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As handy as greenhouse kits are, they don’t come with a floor. They’re constructed that way so water can drain through the base instead of pooling inside. And that base is up to you, so which one will you go for?
Common Greenhouse Flooring Ideas
The ideal greenhouse flooring allows water to drain, not trap it. On top of that, it supports the structure to prevent shifting or sagging. Here are your options:
Bare ground or soil
This is the most basic option and often the starting point for many gardeners. It’s the most affordable affordable option (essentially free) and doesn’t require much work because the ground is already there. Soil is also known for draining water naturally, which is good for plants.
The drawback is maintenance. Rain or watering can be muddy, not to mention the weeds that may pop out – unless you lay a weed membrane. It’s also less practical for potted plants.
Bare ground or soil can be used as greenhouse flooring if you plant straight into it. But you may find the mess inconvenient if you use pots or staging.
It’s also important that the contact points of the greenhouse to the ground are solid and level. You can border your planting zone with concrete, slabs, or another type of frame. Simply plonking some slabs in a rectangle around the soil won’t do it either; they need to be supported by some compacted hardcore underneath that stops the ground from shifting.
Gravel greenhouse floor
Another practical option is gravel—it’s great at draining water, so there are fewer or no puddles to deal with. They look neat, and you’re not sinking into the mud when you walk around, too. Laying it down is straightforward, and it’s affordable compared to paving or concrete.
Watch out for weeds, as they can push through the crushed stones – again, this is where weed membrane helps. Stability can also be a concern; gravel on its own isn’t providing you with a flat base to hold up the greenhouse, so you’ll need slabs, bricks or another solution to create a perimeter base. It takes some extra doing, but it also creates a pathway inside.
Note: This greenhouse flooring doesn’t support planting directly into.
Paving slabs as a greenhouse floor
“Set and forget” is a perfect description for this greenhouse flooring idea. Once settled and dry, paving slabs give you a steady base where you can load with staging, big spots, or any heavy kits. Cleaning is simple, too, with either a quick sweep or a hose down.
Keep in mind that they’re not light, and you might need to hire a professional to do the work right. Sand or mortar is needed underneath, which adds to the cost.
It’s some work at the start, but the payoff is that it lasts for years and doesn’t need much looking after.
Concrete greenhouse base
Concrete is for you if you want the floor done and dusted. Unlike paving, there are no gaps or joins that can move about. It’s tough enough even for a trolley, and once it sets, that base won’t shift.
But the thing is, water has nowhere to go, cue drainage. Some pour the slab with a slight slope, others leave a gap around the edges to let water out. Skip that, and you’ll end up with standing water.
It’s also not the cheapest or lightest job. Mixing and laying concrete takes effort, but it should see you through for decades, if laid well and the ground doesn’t shift.
Wooden decking
Decking tends to feel nicer to walk on than concrete or slabs, and it gives a bit more height. Though solid, you can stand for longer without the ache you’d get on harder floors. They also pair nicely with wooden greenhouses.
Now, one thing about anything timber is that it’s prone to damp and rot, unless it’s treated. If wet, it can turn slippery; enter grip strips or extra mats on top. It’s also important to ensure your deck is reinforced enough to support a building, although greenhouses tend to be lighter than sheds and cabins.
Wooden decking is best if your greenhouse is more for potting vs heavy watering or gardening. It’s a good pick if you’re up for keeping on top of maintenance.
Which Greenhouse Flooring Should You Pick?
There isn’t one “best” answer here. It all comes down to how you’ll use your greenhouse. You might be happy with soil or gravel if you’re planting straight into the ground. Or maybe you’d rather have a solid surface because you’ll be working with pots, benches, or trays. And if you know you’ll be on your feet for long spells, you’ll probably appreciate decking.
Asking these questions of yourself can also help:
- How much watering will you do?
- Will you be standing inside for hours at a time?
- Do you want a floor you can sweep down in minutes?
Answer those, and you’ll know which way to go. Your next task is to pick what you will grow inside. Get some ideas here: Best Flowers to Grow in Greenhouses
What do you think ?