✔ Double glazed greenhouses typically cost between £4,000 and £12,000
✔ Size, design, and choice of frame material can affect to price
✔ They provide enhanced insulation, savings, and extended growing seasons
Double glazing your home’s windows and doors can improve your home’s energy efficiency, bolster security, and reduce noise intrusion. But what about greenhouses? Can this innovative technology be applied to these plant sanctuaries as well? What are the benefits, and what’s the price of double glazing for greenhouses?
If you’ve been thinking about installing a double glazed greenhouse, this article will tell you everything you need to know, including the pros and cons, whether it’s worth it, and, most importantly, how much you can expect to pay.
You can also go straight into comparing double glazing prices by filling out this simple form. We’ll pass on your details to our expert suppliers, who’ll then reach out with free, personalised quotes.
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Can you get double glazed greenhouses?
If you’re wondering whether double glazed greenhouses actually exist and if you can get one, the answer is a resounding yes.
As the popularity of double glazing has continued to grow, several companies that specialise in making, selling, and installing double glazing greenhouses have emerged.
These firms offer a wide range of double glazed greenhouse options, allowing you to choose from different sizes, designs, and materials. You can also get a double glazed custom greenhouse made to fit your exact requirements.
How much does a double glazed greenhouse cost?
The average price of a double glazed greenhouse ranges between £4,000 and £12,000 for small to medium-sized free-standing units. You might pay less than £4,000 for small lean-to units or as much as £25,000 for large free-standing units.
Here are some common sizes for double glazed greenhouses and how much you can expect to pay for each.
| Size of double glazed greenhouse (in ft) | Average cost |
|---|---|
6 x 6 | £4,200 |
6 x 8 | £5,000 |
6 x10 | £5,500 |
6 x 12 | £6,900 |
8 x 10 | £7,900 |
8 x 12 | £8,600 |
9 x12 | £9,700 |
10 x 10 | £12,100 |
Factors that might affect the cost of your double glazed greenhouse include size, design, frame material, and additional features. Installation and delivery can also impact the overall cost.
Obtaining quotes from several reputable companies and comparing them can help you get a more accurate idea of the costs associated with your specific requirements.
To do that, simply enter a few details in our easy-to-use quote tool. We’ll put you in touch with our double glazing pros who’ll provide you with quotes to compare.
Tips for how to reduce the cost of a double glazed greenhouse
Here are a few tips on how to save money when purchasing or installing a double glazed greenhouse.
Research and compare quotes
Don’t go for the first deal you come across. Instead, request quotes from several providers and compare them to identify the most cost-effective option. If you have a preferred provider, you can even use a quote from a competitor to negotiate a lower price.
Go for standard sizes
Custom-built greenhouses typically come with a high price tag. To save money, opt for standard sizes readily available on the market. These are usually more affordable due to economies of scale.Consider a DIY installation
If you possess the necessary tools, skills, and experience, see whether you can install the greenhouse yourself. A self-installation can help you save money on labour costs.
Choose a lean-to design
Lean-to greenhouses—which are attached to an existing structure—can be a more cost-effective choice compared to freestanding units. These models can particularly be a great option if you’re working with limited space.
Avoid unnecessary add-ons
Extra features or upgrades can increase the total cost of your greenhouse. Identify the most essential elements you want out of the structure and prioritise them accordingly. Once you’ve taken care of these, you can consider adding extra features if you have funds remaining.
What type of double glazing do you need?
Get startedThe pros and cons of a double glazed greenhouse
- Enhanced insulation
- Energy cost savings
- Extended growing season
- Greater aesthetic appeal
- Higher initial costs
- Potential reduction of quality and quantity of light entering the greenhouse, which could affect plant performance
- Potential maintenance costs
Double glazed greenhouses provide several benefits. First, the double glazing provides superior insulation, preventing heat loss during the cold season. In fact, double glazing can prevent heat loss by up to 50%. This conservation of heat can allow you to extend your growing season into the colder months.
What’s more, heat retention reduces the need for artificial heating—which accounts for 65%-85% of greenhouse energy consumption—and could result in lower energy bills.
You can lear more about this in our helpful guide: Is It Worth Putting In Double Glazing?
