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Build a Greenhouse Cost
National average
$13,000 - $20,000
(building a 12’x12’ conventional greenhouse with a cedar frame and polycarbonate sheet)
Low:
$5,000 - $10,000
(clear the area, PVC frame, polyethylene film)
High:
$25,000 - $35,000
(galvanized steel frame and glaze with tempered glass)
Cost to build a greenhouse varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from General Contractors in your city.
The average cost of building a greenhouse is $13,000 - $20,000.
How much does it cost to build a greenhouse?
A greenhouse is a structure that is designed to help plants grow year-round. It affords protection from the elements while allowing sunlight to flow through its confines. Greenhouses are always constructed of a transparent material such as glass or plastic. These include polyethylene 1, corrugated fiberglass 2, PMMA acrylic glass, and polycarbonate 3 sheets. Structures range in size from small garden sheds to large, industrial greenhouses.
Building a greenhouse costs on average $13,000 to $20,000, with the average homeowner spending around $16,500 on building a greenhouse measuring 12'x12' that is constructed from polycarbonate sheets and a cedar wood frame.
| Building a greenhouse costs | |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $16,500 |
| Average range | $13,000 - $20,000 |
| Minimum cost | $5,000 |
| Maximum cost | $35,000 |
Cost breakdown
The costs for the project will include:
Excavation and site preparation - costs will vary according to the level 2 of work necessary, but all such projects would require the leveling of the site in order to receive the concrete and the drilling of a well with a 6" diameter feed and a horse power pumping 1 mechanism (unless the pre-existing well or water supply could be easily tapped into and channeled to the greenhouse. This might be problematic in areas of heavy frost, however);
Concrete - the knee walls and flooring of the greenhouse would demand roughly 3.5 cubic yards of concrete. This is priced at an average of $75 per cubic yard, and with labor would cost around $540;
Materials - the greenhouse described here would demand a heavy steel frame, 8' walls constructed of multi-wall polycarbonate or glass, roofing vents, and electronic exhaust fans. The average pricing on a 144 square foot greenhouse using such materials is $2700;
Enhancement and improvement costs
Heating - greenhouses located within areas that receive freezing weather might require the addition of a heating unit. These come as electric and propane models, and the average price for a unit sized to meet the needs of the structure described here would be less than $250;
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Polyethylene: A resilient, pliable, synthetic resin made by polymerizing ethylene and primarily used for containers, packaging, corrosion-resistant piping, and insulation
2 Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric
3 Polycarbonate: Thermoplastic polymer with high impact strength used in a variety of applications such as compact disks and bulletproof windows
How much does it cost to build a greenhouse in my city?
Cost to build a greenhouse varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
Compared to national average-48%
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Labor cost in your zip code
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Methodology and sources
