost of owning a greenhouse. Some of these costs are not initially obvious but become evident once the construction job is complete.
The average cost of greenhouses ranges from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. The costs could also spike when you engage the services of a professional to help with the installation. For example, installing a pre-designed portable greenhouse with professional assistance may cost a few hundred dollars.
Engaging a professional to do the installation has various benefits. You not only save time, but you also minimize the risks that could arise later due to poor installation. These risks include unstable foundations, air and water leaks, and poor ventilation.
You may also decide to buy a greenhouse kit and install it yourself. DIY greenhouses are relatively cheaper than buying pre-installed ones, and you don’t have to engage a professional.
A small DIY greenhouse will cost a hundred dollars on the lower side. However, some kits may cost a few thousand dollars, increasing the overall DIY greenhouse cost.
Styles of Greenhouses and Costs
There are various types and styles of greenhouses. The styles differ depending on several factors, such as the weather and the types of crops to be planted. Each style has its cost implication.
Some of the most common greenhouse styles and their square footage cost include;
1. Hoop Greenhouse
A hoop greenhouse is one of the cheapest greenhouses to build. Hoop greenhouses consist of hoops that are installed into the ground. Plastic sheeting is used to cover the hoops.
The best thing about plastic sheeting is that it is cheap and readily available. The average greenhouse costs for a hoop greenhouse range from $5 to $10 for one square foot.
Hoop greenhouses differ in size. They can be small, low, or large enough for someone to walk in. They have excellent ventilation features; snow and water can slide down easily.
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2. Gothic Arch Greenhouse
A Gothic arch greenhouse is similar to a hoop greenhouse. However, it has a semicircular frame that allows it to shed snow and water easily. The peak is also higher than that of a hoop-style greenhouse.
The greenhouse’s frame is usually made of galvanized pipes, which are then covered using plastic sheeting. However, the low sidewall makes it difficult to walk through and restricts plant growth. The greenhouse’s costs for a Gothic arch structure vary between $10 and $15 per square foot.
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3. Rooftop Greenhouse
Rooftop greenhouses are usually installed on a flat roof. They are common in urban areas with limited space; the only available space is on rooftops. You can also build it onto walls of buildings.
These simple greenhouses require sturdy materials like metal frames and glass or solid plastic panels. One square foot of a rooftop greenhouse costs between $10 and $25.
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4. Lean-to Greenhouse
As the name suggests, a lean-to greenhouse is built to lean onto existing walls. These could be the walls of a garage or a house. Because of the shared wall, it uses fewer materials compared to a standalone greenhouse.
This brings down the cost to around $25 for a square foot. The cover is usually made of glass. One advantage of a lean-to greenhouse is that the walls absorb heat, regulating the greenhouse temperature.
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5. Dome Greenhouse
A dome greenhouse is round with a domed peak. Its round shape helps absorb heat and light. It is made using a metal or PVC frame covered with glass or plastic sheeting. One square foot costs between $10 and $25 to build.
A spacious domed greenhouse provides enough space for plants to grow and people to walk through. If you don’t want to spend much money, keep it small to reduce the height and diameter.
6. Pit Greenhouse
Pit greenhouses are built into a hole, usually dug in the ground. They are warmer than other greenhouses because the earthy floor does not lose heat easily.
However, you need to carefully analyze the soil you are building on. Loose soil, for example, may not be stable enough to support the structure.
Once above the ground, the greenhouse can take any shape or design. To cut down on cost, you can build the frame using hoops.
You can also opt for rigid roofs, but they are more expensive. Pit greenhouses cost an average of $20 a square foot to build.
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Cost to Build a Greenhouse: More Factors to Consider
The following are more considerations that help to estimate the greenhouse costs of building a new structure.
1. Structure Size
By now, it should be obvious that the bigger the greenhouse, the more money you will spend. The greenhouse’s size determines the building materials you need to purchase. These materials are usually not cheap.
