Building a small space greenhouse can turn a balcony or tiny backyard into a season-stretching grow zone. Done right, it keeps wind and weather off your plants, stabilizes temperature and humidity,
and lets you harvest fresh herbs, greens, and tomatoes long after the neighbors quit for the year.
In this guide, Cost Estimation: Building Vs. Buying A Small Space Greenhouse,
we’ll break down the true cost of small greenhouses —
so, you can decide whether to build one yourself or buy a pre-made kit and still stay on budget.
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Cost of Buying a Small Greenhouse
Buying a small greenhouse offers convenience and predictable results, but prices vary based on materials, size, and included features. Most pre-made kits fall into three general cost tiers.
Typical Cost to Buy a Small Greenhouse
| Greenhouse Type | Typical Cost Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Kit | $150 – $300 | Lightweight frame, thin panels, minimal ventilation |
| Mid-Range Kit | $300 – $700 | Aluminum or steel frame, polycarbonate panels, roof vent |
| Premium Kit | $700 – $1,200+ | Heavy-duty frame, thicker panels, better airflow, longer lifespan |
Common Add-On Costs When Buying
| Add-On | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Ground anchors / base | $40 – $100 |
| Shelving | $50 – $150 |
| Automatic vent opener | $30 – $80 |
| Panel upgrades | $100 – $300 |
Bottom line: Buying costs more upfront, but installation is faster and results are predictable.
Cost of Building a Small Greenhouse
DIY greenhouses often cost less in materials and offer more flexibility, but they require time,
planning, and basic construction skills.
Typical Cost to Build a Small Greenhouse
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Lumber or framing | $100 – $300 |
| Panels or plastic covering | $50 – $250 |
| Hardware & fasteners | $30 – $75 |
| Sealing, trim, misc. | $25 – $75 |
| Total DIY Cost | $200 – $700 |
Additional Factors to Consider
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Tools already owned | Can save $100+ |
| Reclaimed materials | Can cut costs significantly |
| Time investment | 1–2 days or more |
| Custom sizing | Increases efficiency but adds planning time |
Bottom line: Building can be cheaper, but costs rise quickly if tools, mistakes, or upgrades are needed.
Buying vs. Building: Cost Comparison Summary
| Factor | Buying | Building |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Setup time | Fast | Slower |
| Customization | Limited | High |
| Skill required | Minimal | Moderate |
| Long-term flexibility | Medium | High |
Is It Cheaper to Build or Buy a Small Greenhouse?
In pure material costs, building a small greenhouse is usually cheaper —
especially if you already own basic tools or can reuse materials.
DIY builds give you flexibility and can keep costs low, but they demand time, planning,
and a willingness to troubleshoot along the way.
Buying a small greenhouse, on the other hand, offers speed and simplicity.
While the upfront price is higher, pre-made kits eliminate guesswork and get you growing faster.
For gardeners with limited time or experience, that convenience is often worth the extra cost.
The best choice comes down to this:
If you enjoy hands-on projects and want full control over the design, building makes sense.
If you want a clean, reliable setup with minimal effort, buying is often the smarter investment.
🌱 Small Greenhouse Product Recommendations
If you’d rather skip the tools and build time, buying a small greenhouse can be the simplest path forward. The options below cover a range of prices and space requirements, making it easier to find a setup that fits your budget and growing goals.
đź’° Outsunny 4-Tier Mini Indoor/Outdoor Greenhouse
A compact, budget-friendly option for gardeners who need vertical growing space in a small footprint. With built-in shelving and a lightweight cover, it’s well suited for seedlings,
herbs, and protecting plants on patios, balconies, or indoors.
 Amazon Product Suggestion:
 Outsunny 4-Tier Mini Indoor/Outdoor Greenhouse
The Outsunny 5′ × 2.5′ × 6.5′ Mini Walk-In Greenhouse is a great low-cost option for small spaces, patios, or tight backyard corners. It includes three tiers of shelving, a roll-up front door for ventilation, and a weather-resistant PE cover that protects your plants from wind and cold. Lightweight but surprisingly roomy, it’s a solid pick for gardeners building a greenhouse on a budget.
