How Much Does it Cost to Build a Greenhouse in 2025?

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

Building a greenhouse allows you to garden year-round for an average of $9,640. Most projects fall within the range of $3,071 and $16,209, depending on your climate, square footage, and material choices. Your final price depends on the amount of growing space you require. A compact kit or reclaimed-material build starts at $1,000, while a greenhouse big enough for a backyard micro-farm can reach $25,300. Hiring a professional greenhouse builder minimizes missteps and delivers a sturdy, efficient structure.

Greenhouse Cost Factors

A well-built greenhouse extends the growing season and broadens the range of plants you can raise. Use the factors below to plan your budget before you break ground.

Greenhouse Size

Size is one of the main cost drivers when building a greenhouse. The larger the structure, the more materials and labor it takes to create. Most homeowners pay between $5 and $35 per square foot, with an average of $25 per square foot. Materials and add-ons—such as ventilation, heat, and irrigation—ultimately determine your per-square-foot price.

Greenhouse Type

The style of greenhouse you build will impact price, functionality, longevity, and space requirements. Here are the most popular greenhouse options, along with their associated costs.

Hoop House

Hoop houses cost $5 to $10 per square foot. They use a series of half-hoops anchored in the ground and wrapped in heavy, clear plastic. 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 to quickly build and cover a substantial growing area.

Geodesic

Geodesic greenhouses cost between $10 and $25 per square foot. Also known as dome greenhouses, these are round structures with domed tops. Geodesic greenhouses can be glazed, but to keep costs low, builders opt for a thick, stretched plastic sheet to cover them. Their round shape provides ample floor space and enables them to withstand harsh winter storms, while also capturing a significant amount of heat and light.

A-Frame

A-frame greenhouses are relatively simple, permanent structures that cost between $25 and $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 feature a steeply pitched roof, allowing snow and ice to slide off rather than accumulating and causing damage.

Materials

You need several different materials for a complete greenhouse, including framing and glazing materials (the translucent covering that allows light to pass through). You'll also need flooring and siding, depending on the size and style of the greenhouse. The table below outlines common greenhouse features and their associated materials costs.

Labor 

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 to $100 per hour.

• Plumber: If you know you want a drip irrigation system or a sink in your greenhouse, a plumber charges $45 to $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

Heating adds to both the cost of installing a heater and ongoing utility bills, as you'll need to pay running costs to keep the unit heated throughout the colder months. 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 stems from the need to insulate the greenhouse and install the highest-efficiency glazing that you can afford. This helps reduce energy costs by maintaining the internal temperature more efficiently.

Greenhouse Setup

On average, preparing the site for your greenhouse adds to the overall project cost. This price does not include the installation or construction of the greenhouse itself.

Here are some average costs you may encounter:

• The price to grade the ground under the greenhouse is $250 to $500 per hour.

• The cost to install a sprinkler irrigation system ranges from $1,600 to $3,500.

• Running electrical lines costs $2 per linear foot.

Greenhouse Kits

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.

Building a DIY Greenhouse vs. Hiring a Professional

If you’re handy and have a free weekend, a kit or reclaimed-material greenhouse falls at the lower end of the price range. Recruit a friend—wall panels are bulky, and precise assembly matters.

For larger structures or builds that need power and plumbing, hiring a local greenhouse builder is worth the higher price. A pro streamlines the schedule, avoids expensive errors, and delivers a well-sealed, efficient space.

Ready to get started? Compare quotes from greenhouse builders in your area.

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.