Also, large greenhouses require accessories like irrigation lines, fans, and heat. To maximize space, you can opt for vertical gardening, which provides more yields per square foot.
A greenhouse may cost between 10 and 100 dollars per square foot. If we convert this to greenhouse construction cost per acre, you should expect the greenhouse cost for 1 acre to fall somewhere between $40,000 and $100,000.
Fortunately, the cost per square meter reduces as the size of the greenhouse increases.
2. Materials
Materials are also a major expense when building greenhouses. You need to carefully choose the materials to use for the frame and the covering. The frames can be made from wood, PVC pipe, or steel. The cover could be made from polyethylene, fiberglass, or tempered glass.
Greenhouse construction materials vary greatly in price and have pros and cons. For example, tempered glass may cost about $2.50 per square foot, while polythene may cost less than half that amount. Glass is also highly durable, while polythene is not.
In another example, cedar framing costs around $1 per foot, while steel framing may cost at least $2.50 per foot. However, steel frames are more sturdy and durable.
3. Site preparation
Depending on the land’s condition and size, preparing the growing space may take a lot of work. Some basic things that must be done before the greenhouse is set up include leveling and setting the foundation.
For big or commercial greenhouses, you may need to hire special machinery for that purpose. Also, you may require the assistance of a professional, which raises the greenhouse costs altogether.
4. Utilities
A simple greenhouse may operate without additional accessories. But complex ones need utilities like heaters, lighting, fans, thermostat controllers, and sophisticated irrigation systems.
These utilities drive up the cost of building a greenhouse and contribute significantly to its operating and maintenance costs.
5. Climate
The climate determines the kind of utilities you need. For example, very cold places need heating, while hot places need ventilation and cooling. Also, in places where natural light is not enough, you may have to invest in lighting to compensate.
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Greenhouse Operating Costs
As mentioned earlier, in addition to the initial cost of setting up the greenhouse, there are other recurrent costs. These costs relate to the maintenance and day-to-day running of the greenhouse.
So, how much does it cost to maintain a greenhouse? This depends on the materials used during construction, the utilities available, and even the crops you planted. The major operating costs include the following;
1. Water
A greenhouse requires a lot of water because of the year-round crops. Depending on the irrigation system used, the water bill may increase significantly. Therefore, people should use efficient irrigation systems to lower water usage and reduce operating costs.
Running water can be quite expensive and can greatly impact greenhouse maintenance costs. So, it’s advisable to complement it with rainwater. However, this requires the installation of rain collection barrels, gutters, and downspouts.
2. Lighting
Most greenhouses rely on the sun for lighting. This means not every greenhouse needs additional lighting. However, in situations where natural lighting is scarce, artificial lighting is needed.
Proper lighting installation costs hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you need professional assistance, you’ll have to pay even more.
The cost of a single light ranges between $40 and $150. The bigger the greenhouse, the more lights you need.
The cost of the lights varies depending on their size, quality, wattage, and other technical factors. To reduce costs, use LED lights that are designed for energy efficiency.
3. Irrigation Tools
For a simple greenhouse, you can use a simple long hose with a spray nozzle to irrigate the plants. But for complex greenhouses, you must invest in a quality full irrigation system or kit.
The most common irrigation tools are drip irrigation and spray systems. They are usually not very expensive, but the cost increases significantly when you factor in the setup.
4. Plants
Plants and their seeds don’t come cheaply. Therefore, be prepared to spend significant money every planting season. The cost of plants varies greatly depending on the type and the number of plants you need.
Because a greenhouse is meant to produce year-round produce, you need to ensure that old plants are replaced regularly. Also, remember to factor in fertilizer and soil as they form a significant portion of greenhouse costs.
5. Pest management
You should put in place measures to control the spread of pests. Otherwise, there may be nothing to harvest when the time comes. Where possible, use natural ways of protecting your plants, such as sticky traps and organic oils.
You can also prevent pests through companion planting. This involves planting different crops near promote the growth of beneficial insects that feed on the pests.
