Greenhouse Cost

Typical costs:

• The most basic greenhouse-type structure is a cold frame, a low box or hoop-like structure designed to protect plants in the ground without any additional heat or light sources. A basic cold frame starts at $30-$100, but larger and more durable models can cost $100-$600. Cold frames can also be constructed for free using recycled materials. For more details, see How Much Does a Portable Greenhouse Cost.
• An indoor greenhouse can cost $3-$60 for a windowsill or tabletop kit with a container and cover; more expensive models may include a heat pad under the container, or a grow light. Indoor growing racks with a zippered cover start at $30-$90 for basic models and can cost $100-$400 or more depending on size, materials, type of covering and options such as grow lights or an automatic watering system. Indoor huts can be $100-$600, depending on size, materials and the features included. For more details, see How Much Does an Indoor Greenhouse Cost.
• Portable greenhouses start between $30 and $100 for low plastic pop-ups to protect plants; cost $100-$500 for walk-in-size greenhouses that pop up or fold out; and can be $100-$600 or more for snap-together frames with weather-resistant fitted translucent covers, with prices dependent on size, style and materials. For more details, see How Much Does a Portable Greenhouse Cost.
• Kits to build a permanent outdoor greenhouse start between $500 and $2,500 for a basic metal and plastic structure (typically 6'x6' to 10'x10'), but can cost $3,000-$15,000 for larger (12'x12' to 18'x20' and up), more elaborate and/or more durable models. Depending on the size and style, hiring someone to build the greenhouse can be relatively inexpensive or can double the cost.
• Having a contractor erect a custom greenhouse with foundation, electricity, plumbing, water, heating and ventilation can cost $10,000-$50,000 or more. For details, see How Much Does an Outdoor Greenhouse Cost.

• Many greenhouse kits include all materials needed for construction (although wood-frame kits typically don't include the lumber), plus clear written assembly instructions. Indoor and portable greenhouses are typically fairly easy to erect, but a permanent greenhouse structure can be a major building project -- and will probably require a building permit from the local planning department.
• A permanent greenhouse structure can be a major building project -- and even erecting a basic greenhouse kit might require a building permit from the local planning department. Check local regulations before beginning construction.

• In colder climates, outdoor greenhouses require a heater. Electric, oil or gas space heaters often work well and can cost anywhere from $15-$500 but may be expensive to operate (total cost will depend on the number of hours it is used and the local cost of electricity). See How Much Does a Space Heater Cost. Cooling can be provided by a simple fan ($10-$50 or more) or by covering the roof with shade cloth or roller shades (starting around $25-$100, but going as high as $1,000 or more).
• A basic potting bench starts around $50-$250, but can cost $1,200 or more. For details, see How Much Does a Potting Bench Cost. Basic greenhouse shelving can run $20-$200 or more in plastic or metal, and a thermometer can cost $5-$50 or more.

• Do-it-yourself from scratch (without a kit) is a viable option for building an outdoor greenhouse; the cost will depend on the size and scope of the greenhouse. For example, Southwestern homeowner[2] built a 12'x12' block foundation greenhouse with a wood frame and polycarbonate panels for about $4,000 in materials, while SJ Ranch posts a video slideshow illustrating how to build a wood frame greenhouse[3] covered with plastic and with a dirt floor.
• BlueGrassGardens.com provides links to a number of sites offering free greenhouse plans[4] .

• It's important to put the greenhouse in a site selected to maximize any available sunlight. The Hobby Greenhouse Association provides detailed tips to consider before buying a greenhouse[5] .
• Greenhouse kits are sold at home improvement centers like Home Depot[6] or Lowe's[7] ; big box discount stores like Target[8] ; and through online retailers like Amazon[9] , ACF Greenhouses[10] and International Greenhouse Company[11] .

1.  www.vegetable-gardening-and-greenhouses.com/how-does-a-greenhouse-work.html
2.  forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/strucs/msg0713081212557.html
3.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxeEmMwgaMM
4.  www.bluegrassgardens.com/how-to-build-greenhouse-plans.html
5.  www.hobbygreenhouse.org/text/Directory_Preamble3.pdf
6.  www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Greenhouses/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg1Zaqn7/h_d2/N...
7.  www.lowes.com/pl_Greenhouses_4294935924_4294937087_
8.  www.target.com/s/greenhouse#keywords=greenhouse&searchNodeID=3151061&ref=sr_bx_1_1...
9.  www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_353296982_12?ie=UTF8&node=11055931&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX...
10.  www.littlegreenhouse.com/greenhouse.shtml
11.  www.igcusa.com/hobby-greenhouses/

Check Out All Costs for Home and Garden		How Much Does a Kitchen Remodeling Cost?		How Much Does a Propane Tank Cost?		How Much Does a Plumber Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Make sure your gutters are clean before they start to fill up again this fall. Are you planning a Labor Day picnic? Need a new charcoal grill? Pruning trees before the storm season can help ensure dead branches won't imperil your home. Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. The late August sun can leave a mark. Check out sunburn treatment options.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more] -nervouschomper Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more] -Gregory Richardson Interpreter Cost Dat Paid: 495.00 This is how much I am paying... [more] -Calista Christian Dental Admission Test Cost Shingrix Paid: 48.00 ... [more] -Not that BB Shingles Vaccine Cost Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more] -D’s mom Allergy Testing Cost Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat Paid: 0.00 13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more] -Terrimarie Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost