Greenhouse Installation Cost

Garden greenhouses create a controlled growing environment for greenhouse plants, vegetables, herbs and flowers, helping to protect them from harsh weather and extend the growing season. They are popular in UK gardens for growing vegetables, starting seedlings and cultivating plants that need warmer or more stable conditions.

The cost to build a greenhouse depends on the size, frame material, glazing, base requirements, additional features and whether you install a greenhouse kit yourself or hire a professional. In this guide, we’ll cover greenhouse installation costs, supply costs, labour rates, cost factors and how to find the right contractor for the job.

How Much Does Greenhouse Construction Cost?

You can expect to pay around £200 to £2,500 for a smaller to medium-sized greenhouse, or around £2,500 to £6,000+ for a larger or custom-built greenhouse. The final greenhouse installation cost will depend on the size, frame material, glazing type, base requirements, additional features and labour costs.

If you are working with a tight budget, a small DIY greenhouse kit is usually the cheapest option. However, if you would prefer a more durable and long-lasting structure, it is often best to choose one that is installed by a professional.

Greenhouse Installation Prices

Below is a table showing the typical greenhouse installation prices in the UK:

Labour Cost to Build a Greenhouse and Timescales

Hiring a professional installer can help ensure the greenhouse installation process is safe, level and securely fixed. Professional installation is especially useful for larger greenhouses, timber greenhouses, custom designs or any installation that needs base preparation, a prepared base or foundation work.

You can usually expect to pay around £20 to £50 per hour or £150 to £300 per day for greenhouse installation labour. The final labour cost will depend on the size of the greenhouse, the type of structure, garden access, location and whether groundwork is needed.

Small greenhouse kits are usually the quickest to install, while larger greenhouses, timber structures and custom-built designs can take longer. Installations that need foundations, ground levelling or extra features such as heating, lighting or irrigation may also increase labour time.

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How Much Is a Greenhouse? (Supply Costs)

There are several different materials that may be needed to build and install a greenhouse, and these can significantly affect the overall price.

Examples include:

The quality of the materials and glazing can significantly affect the overall price. Higher-quality materials will improve durability, but they will also result in higher upfront costs. In many cases, it is worth investing in better-quality materials so that your greenhouse lasts longer and ends up costing less in the long run.

Greenhouse Glazing Options

Choosing the right glazing for your greenhouse is essential. The right glazing will help your plants thrive while also keeping your greenhouse durable.

Examples of glazing you can choose from include:

• Horticultural glass
• Toughened safety glass
• Polycarbonate panels

Horticultural glass is usually the cheapest option. It provides excellent light transmission; however, it is more fragile and prone to breakage. Toughened safety glass is stronger and safer than standard glass because it shatters into smaller, less dangerous pieces.

It comes at a higher cost but is much more durable. Polycarbonate panels are lightweight and resistant to impact. They provide good insulation, although the light transmission is slightly lower.

Polycarbonate is usually the best choice for beginners, whereas toughened glass is often the better option for long-term installations.

Greenhouse Base and Foundation Costs

Most greenhouses require a stable base or foundation to ensure they remain structurally sound and last for many years. You can choose from several different base types, and these all come at different costs.

Common base options include:

Installing a base can increase the overall cost of building a greenhouse, particularly if groundwork is required. However, a solid base is very useful for ensuring the longevity of your greenhouse, so it is often recommended. Your contractor should be able to advise you on the most suitable base type for your specific greenhouse.

Additional Greenhouse Installation Costs

There are several additional features that may increase the total cost of building a greenhouse. These are usually optional extras, so the right choices will depend on the plants you want to grow and how you plan to use the greenhouse.

• Heating systems — Greenhouse heaters can cost around £50–£500 and may be useful if you want to grow plants through colder months.
• Automatic ventilation — Automatic ventilation systems can cost around £30–£200 and help regulate airflow and temperature.
• Irrigation systems — Irrigation systems can cost around £20–£300 and can make watering easier, especially for larger greenhouses.
• Lighting installations — Lighting can cost around £50–£250 and may be useful if you want to extend growing hours or support seedlings.
• Shelving or staging — Shelving and staging units can cost around £50–£300 and help maximise growing and storage space.
• Shade systems — Shade systems can cost around £20–£150 and can help protect plants from overheating in direct sun.

These additions can improve your greenhouse and may help your plants grow more successfully. However, they will increase the overall budget, so it is worth deciding which extras are essential before installation begins.

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Factors That Impact Greenhouse Installation Costs

Several factors can affect your total greenhouse installation cost. The main cost drivers are usually the size and design of the greenhouse, the frame material, the glazing type, the base requirements and any extra features you choose.

• Size and design — Larger greenhouses need more materials and take longer to install. Custom designs or more complex layouts can also increase labour and supply costs.
• Frame material — Aluminium is usually one of the cheaper and lower-maintenance options, while timber, steel and custom frames can cost more.
• Glazing type — Horticultural glass is usually cheaper, while toughened safety glass and polycarbonate panels can cost more but may offer better safety, durability or insulation.
• Base or foundation — A simple timber or slab base may cost less than concrete or brick foundations. Ground levelling, drainage or excavation can also increase the total price.
• Ventilation, heating and irrigation — Extra features such as roof vents, automatic ventilation, greenhouse heaters, lighting or irrigation systems can improve growing conditions but add to the overall budget.
• Garden access — Restricted access can make it harder to bring in greenhouse panels, frame sections, tools and base materials, which may increase labour time.
• Location — Labour rates vary across the UK, with greenhouse installers, gardeners and landscapers often charging more in London and the South East.