Why It’s Great:
 Compact footprint fits porches, balconies, and small patios
 4-tier shelving maximizes vertical growing space
 Roll-up door improves airflow and makes plant access easy
 Weather-resistant cover helps protect plants from wind and light rain
🏡 EAGLE PEAK 6×4 Portable Walk-In Greenhouse
A lightweight, easy-to-set-up option for gardeners who need quick seasonal protection without permanent installation. Its portable frame and clear cover make it ideal for starting plants, shielding tender greenery, or adding flexible growing space when needed.
 Amazon Product Suggestion:
 EAGLE PEAK 6×4 Portable Walk-In Greenhouse
(Gray/White)
The EAGLE PEAK 6Ă—4 Walk-In Greenhouse is a sturdy, compact option for patios and small yards. Its pop-up frame sets up fast, the clear cover gives plants great light, and the roll-up door and mesh window help control airflow. A solid upgrade from flimsy green mesh models.
Why it’s great:
 Fits patios, balconies, and small yard spaces
 Fast pop-up setup with minimal assembly
 Roll-up door and mesh window improve airflow
 Reinforced frame feels stable and well-built
🛠️ Palram – Canopia 4×8 Lean-To
A great space-saving solution for gardeners who want reliable weather protection without committing to a full freestanding structure. Designed to mount against an existing wall, it offers excellent light diffusion, solid ventilation, and year-round durability in a compact footprint.
 Amazon Product Suggestion:
 Palram – Canopia 4×8 Lean-To
(Greenhouse for Outdoors)
The Palram Canopia 4×8 Lean-To Greenhouse is a smart solution for gardeners who want
solid year-round protection without giving up yard space.
Designed to mount against an existing wall, this lean-to greenhouse captures extra heat
while delivering durability, ventilation, and weather resistance in a compact footprint.
Why It’s Great:
 Twin-wall polycarbonate panels diffuse light while blocking harmful UV rays
 Rust-resistant aluminum frame provides long-term durability
 Adjustable roof vent helps regulate heat and humidity
 Integrated rain gutters allow easy water collection and drainage
🌱 Final Thoughts…
When it comes to small greenhouses, there’s no single “right” answer — only the option that fits your space, budget, and comfort level. Building your own greenhouse can save money and offer complete customization, but it requires time, tools, and a willingness to troubleshoot along the way.
Buying a small greenhouse costs more upfront, but it removes guesswork and gets you growing faster. For many gardeners, that convenience and predictability are worth the extra expense —
especially in tight spaces or unpredictable climates.
The good news is that both paths can be affordable and effective when planned properly.
Whether you build from scratch or choose a ready-made kit, a small greenhouse can extend your growing season, protect your plants, and make better use of the space you already have.
Take your time, plan smart, and grow what works best for you.
 Plan it. Grow it. Enjoy it!Â
 Helpful Resources for Small Greenhouse Success
Planning and maintaining a small greenhouse goes far beyond choosing the right size or layout. Understanding common pitfalls, having the right tools on hand, and setting things up correctly from the start can make a noticeable difference in both plant health and long-term enjoyment.
If you’re continuing your small greenhouse journey,
these guides will help you move forward with confidence:
-
Common Small Greenhouse Mistakes to Avoid
Learn which sizing, layout, and airflow mistakes cause the most frustration for new growers—and how to avoid them early. -
Essential Gardening Tools for Small Spaces
A practical breakdown of tools that make daily greenhouse tasks easier, cleaner, and more efficient in compact environments. -
Small Greenhouse Setup Guide
Step-by-step guidance on positioning, airflow planning, and layout decisions that set your greenhouse up for long-term success.
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