6. Repairs
As with any other structure, greenhouses require repairs from time to time. This helps to keep the entire unit in good condition. For example, polythene film covers sometimes break and need to be repaired.
Also, some frames, especially the cheaper ones, need regular maintenance to prevent them from collapsing. The frames and covers can be repaired using sealing tape.
Other things that also require regular repair include plumbing, lighting, and any moving parts like creepers and cross connectors. Although you can do most of these things on your own, some of them may require professional repair. This could cost you more.
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7. Heating
Usually, greenhouses are heated naturally by the sun. But if you live in a cold area, heating greenhouses costs may contribute significantly to your operating costs.
Heating a greenhouse for one night may cost you an average of $10. Some plants, such as tropical vegetables, also require more heat than is available from the sun.
Artificial heaters are usually powered by electricity, gas, or propane. The most cost-effective and energy-efficient heaters are radiant heaters. Instead of heating the air, they heat the plants directly.
You can also opt for a heated greenhouse that comes with insulation. However, you will have to cough up more money because they cost an average of $35 to 45 per square foot. Alternatively, you can try reflective film for insulation.
Commercial Greenhouses
A commercial greenhouse should be at least 20 feet wide and 6,000 square feet. But how much does it cost to build a commercial greenhouse?
Usually, commercial greenhouse costs range between $2 and $30 per square foot. The bigger the greenhouse, the lower the cost per square foot.
The cost of commercial greenhouses varies depending on the type and the materials used. Other things that greatly impact the cost of a commercial greenhouse include shade, insulation, ventilation, and irrigation.
Simple commercial greenhouses with minimal utilities can go for as low as $2.00 per square foot. However, tent-style greenhouses with insulation and cooling are more expensive and can cost upwards of $5 per square foot.
Low-Cost Greenhouses
Despite greenhouse farming being an expensive venture, it is still possible to build a low-cost greenhouse using supplies from local hardware stores.
If you are wondering how to build a low-cost greenhouse, start by getting a good frame and cover. These are the most important parts of a greenhouse.
For the frame, you can use cheap and readily available materials like rebar or PVC pipes. You can also use cedar or wood poles. However, you need to ensure that they are treated to prevent rotting.
For the covering, you can use plastic film that is at least 4mm thick. Plastic is relatively less costly compared to other materials. It offers sufficient light penetration and temperature regulation. You can also get affordable pre-installed greenhouse kits.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to build a greenhouse or buy one?
Depending on the size, materials, and labor costs, building a greenhouse can be cheaper than buying one. Additionally, building a greenhouse allows for customization to fit specific needs, such as the type of plants being grown and their required environment.
Buying a pre-made greenhouse can save time and effort, as well as provide a warranty and customer support. Ultimately, deciding to build or buy a greenhouse depends on individual circumstances and priorities.
How many acres do you need for a greenhouse?
A greenhouse is a structure for growing plants requiring controlled environmental conditions. The number of acres needed for a greenhouse depends on the production scale and the types of plants being grown.
Generally, commercial greenhouses range from half an acre to several acres, while smaller hobby or backyard greenhouses can be as small as a few hundred square feet.
How much does a 50 ft greenhouse cost?
The cost of a 50 ft greenhouse can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of greenhouse, materials used, and location.
Greenhouse costs can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size and complexity of the structure. Factors that can impact the cost of a greenhouse include the type of framing material used, glazing options, ventilation systems, and heating and cooling systems.
A basic 50 ft greenhouse made of PVC pipe and plastic sheeting can cost around $500, while a more complex structure made of aluminum framing and tempered glass can cost upwards of $10,000. It is important to carefully consider the intended use and budget when selecting the type of greenhouse to build.
How much does it cost to build a greenhouse from scratch?
Building a greenhouse from scratch can cost anywhere from $5 to $25 per square foot, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design. The cost of a greenhouse also depends on the size and location of the structure. Factors such as heating and cooling systems, ventilation, and irrigation can also add to the overall cost of building a greenhouse.
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