Types of Greenhouse

There are several common types of greenhouse used in UK gardens, including aluminium, wooden, lean-to and freestanding greenhouses. Below you’ll find some information on each type, along with the pros and cons, to help you decide which option may suit you best.

Aluminium Greenhouse

These are lightweight and low-maintenance structures that are commonly available as greenhouse kits, so they can work well if you want to build a greenhouse as a DIY project.

Pros

• ✔ Lightweight
• ✔ Easy to maintain
• ✔ Affordable cost

Cons

• ✖ Less attractive than timber
• ✖ Poorer insulation

Wooden Greenhouses

These are more traditional greenhouse types made from timber frames that offer a classic appearance. They work well in more traditional garden settings.

Pros

• ✔ Attractive in appearance
• ✔ Strong
• ✔ Durable

Cons

• ✖ Requires maintenance
• ✖ Higher in cost

Lean-To Greenhouses

These are greenhouses that attach to an existing wall, making them suitable for smaller gardens. They are also fairly durable, as the existing wall helps support the structure.

Pros

• ✔ Perfect for smaller gardens
• ✔ Uses an existing wall for support

Cons

• ✖ Limited space
• ✖ Placement restrictions

Freestanding Greenhouses

These are standalone structures that can be placed anywhere in the garden. They are ideal if you want more flexibility over where the greenhouse goes.

Pros

• ✔ Flexible placement
• ✔ Larger growing capacity

Cons

• ✖ Requires more space
• ✖ May need a stronger base

Larger or custom-built greenhouses will generally increase the installation cost.

Alternative Garden Growing Structures

If a greenhouse is not a suitable option for you, there are several alternatives that can still help protect plants, extend the growing season and create a more controlled growing environment.

Polytunnels

Polytunnels are one of the most popular alternatives to a traditional greenhouse, especially for gardeners who want a larger growing space without the high cost. A polytunnel is a steel-framed tunnel with a polyethylene cover. These are commonly used for growing vegetables, fruits and flowers.

They work in a similar way to a greenhouse by creating their own climate, so they can be used to grow crops that wouldn’t usually flourish in the UK. Polytunnels are usually considered more cost-effective and versatile than a traditional greenhouse, and they typically cost around £200–£2,000+.

Cold Frames

Cold frames are a great choice for beginners. These are small box-like structures that protect seedlings and young plants from harsh weather conditions. They are usually made with a wooden frame and a plastic or glass top.

They are a brilliant cost-effective and space-saving option, and they work by trapping heat inside the frame. Cold frames are ideal for smaller gardens and for people who only want to grow a few crops. They usually cost around £50–£300.

Grow Houses

A grow house is a smaller version of a greenhouse. They provide the ideal growing environment for types of flowers and vegetables that you may not otherwise be able to grow, including exotic flowers or tropical fruits.

Grow houses are also very useful for protecting fragile plants during winter. These are good options for people with limited space, and they typically cost around £30–£200.

Mini Greenhouses

Mini greenhouses usually have loose plastic covers or plastic sheets, although glazed versions are also available. They can help protect plants, but they often lack adjustable ventilation, which can lead to damaging temperature fluctuations.

They also rely on shelving to maximise limited floor space, though those shelves can cast shadows in some cases. Mini greenhouses are great for beginners and for smaller garden spaces, and they usually cost around £50–£500.

Choosing the right alternative will depend on your budget, the space you have available and your gardening goals. If you want a cheap and simple solution, a cold frame is usually the best option.

If you want something more portable and beginner-friendly, a grow house may be the better fit. If you want a compact greenhouse alternative, a mini greenhouse could be ideal. If you need maximum growing space at a lower cost, a polytunnel may be the best choice.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Greenhouse Installation

Ready to hire someone to install a greenhouse? Use this checklist to help ensure you choose the right contractor, greenhouse company or installation service:

• Relevant experience — Check whether they have experience installing your type of greenhouse, especially if it is timber, custom-built or needs a base or foundation.
• Clear quote — Ask for a written quote that separates labour, greenhouse materials, base work, glazing, delivery and any additional features.
• Garden access — Make sure they have checked access to your garden and understand how materials, panels and tools will be brought in safely.
• Base and groundwork — Confirm whether the quote includes levelling, paving slabs, concrete, brick foundations or other base preparation.
• Examples and reviews — Ask to see photos of similar greenhouse installations and check recent customer reviews.
• Insurance and warranty — Check that they have suitable insurance and ask whether the greenhouse, installation work or glazing comes with a warranty.
• Compare quotes — Try to get at least three quotes from local greenhouse installers, gardeners or landscapers. You can use MyJobQuote to compare local tradespeople.

Removing or Replacing a Greenhouse

Homeowners may sometimes choose to remove or replace an existing greenhouse. This could be because they no longer need it, they no longer plan on growing anything, they want to replace it with a newer model, or because the current structure is damaged or in disrepair.

Removal costs for a greenhouse may depend on the:

• Size of the greenhouse
• Materials used
• Accessibility of the garden
• Waste removal requirements

You can usually expect to pay around £50–£150 to remove a small greenhouse. A larger greenhouse may cost around £150–£500 to remove.

A larger greenhouse will naturally cost more to remove than a smaller one because it will take longer and require more labour. The materials used can also affect the cost, as some are heavier or more difficult to dismantle than others. If your garden is difficult to access, this can also push the price up. The more waste there is to remove, the more disposal is likely to cost.

Some homeowners may choose to upgrade an older greenhouse with a newer, more durable structure. If you are replacing your greenhouse, you will also need to factor in the cost of the new one.

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