How Much Does a Greenhouse Cost to Build in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

While the average cost to build a greenhouse is $9,640, your actual cost will depend on how many plants you want to accommodate. You could create a smaller greenhouse from a kit or with reclaimed materials for $3,071. Larger greenhouses to accommodate your personal farm could go as high as $16,209. 

Building a greenhouse is a fantastic way for gardeners and plant enthusiasts to extend the growing season and cultivate a wider variety of plants. Here's what to know to effectively budget for the new greenhouse of your dreams.

Greenhouse Size

The biggest factor impacting the cost of building a greenhouse is its size, which determines how many materials you’ll need and how much labor is needed to install it. 

Greenhouse Cost per Square Foot

The cost of a greenhouse ranges between $5 and $35 per square foot, with most people paying around $20 per square foot. The materials you choose, and extras—such as ventilation, heat, and irrigation—influence how much you'll pay for your greenhouse per square foot.

Greenhouse Costs per Acre

Expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 or more for a 1-acre greenhouse. There are 43,560 square feet in an acre. If building on multiple acres, you will likely pay less than $2 per square foot, but the final costs depend on several factors.

Materials

You need several different materials for a complete greenhouse, including framing and glazing materials (the translucent covering that lets light in). You'll also likely need flooring, and depending on the size and style of the greenhouse, you'll need siding, too. Take a look at common greenhouse material prices to see how they'll impact the final cost.

Greenhouse Prices by Type

There are many types of greenhouses, and the style you choose will impact price, functionality, longevity, and space requirements. Here are the most popular greenhouse options and their costs.

Hoop House

Hoop houses cost $5 to $10 per square foot. They consist of a series of half-hoops anchored into the ground, with the hoops covered in a thick, clear plastic sheet. Entryways at one or both ends are also covered in thick plastic, either with a zipper or a wooden doorframe built into the end frame. Hoop greenhouses are a budget-friendly way of quickly building and covering a substantial growing area.

Geodesic

Geodesic greenhouses cost $10 to $25 per square foot. Also known as dome greenhouses, these are round structures with domed tops. Geodesign greenhouses can be glazed, but to keep costs low, builders opt for a thick, stretched plastic sheet to cover them. Their round shape provides a lot of floor space and makes them able to withstand harsh winter storms, and they capture a lot of heat and light, too.

Rooftop Greenhouse

Rooftop greenhouses cost $10 to $25 per square foot. As the name implies, they go on a flat roof. Rooftop greenhouses attach firmly to the walls or roof for extra safety, and they need to be built on a flat roof. While not too common, they're an increasingly popular option in urban areas where residents can access their rooftops.

A-Frame

A-frame greenhouses are fairly simple, permanent structures that cost $25 to $35 per square foot. Their glass-glazed design makes them costlier than other types of greenhouses, but their shape makes them a popular option in areas with heavy snowfall. A-frame models have a steeply pitched roof, so snow and ice slide off rather than building up and causing damage.

Hydroponic Greenhouse

A 1,000-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse costs around $35,000 to build. This includes the cost to put in a water line and electrical work. Hydroponic systems have a high yield and don’t use soil for growing. Instead, they rely mostly on air and water.

Commercial Greenhouse Costs

Commercial greenhouses cost $25 to $35 per square foot. Size is the main difference between a commercial and residential greenhouse, with some units covering an acre or more. Commercial greenhouses also have more ventilation, heating, and insulation than their residential counterparts.

Labor Costs for Greenhouse Pros

You’ll pay between $300 and $500 per day to hire a contractor to oversee your greenhouse installation. You might also need to hire other pros depending on your plans for the project: 

• Electrician: If you want new electrical lines to power light fixtures, a heater, or other electrical components, electricians charge $50–$100 per hour. 

• Plumber: If you know you want a drip irrigation system or a sink in your greenhouse, a plumber charges $45–$200 per hour.

• Yard grading pro: Hiring a yard grading pro to grade your yard to prepare the site costs $50 per hour. 

Additional Cost Factors

Depending on the scope of your project, be sure to budget for the following additional cost factors. 

Heating a Greenhouse 

Depending on the heating system, the cost to install a heater ranges from $170 to $9,200. You'll also need to pay running costs to keep the unit heated throughout the colder months. Additionally, if you live in a cold climate, an unheated greenhouse may not be warm enough to get your seeds off to a good start or to grow warm-climate plants, such as peppers and tomatoes.

The increased build cost comes from the need to insulate the greenhouse and install the highest efficiency glazing that you can afford. This helps reduce energy costs by more efficiently maintaining the internal temperature.

Greenhouse Setup Costs

On average, setting up a greenhouse area could cost anywhere from $150 to $14,500. This price does not include installing or building the greenhouse itself.

Here are some average costs you could encounter:

• The price to grade the ground under the greenhouse is between $980 and $3,000.

• The cost to put in a drip irrigation system is $450 to $650 per 1/4 acre.

• Installing light fixtures costs between $150 and $820 but can cost more if you supplement with grow lights.

Greenhouse Kit Prices

Greenhouse kits cost between $500 and $5,000 and come in various styles and sizes. Ordering a kit can be an easy way to DIY a greenhouse on a weekend.

Many kits have pieces that click together, making assembly straightforward. Keep in mind that most kits don't include extras like benches or shelves, so you'll need to purchase or build those separately—potting benches cost about $100 each. Also, be sure to read the kit description carefully as some greenhouses may require disassembly for the winter.

Making a DIY Greenhouse vs. Hiring a Professional

If you have basic skills with tools and a free weekend, building a greenhouse can be a rewarding DIY project. You could build a greenhouse from a kit or create a basic model with reclaimed materials for the lower end of the average price range. You'll need a friend or two to help, as assembling a greenhouse involves some heavy lifting and precise work.

However, for larger greenhouses, or if you want features like electricity or plumbing, hiring a local greenhouse builder is your best bet. While the costs are on the higher end of the cost range, a professional can save you time, help prevent costly mistakes, and ensure your greenhouse is built correctly and efficiently.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.