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.

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 two major greenhouse brands: ACD and Vitavia. Your preferred brand will determine the price. 

ACD, for example, is known as a high-end brand. The Prestige line consists of high-quality, sturdy glass conservatories. These are ideal for experienced gardeners. Vitavia offers excellent value for money and is often more accessible to novice gardeners. 

One difference between the two brands is the foundation. The profiles of ACD greenhouses are self-supporting, so no separate foundation is required. This facilitates both installation and mobility. 

With Vitavia greenhouses, a separate foundation is necessary. However, at Hermie Online, this is always included in the price. 

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).