Greenhouse Cost Estimator
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How it works
Greenhouses price by glazing ambition. A hoop house ($10–15/sq ft) is bent pipe and greenhouse film — ugly, effective, the commercial grower's choice. Polycarbonate kits ($25–35/sq ft) look decent and insulate twice as well as glass. Glass houses ($60–80/sq ft) are garden architecture.
Decide your season goal first: 3-season growing needs no heat and minimal cost; winter growing needs a heater, thermostat, and ideally double-wall polycarbonate — heating an uninsulated glass house through January is a utility bill, not a hobby.
Do not forget ventilation: a greenhouse without auto-opening vents cooks plants by May. Solar-powered vent openers ($50–80 each) are the best small money in greenhouse growing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a small greenhouse cost?
A 10×12 polycarbonate kit on gravel: $3,500–5,500 all-in. Same size in glass: $8,000–12,000. A hoop house that size: $1,500–2,500.
Polycarbonate vs glass?
Polycarbonate: cheaper, better insulation (twin-wall), shatterproof, yellows in 10–15 years. Glass: beautiful, lasts decades, poor insulation, expensive. For growing, polycarbonate wins; for looks, glass.
Do I need heating?
Only for winter growing. An unheated greenhouse extends spring/fall ~6 weeks each side. Electric heaters ($300–500) suit small houses; gas with thermostat for larger ones.
What about summer overheating?
The #1 greenhouse killer of plants. Auto vent openers, shade cloth (50%), and a small exhaust fan. Size ventilation at 15–20% of floor area.
Do I need a permit?
Often above 120 sq ft, and some HOAs restrict them. Hoop houses sometimes count as "temporary" — check before building, not after.
Gravel, deck or slab foundation?
Gravel: cheap, drains well, fine for growing. Slab: clean, permanent, best for potting benches and foot traffic. Deck: a middle ground that rots eventually.
How much does it cost to run?
Unheated: ~$50/year (water). Heated through winter: $50–200/month depending on climate, size and glazing. Insulation pays for itself fast.
Can I grow year-round?
With heating + supplemental light in zones 6+, yes — greens and herbs easily, tomatoes with effort. Match crops to your setup, not your dreams.
What size should I get?
Bigger than you think — 8×10 feels roomy empty and cramped by April. If budget allows, 10×12 is the sweet spot for serious hobby growing.
Does it add home value?
A quality glass or polycarbonate house adds modest appeal to garden-loving buyers; hoop houses add little. Build it to grow, not to flip.