How much does a greenhouse cost?
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The short answer: a professionally built backyard greenhouse averages about $9,600 to $11,000, with most projects between $2,000 and $25,000. If you buy a kit and build it yourself, a small walk-in greenhouse can cost under $600, and most kits cost $500 to $5,000.
National average greenhouse cost
| Source | Average | Typical range | Per square foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| HomeAdvisor (updated June 2026) | $9,640 | $3,071 to $16,209 | $5 to $35 (about $25 average) |
| Lawn Love (updated December 2025) | $11,000 professionally built | $2,000 to $25,000 | $5 to $30 |
HomeAdvisor says a compact kit can start at about $1,000 all-in, and a backyard micro-farm can reach about $25,300. Lawn Love's extremes run from $1,000 to $30,000.
Kit vs professional build
Lawn Love estimates about $11,000 for a professionally built greenhouse against about $5,000 for a DIY project, including a kit at about $4,000. HomeAdvisor puts most kits at $500 to $5,000 and notes that most do not include benches or shelves, at about $100 per potting bench.
Real kit prices we checked in October 2026:
| Kit | Size | Glazing | Price seen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palram-Canopia Hybrid | 6 x 10 ft | Twin-wall roof, clear polycarbonate sides | $590 at Walmart |
| Palram-Canopia Glory | 8 x 8 ft | 10 mm twin-wall polycarbonate | $2,759 at Walmart |
| Palram-Canopia Prestige (with accessories) | 8 x 16 ft | Twin-wall polycarbonate | $5,100 at Walmart |
| Exaco Junior Victorian | 8 x 10 ft | Glass | $7,549 at The Home Depot |
Prices checked October 9, 2026. Our full comparison is in the best greenhouse kits.
Cost by size and type
| Size (Lawn Love) | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | $250 to $1,500 |
| 300 sq ft | $1,500 to $9,000 |
| 600 sq ft | $3,000 to $18,000 |
By style, both guides give similar per-square-foot figures: hoop houses about $5 to $10, geodesic domes about $10 to $25 and A-frames about $25 to $35.
Materials
Lawn Love's material costs per square foot:
| Material | Cost per sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene film | $0.20 | Cheapest; replace every few years |
| Polycarbonate panels | $1.65 | Insulating, shatter-resistant; the usual kit choice |
| Glass panels | $2.60 | Most light, longest-lasting, heaviest |
| Wood frame | $1.00 | Insulates well; needs upkeep |
| PVC pipe frame | $1.25 | Light hoop houses |
| Aluminum frame | $1.50 | Light and rust-free; most kits |
| Steel frame | $2.50 | Strongest, for large spans and snow |
Base and site prep
Every greenhouse needs a level, well-drained base. Lawn Love lists floor options per square foot: landscape fabric $0.45 to $0.80, pea gravel $0.86 to $3.78, concrete $8 to $18 and pavers $8 to $24. HomeAdvisor puts site prep, including grading and irrigation, at $1,600 to $3,500. Lawn Love lists permits at $100 to $600 where they are needed.
Heat, power and water
- Heating: heaters cost $55 to $270 each (Lawn Love). Running costs depend on your climate and target temperature.
- Ventilation: fans cost $25 to $150 each (Lawn Love).
- Electrical: electricians charge about $45 to $100 an hour, and HomeAdvisor estimates about $2 per linear foot to run power out to the greenhouse.
- Water: plumbers charge $45 to $200 an hour (HomeAdvisor). A rain barrel is a cheap alternative at around $140 (Lawn Love).
- Insulation: $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot for options such as thermal screens or bubble wrap (Lawn Love).
Ways to save
- Buy a kit and assemble it yourself; it can cut the cost by around 40%.
- Choose twin-wall polycarbonate to lower heating bills over glass.
- Site it close to the house to shorten power and water runs.
- Start with gravel or landscape fabric flooring and upgrade later.
- Collect rainwater instead of plumbing in a supply.
Next steps
- See our picks: the best greenhouse kits.
- Choosing glazing? Read greenhouse materials compared.
- Browse all greenhouse guides.
Sources
- HomeAdvisor: How much does it cost to build a greenhouse? (updated June 19, 2026)
- Lawn Love: How much does a greenhouse cost? (updated December 27, 2025)
- Retailer listings for the kits named, checked October 9, 2026.
Common questions
What is the cheapest way to get a greenhouse?
A small polycarbonate walk-in kit you assemble yourself. Kits start around $500, and HomeAdvisor puts most at $500 to $5,000. A plastic-film hoop house is cheaper again per square foot, at about $5 to $10.
Is a greenhouse kit cheaper than a custom build?
Usually. Lawn Love estimates a DIY project at about $5,000 against roughly $11,000 for a professionally built greenhouse, around 40% less.
How much does it cost to heat a greenhouse?
It depends on your climate, the greenhouse size and how warm you keep it. Heaters themselves cost $55 to $270 each, according to Lawn Love, but fuel or electricity is the ongoing cost. Thicker twin-wall polycarbonate and insulation lower it.
Do I need a permit for a backyard greenhouse?
Small kit greenhouses are often exempt, but large structures, foundations, electrical and plumbing work may need one. Lawn Love lists permit costs of $100 to $600 where required.