The complete guide to double glazed greenhouses

✔ 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.

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.

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.

The pros and cons of a double glazed greenhouse

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.

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