Greenhouse Buying Guide

Free guide from our team

Choosing a greenhouse comes down to six decisions. Work through them in order and you'll know exactly which models fit your garden, your climate and your budget.

Prefer to talk it through? Call us at 678-408-8222, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Real people, real help.

Step 1 · Size

How big should your greenhouse be?

Start with the space you have and what you want to grow. Most backyard growers are happiest with something between 8x10 and 10x15, and serious growers go bigger. Many growers wish they had gone bigger, so if you're between two sizes, the larger one usually wins.

• Measure your spot and leave room to walk around the outside for upkeep.
• Think about shelving, benches and a place to sit or pot up plants.
• Check local rules on outbuildings before you order.

Size calculatorRead the size guide
Small · Medium · Large · Commercial & educational

Step 2 · Glazing

Glass or polycarbonate?

Glass gives the clearest light and the classic look many people picture. Polycarbonate holds heat better and stands up to hail. If you want to grow through cold winters, insulated dual-pane glass gives you both clarity and warmth.

Glass greenhousesPolycarbonate greenhouses
Glass vs polycarbonate articles · Insulated, year-round greenhouses

Step 3 · Frame

Aluminum or cedar frame?

Aluminum frames are slim, strong and need very little care, which is why most Victorian and modern glass greenhouses use them. Cedar brings warm, natural beauty and looks at home in a cottage garden, with a little more upkeep over the years.

Compare wood and aluminumAlton cedar greenhouses
Victorian glass · Modern · Lean-to

Step 4 · Climate

Is it built for your weather?

Every model has its own snow and wind ratings, so match the greenhouse to your area. Cold-climate growers should also plan for heat and good venting; hot-climate growers should plan for shade and airflow.

Snow & wind load calculatorMost durable greenhouses
Heating cost calculator · Cost to heat a greenhouse in winter · Vent positioning

Step 5 · Foundation

What will it sit on?

Every greenhouse needs a solid, level base. The right one depends on the size of the greenhouse and your ground, from a simple timber or steel frame to a concrete slab or a stem wall. Many models have a matching foundation frame.

Foundation guideFoundation calculator
Building on a stem wall

Step 6 · Budget & delivery

Budget, delivery and putting it together

• Free shipping to the continental US. Greenhouses arrive by freight truck with a liftgate and are delivered curbside.
• Timing: in-stock items ship from the manufacturer within about 5 business days, with tracking.
• Pay over time with Shop Pay Installments at checkout. We also accept Apple Pay, PayPal and PayPal Credit.
• Price match guarantee: found the identical model for less? We'll match it.
• Assembly: many customers build their own with the manufacturer's manuals and videos, or we can connect you with independent assembly crews.

Shop all greenhousesAssembly crews
Price match guarantee · Shipping details

Real people, real help

Still not sure? Tell us about your garden.

Tell us about your space, your climate and what you want to grow. We'll recommend the right size and style, and answer every question before you buy.