Looking at the cost of running a greenhouse

The cost of constructing a commercial greenhouse can vary significantly due to the unique needs of each operation. Factors such as production requirements, project specifics, and labor costs all contribute to the overall expense. There is no one-size-fits-all solution with a fixed price for greenhouses. A generic design aimed at broad market appeal may not meet specific operational requirements, potentially leading to inefficiencies and harm in the long term. While exact pricing cannot be provided without detailed project information, a general idea of material costs at different build levels can be offered. However, these prices are averages based on material costs at the time of project execution and are subject to change due to economic conditions and material availability. Labor costs, which can sometimes exceed material costs, are not included in these examples, so they should be used as a rough guide rather than a strict rule. For precise pricing, it is advisable to consult directly with a salesperson from your chosen greenhouse supplier.

The first example involves the Vail Garden Center Retail Greenhouse, where the cost of a greenhouse for retail purposes varies according to material costs, labor, systems, and more. This project involved adding two high-end greenhouses with significant curb appeal to an existing hardware store, allowing the owner to keep the greenhouses operational year-round. During off-seasons, the space is utilized for houseplants and seasonal items like pumpkins and Christmas trees. The structure, serving as a retail garden center, spans 9,060 square feet with two Vail greenhouses measuring 41' 6" wide by 120' long with a 12' under-gutter height. Design features include double-atrium roof vents, front-wall glass, an 8mm twin-wall polycarbonate roof covering, powder-coated exterior extrusions, EDDG (Exterior Drop-Down Guillotine) side vents, gas unit heaters, an automatic heat retention/shade system, automatic environmental control and weather station, automatic sliding doors, and a decorative knee wall. The cost breakdown for the greenhouse is approximately $41 per square foot for materials only, with powder coating potentially adding 10% to 15% to the project cost.

The second example is the Gutter-Connected Vail Retail Garden Center Greenhouses, used for all-season retail. This garden retail project in rural Wisconsin included two gutter-connected greenhouses offset from one another. The square footage of this project is much smaller than that in the first example, resulting in a higher cost for the greenhouse. The smaller the project, the higher the square foot pricing because the overall cost is spread across less square footage. This structure spans 6,600 square feet with one greenhouse measuring 30' wide by 120' long with a 14' under-gutter height, and another measuring 30' wide by 100' long with a 14' under-gutter height. Design features include a polycarbonate roof covering, powder-coated exterior extrusions, natural ventilation, dual atrium roof vent, EDDG side vents, a 3-foot decorative insulated metal knee wall, gas unit heaters, automatic vent control, and a slope-flat-slope curtain system. The cost breakdown is close to $45 per square foot, with similar material costs applicable to high school or small institutional greenhouses.

The third example is the Zephyrs for Wholesale Flower Production, where a Zephyr gutter-connected range is used for wholesale plant production. The owner of this wholesale operation needed several acres of greenhouse space for large-scale flower production. The Zephyr was chosen for its economical material costs and suitability for natural ventilation, featuring a unique vertical ridge vent that allows heat to escape. The structure, serving wholesale production, spans 37,800 square feet with three greenhouses each measuring 30' wide by 420' long with a 12' under-gutter height. Design features include drop-down curtain roof vents, a double-poly roof, polycarbonate sides, 8mm twin-wall polycarbonate sidewall and gable end covering, EDDG side vents, gas heating, and natural ventilation. The cost breakdown is $14 per square foot for materials, with labor included, the total cost was less than $20 per square foot. Note that materials for a retail Zephyr would cost $15-$30 per square foot depending on the systems included.

The fourth example is the Dual Atriums for Wholesale Flower Production, where the inside bay of Dual Atrium greenhouses is used for hanging basket production. This wholesale operation required several acres of glass greenhouse space for large-scale flower production. The Dual Atrium was selected for its wide span, high light transmission levels, and suitability as an open roof option that can ventilate with snow in the valleys. The structure, serving wholesale production, spans 181,440 square feet with six greenhouses each measuring 42' wide by 720' long with a 16' under-gutter height. Design features include flat shade curtains, diffused glass roofs, 8mm twin-wall polycarbonate sidewall and gable end covering, EDDG vents on all sides, mixing fans, and natural ventilation. The cost breakdown is close to $18 per square foot, with similar material costs applicable to large glass Vail ranges engineered for snow and wind loads.

In conclusion, the cost of commercial greenhouses varies based on numerous factors, and obtaining a precise estimate requires direct consultation with suppliers. These examples provide a general framework to understand potential costs and design considerations for different types of greenhouse projects.

Source: Prospiant