Is it cheaper to buy a greenhouse kit than build one? For a simple plastic-film hoop house, no: building your own is cheaper. For a sturdy greenhouse you will use for years, a good kit is often the better value.
✅ Quick answer
- A homemade hoop house can cost a few hundred dollars, but its plastic film usually lasts only 1 to 3 years.
- A durable greenhouse kit costs more up front, but its frame, glazing, doors and vents are made to work together.
- Good kits list snow and wind ratings and come with a manufacturer's warranty. A scratch build has neither.
- A kit like the MONT 8x12 takes two people about a weekend to assemble. A scratch build takes far longer.
- Foundation, permits, water and power cost about the same either way, so compare the structure itself.
We are a small, woman-owned greenhouse business in Georgia, and we get this question all the time. We sell kits, so we know where our bias could be. That is why we give you the honest numbers here, including the cases where building your own makes more sense.
Is it cheaper to build a greenhouse yourself?
It depends on what kind of greenhouse you mean. There are really three choices, and each one costs very different money:
- A DIY hoop house. PVC or metal hoops covered in plastic film. This is the cheapest way to get plants under cover. HomeServe puts a small wood-framed walk-in version at about $500 or a bit more.
- A DIY rigid greenhouse. A wood or metal frame with polycarbonate or glass. Materials add up fast, and you must design for snow and wind yourself.
- A greenhouse kit. A pre-engineered frame with matching glazing, doors, vents and hardware. It costs more than film, but it is built to last.
So yes, a homemade film house is cheaper on day one. But film is not a long-term cover. Clemson University notes that most greenhouse film lasts one to three years before it must be replaced. Utility-grade film may last about a year.
💡 Our honest take: if you want an inexpensive season extender for a few years, build a hoop house. If you want a greenhouse to use every winter for a decade or more, compare it against a quality kit before you buy lumber.
What does it cost to build a greenhouse from scratch?
Lawn Love's greenhouse cost guide (updated October 2026) puts the average professionally built greenhouse at about $11,000. Most land between $2,000 and $25,000. Doing the work yourself cuts that, but you still pay for every part.
Here are typical material costs from that guide. They are national averages, so your local prices will differ.
| Material | Approx. cost per sq ft | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene film | ~$0.20 | Cheapest; replace every 1 to 3 years |
| Polycarbonate panels | ~$1.65 | Lasts much longer; choose UV-coated twin-wall |
| Glass panels | ~$2.60 | Clear and long-lasting; needs a strong frame |
| Wood framing | ~$1.00 | Easy to work; needs sealing and upkeep |
| Aluminum framing | ~$1.50 | Light, rust-free; harder to cut and join at home |
Material prices from Lawn Love's greenhouse cost guide, updated October 2026. These are estimates; local prices vary.
Glazing type matters for more than price. Clemson notes that double-wall polycarbonate or acrylic commonly saves about 30 percent on energy. Tempered glass is two to three times stronger than regular glass. Plain polycarbonate yellows faster unless it has a UV-blocking coating.
How do you calculate the true cost of a DIY greenhouse?
Most people price only the lumber and panels. The real cost includes everything a kit already bundles in. Use this simple formula:
📐 True DIY greenhouse cost
Glazing + Frame + Doors & vents + Hardware + Tools + Your time
Glazing = glazed area (walls + roof, plus about 10% waste) × price per sq ft · Your time = hours × what an hour is worth to you · Foundation is left out, since you need one either way
🧮 Worked example: glazing for an 8x12 polycarbonate greenhouse
- Our example design: 8 ft wide, 12 ft long, 5'6" side walls and a 7'6" peak
- Walls: 40 ft around × 5.5 ft = 220 sq ft; two gable triangles = 16 sq ft
- Roof: two slopes of about 4.5 ft × 12 ft = 107 sq ft
- Total about 343 sq ft, plus 10% waste = about 380 sq ft
380 × $1.65 = about $630 for panels at Lawn Love's average. At HomeServe's higher figure of $3 per sq ft, it is about $1,140. That is the panels only, before framing, doors, roof vents, automatic openers, gutters, sealing tape and fasteners.
Now compare the Riverstone MONT 8x12. It was about $4,150 when we wrote this (October 2026). The kit includes the aluminum frame, 8mm twin-wall polycarbonate, lockable double doors, two roof vents with automatic openers, built-in gutters, hardware, and even a screwdriver and wrench.
Price out those same parts at your local store. Then add your hours. For many of our customers, the gap turns out smaller than they expected, or it disappears.
What do you get with a greenhouse kit that a DIY build doesn't have?
Money is only part of the story. A good kit gives you things that are hard to build at home:
- Tested strength. The MONT 8x12 is rated for 24 lbs per sq ft of snow and 65 mph winds. The Riga 4 comes with a structural certification for wind and snow loads.
- A warranty. The MONT has a 10-year warranty on frame and polycarbonate. The Riga 4 has 15 years on the frame and 10 on the polycarbonate. A scratch build has no warranty as a whole.
- Parts that fit. Panels, seals and profiles are made for each other, so the house stays tight and drafts stay out.
- Built-in ventilation. Roof windows with automatic openers come standard on many kits. Getting venting right is one of the hardest parts of a DIY design.
- Speed. The Riga 4 takes two people about one full day, not counting shelves. You start growing sooner.
- Resale value. A known brand is easier to sell or move than a one-off build.
Want to dig into frames? Our guide to wooden vs. aluminum frame greenhouses compares upkeep and lifespan.
