Discover how much a greenhouse really costs!

What determines the price of a greenhouse?

Size

Of course, it is not illogical. The larger the surface area of the greenhouse, the higher the price. That is, of course, if you compare apples with apples and pears with pears. The price of the same type of greenhouse increases as the surface area of the greenhouse increases. The production price rises exponentially with the surface area because more material is simply needed. 

However, you may sometimes notice something strange. For certain types, the price of a smaller conservatory is sometimes higher than the price of a larger version. However, this is a deliberate move by manufacturers because for some types, a specific surface area is the ideal set-up.

Type of greenhouse

A freestanding greenhouse is generally slightly more expensive per square metre than a wall greenhouse. A wall greenhouse has one open side because it is placed against an existing wall. This reduces material and production costs. 

A freestanding greenhouse has the advantage of being better suited for growing plants. You can position it optimally out of the wind and in the sun to ensure ideal growing conditions. With a wall conservatory, you do not have that freedom. 

The price of a garden room or orangery is usually the highest. These greenhouses are not normally used for growing plants, but rather as a living or relaxation space. This type of greenhouse has a relatively large surface area and sometimes an unusual shape (e.g. T-shape). This unusual shape leads to higher production costs, among other things.

Glass greenhouse vs polycarbonate greenhouse

Our Vitavia greenhouses offer three glazing options: 

• 3 mm safety glass
• 4 mm polycarbonate 
• 6 mm polycarbonate

ACD provides 4 mm thick safety glass as standard. The option you choose will also affect the price you pay. For example, a greenhouse made of safety glass will be more expensive than one made of polycarbonate. This is because glass is more expensive to produce. Glass also has a longer lifespan and is considered by many to be more attractive and luxurious. 

Safety glass is up to seven times stronger than horticultural glass, which used to be the standard. Moreover, it lives up to its name. If it does break, the glass panel shatters into thousands of blunt pieces. This means you cannot injure yourself on it. Horticultural glass or polycarbonate sheets are sharp when they break. 

Polycarbonate sheets are lighter in weight and offer excellent insulation. In some cases, they insulate up to 30% better. They also filter UV rays. Polycarbonate is not completely transparent like glass. 

A polycarbonate greenhouse is usually 100 to 500 euros cheaper than a safety glass greenhouse, depending on the dimensions. However, there is an important caveat. Polycarbonate is initially cheaper than safety glass, but in the long term it can work out more expensive. This is because it ages under the influence of UV rays and other weather conditions. After a certain number of years, polycarbonate sheets need to be replaced. Glass, provided it does not break, will last forever.

What about a tunnel greenhouse?

Do you want a spacious greenhouse for growing vegetables, herbs and fruit, but don’t necessarily need it to be made of glass or polycarbonate? Then a Filclair tunnel greenhouse is certainly worth considering. These polytunnel greenhouses combine a sturdy frame with professional, reinforced greenhouse film and offer plenty of growing space for the price. What’s more, you don’t need a concrete foundation, which makes installation easier. The Splendid and Elegant models in particular stand out thanks to their tall, almost vertical side walls. This allows you to make the most of the available space and work more comfortably whilst standing upright. A Filclair tunnel greenhouse is therefore an attractive choice for anyone looking for a practical and affordable way to grow their own vegetables, without compromising on growing space.

The colour of the greenhouse

The profiles of a greenhouse are standard in aluminium colour. In recent years, however, we have seen more black greenhouses being sold than aluminium greenhouses. Technically, there is no difference between an aluminium greenhouse and a greenhouse in another colour. A black or dark green greenhouse consists of aluminium profiles that have been coated. This explains the higher cost of coloured conservatories. The larger the surface area of the conservatory, the greater the price difference between an aluminium and a coloured greenhouse of the same type. Depending on the size, you can expect a price difference of €400 - €800.

The brand of the greenhouse

Hermie Online currently offers three major greenhouse brands: ACD, Vitavia and Filclair. Your preferred brand will determine the price. 

ACD is a Belgian quality brand renowned for its sturdy aluminium structures and high-quality glass greenhouses. The Prestige range is particularly appealing to those looking for a durable greenhouse with a wide selection of accessories. Thanks to their self-supporting profiles, ACD greenhouses do not require a separate foundation. 

Vitavia offers a wide range of glass greenhouses and greenhouses with polycarbonate panels. The brand has models to suit various budgets and garden sizes, making it appealing to both novice and experienced amateur gardeners. With Hermie, the necessary foundations are included in the price. 

Filclair specialises, amongst other things, in tunnel greenhouses, an interesting alternative for those primarily looking for plenty of growing space at a more affordable price. The sturdy structures and reinforced greenhouse film make these greenhouses suitable for anyone wishing to grow vegetables, herbs and other crops without immediately investing in a traditional glass greenhouse. The range includes various models and sizes, so you can tailor the greenhouse to your vegetable garden plans. 

Which brand suits you best therefore depends on your budget, the space available and how you intend to use the greenhouse. Are you looking for a high-quality glass greenhouse, a versatile model with glass or polycarbonate, or perhaps a spacious tunnel greenhouse? By weighing up these options in advance, you’ll find it easier to choose the greenhouse that suits both your garden and your budget.

The most popular ACD greenhouse is the R204 Blackline (6.91 m²), which costs around €2,300. The most popular Vitavia greenhouse is the aluminium Venus (5 m²). This greenhouse costs around €1,200 (recommended retail price).