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How much does a greenhouse cost? When it comes to investing in a greenhouse, affordability can come at the expense of quality. ‘Cheap greenhouses’ may appeal to budget-conscious gardeners, but are they truly worth it?
In this blog, we’ll define cheap and discuss the pros and cons of such options. Find out here if this choice aligns with your needs.
How Much Is a Greenhouse?
The cost of a greenhouse will be affected by its size and the quality of the materials used.
The cheapest greenhouse you could possibly buy would be a mini greenhouse, constructed of a metal frame with a zip-up transparent plastic cover. This would only fit small or young potted plants on its shelves. These compact greenhouses are available for as little as £15.
Of course, most gardeners are looking for a greenhouse large enough for them to step inside and in which plants can grow reasonably tall. This is still achievable in the frame-and-plastic structure known as a polytunnnel.
What Is a Polytunnel?
A polytunnel is a greenhouse-like structure made from a steel frame and a polyethylene cover, which has a similar warming effect to glass and traps heat inside. Sometimes polytunnels are closed-off buildings, whereas other times they are left open at both ends. You will often see them in allotments and on farms, where they are intended to be temporary structures.
A polytunnel for a garden can cost between £40 and £150 depending on the size. While these are a low cost alternative to a greenhouse, they are unattractive and easily damaged by punctures.
Fortunately, it is possible to acquire a traditional greenhouse that far surpasses the quality of a polytunnel, without breaking the bank.
How Much Is a Small Greenhouse?
The lowest cost greenhouse available from Garden Buildings Direct is just £240, measuring 4 feet by 8 feet. For this low cost, this lean-to greenhouse still provides plenty of space to walk through it, not to mention a fair amount of storage for the plants themselves. The panels are damage-resistant polycarbonate and the aluminium frame will remain free of rust.
Moving up the cost slightly, you can also acquire a wooden greenhouse without exceeding the £500 mark. Wooden greenhouses are widely considered more attractive and better insulated throughout the year. A 3×6’ wooden greenhouse is smaller than the metal option, but still provides a good amount of plant space at just £465 (RRP).
How Much Is a Large Greenhouse?
A large greenhouse could be considered to be 54 square feet and up (9×6’). Depending on the materials and features included (such as roof vents), these can start from £659 at RRP. That works out at £72.60 per square metre.
At the largest, greenhouses from Garden Buildings Direct go up to 160 square feet (20×8’), providing a huge amount of room for all your planting needs. The available option at this size currently sits at £2,333 (RRP), which equates to £163.95 per square metre.
Greenhouses are available in many ranges of size. Between these extremes of small and large, you could expect to spend from £300 to £700 on metal, and from £400 to £2500 on a wooden greenhouse.
How to Build a Greenhouse Cheap
Let’s start with the choice of material. Using polycarbonate panels instead of glass can reduce the overall cost. Keep in mind, though, that polycarbonate isn’t synonymous with low quality. In fact, it’s a resilient thermoplastic, lightweight, and can withstand extreme temperatures. It just so happens that it’s also less expensive and much easier to work with than glass.
For the frame of the greenhouse, wood also tends to be more expensive than steel or aluminium.
The size of the greenhouse is also a factor. The smaller the structure, the fewer materials are needed and the more affordable it is. Most come in smaller sizes with simple designs and no complex features, keeping costs low.
If you want to explore the options to build a greenhouse yourself, check out How to Build a Greenhouse by WikiHow.
Note: Pay attention to these aspects when buying or building. The goal is to get a greenhouse that’s both affordable and good quality.
The Pros of Cheap Greenhouses
1. Cost-effectiveness
Cheap greenhouses offer a more budget-friendly alternative compared to their higher-end counterparts. This affordability frees up funds for buying more gardening supplies or investing in other parts of your garden. It’s a smart way to stretch your budget further while still achieving your greenhouse goals.
2. Accessibility
Cheap greenhouses open up gardening to more people. Not everyone can afford a fancy grow house for plants. Thus, affordable options left individuals with tighter budgets to get into greenhouse gardening. The lower cost makes it possible for them to enjoy the greenhouse benefits!
3. Experimentation
Beginners can hone their gardening skills in a low-risk environment, perfect for learning. They can gain valuable experience in managing temperature, humidity, and light conditions. Furthermore, affordable greenhouses enable beginners to explore different plant varieties and growing techniques. With seasonal adjustments, they can nurture curiosity and develop a passion for gardening.
Considering these advantages, cheap greenhouses make a valuable option for budget-conscious individuals.
Cons of Cheap Greenhouses
1. Limited features and customisation options
Cheap greenhouses can provide the basic functionalities needed for plant growth. But they may lack the bells and whistles that can enhance the gardening experience. If you have specific requirements, a cheap greenhouse may not fulfil your expectations.
2. Shorter lifespan
One downside of cheap greenhouses is their potential for a shorter lifespan. This is especially true when constructed with lower-quality materials and techniques. Their longevity also varies on factors like exposure to weather conditions. Opting for one might not be the best if you want one that lasts long with minimal upkeep or repairs.
While cheap greenhouses can be affordable, be aware of their potential drawbacks. Consider the long-term investment and the potential need for repairs over time. Take into account your specific needs, budget constraints, and long-term goals.
Browse through our range of greenhouses for sale while you’re here! If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 01909 768840.
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