Greenhouse kit vs. DIY: how do they compare?
Here is a side-by-side look at the most common choices. Kit prices are the starting price of each model when we wrote this.
| Option | Approx. cost* | Glazing | Ratings & warranty | Build time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY film hoop house (small walk-in) | ~$500+ (HomeServe estimate) | Plastic film, 1 to 3 years | None | Varies |
| DIY wood frame + polycarbonate (8x12) | Panels alone ~$630 to $1,140 (our estimate) | Your choice | None; you design for loads | Several weekends or more |
| Riverstone MONT 8x12 | About $4,150 | 8mm twin-wall polycarbonate | 24 psf snow, 65 mph wind; 10 years | A full weekend, 2 people |
| Hoklartherm Riga 4 (10x14) | About $6,884 | 8mm and 10mm twin-wall polycarbonate | Structural certification; 15-yr frame | 1 day, 2 people |
| Janssens Junior Victorian J-VIC 23 (8x10) | About $7,999 | 4mm tempered glass | TÜV & GS tested | See manual |
*Prices checked in October 2026. Prices can change and sales may apply, so click the model name to see today's price.
Kit prices are for the base kit (MONT in black without the premium package; Riga 4 with silver frame, no add-ons). DIY figures are estimates, not quotes.
When does building your own greenhouse make sense?
We would rather you get the right greenhouse than buy the wrong kit. Building your own can be the smart choice when:
- You only need frost protection for spring and fall, and a hoop house will do.
- You have free or salvaged materials, like old windows or lumber.
- Your site is unusual, such as a steep slope or an odd-shaped corner.
- You enjoy building, and your time feels like a hobby, not a cost.
- You live in a mild climate with little snow or wind.
A kit usually wins when you want year-round growing, live with snow or strong wind, or value your weekends. It also wins when you want the house to look good for many years.
What other costs should you plan for?
These costs come with any greenhouse, kit or DIY. Plan for them early so there are no surprises:
- Foundation. Most kits need a level, square base. Read our practical guide to a greenhouse foundation to compare options.
- Flooring. Lawn Love lists pea gravel at about $0.86 to $3.78 per sq ft and concrete at about $8 to $18.
- Permits. Lawn Love puts typical permit fees at $100 to $600. Many small greenhouses need none, but check locally.
- Water and power. A faucet nearby saves a lot of hauling. Outlets need a licensed electrician.
- Heating. If you grow in winter, this is often the biggest ongoing cost. See our guide to the cost to heat a greenhouse in winter.
⚠️ About building codes: an older version of this article said kits help you skip codes and permits. That is not true everywhere. Rules depend on your town, your HOA and the size of the greenhouse. A kit's published snow and wind ratings can help with a permit, but always ask your building office first.
Which greenhouse kit gives you the best value?
It depends on your climate and what you want to grow. Here is how we usually guide our customers:
Best value for a first serious greenhouse: Riverstone MONT
The MONT 8x12 is made in the USA with extruded aluminum and 8mm twin-wall polycarbonate. Its 4-foot extension kit lets it grow with you later. See all sizes in our MONT greenhouse collection.
Best for cold, snowy winters: Hoklartherm Riga
The Riga 4 is German-made, with a rounded roof that sheds snow. Its 135 sq ft of floor space and twin-wall glazing make it a true four-season house. Riga greenhouses cannot be extended, so the maker suggests buying one size bigger than you planned.
Best for classic glass style: Janssens Junior Victorian
The J-VIC 23 brings Belgian-made Victorian style to a smaller yard. It uses 4mm tempered glass in rubber seals, and it includes a 4-inch foundation frame and gutters with downspouts.
Browse every model in our greenhouse kit collection. Live with heavy snow or wind? Our list of the most durable greenhouses for wind, snow and harsh winters can help you narrow it down.
📌 About prices: manufacturers update their prices during the year, and we often run sales and promotions. The price on the product page is always the current one. Prices in this article are a guide from when we wrote it (October 2026), not a quote or guarantee. Found a lower price for the same model at an authorized retailer? We offer a Price Match Guarantee - please check the rules first. Call us and we will confirm today's price and any current deals.
Not handy, or short on time? Our optional assembly crews can build your kit for you. We also offer free shipping to the continental US, and we answer every question personally.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to buy a greenhouse kit than build one?
For a basic plastic hoop house, building is cheaper. For a durable, insulated greenhouse, a kit can cost about the same once you add every part and your time, and it comes with tested ratings and a warranty.
What is the cheapest way to build a greenhouse?
A hoop house made of PVC or metal hoops covered with greenhouse film. It is inexpensive to build, but the film usually needs replacing every one to three years.
How long does a greenhouse kit take to put together?
It depends on the model. The MONT 8x12 takes two people about a full weekend, and the Riga 4 about one full day. Ground prep is extra.
Do I need a permit for a greenhouse kit?
Sometimes. It depends on your town, HOA and the greenhouse size. Many small greenhouses need no permit, but always check with your local building office first.
How long does a greenhouse kit last?
A quality aluminum kit with twin-wall polycarbonate or tempered glass can last many years. Warranties are a good guide: the MONT has 10 years, and the Riga 4 has 15 years on the frame.
Can you help me assemble a greenhouse kit?
Yes. We offer optional assembly crews, and we are happy to talk you through the foundation and setup by phone.
Still weighing kit vs. DIY?
Tell us your size, your climate and your budget. We will give you an honest answer, help you compare models and let you know about any current sales.