Double glazed greenhouses also usually boast a greater visual appeal than their single-glazed counterparts, which can also enhance the overall aesthetic of your garden or property.
As for disadvantages, the most significant one is price. The upfront cost of double glazed greenhouse is higher than that of single glazed structures.
Furthermore, double glazing also has the potential to “alter the spectral composition of sunlight” entering the greenhouse, according to the Royal Horticultural Society. This means reduced quality and quantity of sunlight, which could affect plant performance.
Another drawback is that greenhouses might need periodic maintenance to ensure the integrity of the sealing between the glass layers. Wear and tear and shifts in the structure can affect the insulation properties, necessitating repairs or, in the worst-case scenario, replacements, both of which can be costly.
Is a double glazed greenhouse worth it?
While double glazed greenhouses offer numerous benefits, such as enhanced insulation, and energy efficiency, they come with higher initial costs, as mentioned.
All things considered, however, the benefits of double glazed greenhouses outweigh the drawbacks. While they may set you back a significant amount of cash upfront, the extra glazing will pay for itself over the long term through energy cost savings and improved functionality.
What’s the best type of flooring for a double glazed greenhouse?
Selecting the right flooring for your greenhouse is essential to creating a functional and durable space.
The good news is that there are several options to choose from. There’s no single best choice; it all depends on your circumstances and preferences. Generally speaking, any water-permeable surface that works for other structures, like a walkway or patio, will make a good floor for a greenhouse.
One of the most popular flooring types, for example, is gravel. Many homeowners and gardeners favour it as it is relatively inexpensive, simple to install, and provides reliable drainage.
Besides gravel, other double glazed greenhouse floor options include:
- Bricks
- Concrete
- Pavers
- Flagstone
- Commercial vinyl
Concrete and brick floors require more effort to install, but they offer a more finished feel and look, and their surfaces are easy to clean. Concrete also has the added benefit of holding in some heat, thus complementing the insulating effect of double glazing. This could be beneficial during winter.
Some homeowners also prefer natural flooring options such as mulch or wood. While these might offer a more organic look, they have some disadvantages.
For example, the humid environment inside a greenhouse can cause the mulch to decompose, thus attracting pests. As for wood, the watering of plants and even condensation can lead to mould and eventual rotting of the floor.
Flooring is also a hot topic when it comes to double glazed porches. These extensions, usually at the front of your home, require a bit more steps that simply double glazing windows. You can find out more about double glazed porches on our page.
How much does a triple glazed greenhouse cost?
As a rough estimate, triple glazed greenhouses can range in price from £5,000 to £20,000+, depending on size and design.
The additional layer of glass in triple glazed units will provide even greater insulation. This could be valuable if you live in an extreme climate area or are looking for maximum energy efficiency.
However, for most homeowners and gardeners, double glazing provides a perfect balance between enhanced insulation, energy cost savings, and affordability. If you can’t afford triple glazing, double glazing is more than sufficient.
Next steps
Double glazed greenhouses present an enticing option for homeowners or gardeners looking to optimise their growing environment.
While the initial costs of these structures are higher than those of their single glazed counterparts, the array of benefits they provide, such as improved insulation and energy cost savings, make them a worthwhile investment.
To find out how much double glazing might cost you exactly, simply fill in this form and our trusted double glazing specialists will contact you with price quotations.
FAQs
Can I install a double glazed greenhouse myself?
Yes, you can install a double glazed greenhouse yourself, especially if you have some DIY skills and the right tools and equipment. Just make sure to follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions to avoid costly mistakes. For a hassle-free installation, you can always hire a professional installer.
What factors will affect the cost of double glazed greenhouses?
The size of the greenhouse, the choice of frame material, and additional features will all play a role in determining the cost of a double glazed greenhouse. Shipping and labour costs can also impact the final price of the installed unit.
How long do double glazed greenhouses typically last?
The lifespan of a greenhouse can vary depending on factors such as the quality of materials, environmental conditions, and proper maintenance. On average, a well-built, properly maintained greenhouse can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years. Proper ventilation, regular inspection of the structure, and timely resolution of any issues can help prolong its life.
