Greenhouses require more knowledge and maintenance than conservatories. However, there is much to know before investing in either option.

Let's look at what you need to know about adding a backyard or glass greenhouse to your property and why a conservatory might be a better option.

What Is A Greenhouse?

A greenhouse is a glass structure with a plastic roof and is typically built on a wooden or aluminum frame. It is designed to insulate the environment to ensure your greenery extends beyond the growing season.

What Is A Conservatory?

A conservatory is a unique living space that can serve multiple purposes for your family, including a kitchen, dining area, or just a location to entertain. Typically constructed of architectural grade materials, a conservatory is an adept structure for multiple uses, whether you want to grow plants, enjoy the sun, or create a passive energy source for your home, a conservatory is a perfect choice, and it's a beautiful backdrop for your home and family events.

Elements to Consider For Building A Greenhouse

If you're considering building a greenhouse, there are multiple elements to consider. A backyard greenhouse can come in various styles, forms, and features. Check out the following before you consider adding a greenhouse to your backyard.

Different Types of Greenhouses

Stand Alone

A stand-alone greenhouse is great for even the harshest of climates. It is the right fit for professional growers who need a variety of environments for their crops. They also provide an economical growing space as they can be built with cheap off the shelf materials such as polycarbonate or polyvinyl sheeting.. A sloped arch design from a stand-alone greenhouse is excellent for growing bench crops and hanging baskets.

Lean To

A lean-to greenhouse typically attaches to an existing structure, such as your garage or home. An attached greenhouse gives you direct access to your plants from any building you add them to.

Weather-Friendly Materials

All-season greenhouses require weather-resistant materials, and they must be better insulated to retain heat and prevent large temperature fluctuations. In most cases, passive energy from the sun is relied upon to maintain adequate heating for seasonal greenhouses..

Frame and Form

Another element to consider is the frame and form of your greenhouse. Some structures are made from galvanized steel, PVC, fiberglass, wood, and aluminum. Other people choose to build their greenhouses using recycled materials, too. It's ultimately up to you to decide what materials to build your greenhouse with.

Greenhouse Shapes

There are multiple options if you're considering what type of greenhouse to invest in. These include gabled, gothic, and A-Frame.

Gabled is the traditional shape for greenhouses and features straight walls and sloping roofs that form a triangle on either end. It's a popular design because it allows for more light to penetrate the structure.

A-frame greenhouses are easier to build and maximize light, allowing more space and airflow to move freely.

Gothic greenhouses are a combination of gable and A-frame greenhouse shapes. The walls are framed with aluminum poles that curve elegantly and meet to create a pointed roof.

Lights & Water

Lighting and water are other factors to keep in mind when building a greenhouse. Electricity is essential for heating and lighting the structure. Some use high-pressure sodium bulbs to simulate sunlight, and some use grow lights to lighten shady spots in your greenhouse. Tropical plants may require grow lights if your greenhouse doesn't get enough natural light daily.

To irrigate plants, a drip irrigation system is cost-effective and easy to lay out. It produces the appropriate amount of water over longer periods of time, allowing plants to stay healthy.

Flooring

Greenhouse flooring comes in many shapes and sizes. Mulch is one option. It consists of organic material, such as straws, leaves, or wood chips, spread across the bottom of the greenhouse. It is cheap and easy to install but can make a big mess and prevent you from hosting friends inside it.

Concrete is another option, and it is durable and easy to clean, making it a prime choice. However, concrete provides poor thermal performance, making your structure hotter in the summer and colder in the winter.

Paving stones are a more elegant option. They come in various styles and colors but can be expensive because they require consistent maintenance to look their best.

Gravel is often used in greenhouse flooring because it is long-lasting. However, it is unattractive and doesn't provide insulation from the outdoor elements.

Aspects to consider when building a greenhouse.

Aspects to consider when building a greenhouse depend on the style and desired functionality of the structure. Overall, careful consideration can help ensure your greenhouse provides optimal growing conditions and that it doesn’t become a cumbersome addition to a property.

Maintenance

When it comes to building a greenhouse, one of the most important aspects to consider is maintenance. Greenhouses require more care and upkeep than conservatories, as plants need proper light, water, and temperature regulation to thrive. The quality of the materials used for the greenhouse's construction can impact the amount of maintenance and upkeep required, typical greenhouse quality materials are not meant to be a high-value property enhancement with the expectation of lasting as long as the primary home. It's important to keep this in mind when deciding if a greenhouse is the right choice for you.

Seasonality

Another key element to keep in mind when building a greenhouse is seasonality. Greenhouses provide an environment that extends beyond the typical growing season, allowing for year-round growth of plants. However, this means that they also require additional heating and cooling systems to regulate temperature fluctuations and maintain optimal growing conditions.

Wind and Snow Loads

Wind and snow loads can have a tremendous impact on the longevity of a greenhouse. Depending on the location and climate, a greenhouse may need to be engineered to withstand strong winds or heavy snow loads. It's important to work with an experienced builder who can ensure the greenhouse is structurally sound and safe.

Weathering of Glazing or Frame Materials

The weathering of glazing or frame materials is an aspect often not considered when adding a greenhouse to a property. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause wear and tear on materials, such as plastic or polycarbonate. It's important to select durable materials that can withstand exposure to sunlight, wind, and moisture to ensure the longevity of your greenhouse. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and repairing any damages, is also crucial to keep your greenhouse in good condition.

Building A Free-Standing Conservatory—What You Should Know

In contrast with a greenhouse, a free-standing conservatory offers some incredible benefits. Consider those benefits before you decide whether or not to build a greenhouse.

Doubles As A Living Space

Conservatories double as living spaces, providing them added value. They offer one-of-a-kind solutions to transform your environment. Most families can use extra space, and the conservatory offers that option. Whether you want to add an indoor/outdoor kitchen, create a playroom, or are looking for a spot to grow some plants, conservatories are the right option.

Multiple Design Options

Conservatories offer multiple architectural design options. Just like greenhouses, conservatories are available in standard designs. However, you can also build them in other designs like Gable-End, T-Shaped, P-Shaped, Victorian, and Edwardian. Whether you want to add a modern-styled conservatory or a more traditional style, conservatories are available in countless designs. Whatever luxurious style you’re hunting for, you can find it with a conservatory.

Decorative Flooring Options Are Available

We briefly discussed flooring options for greenhouses, but conservatories come with multiple decorative options beyond functionality. One of the more popular flooring options for conservatories is rigid core vinyl. It has a limestone core, ensuring your flooring is sturdy and robust. It is also possible for that flooring option to withstand warmer temperatures, making it the ideal flooring to use with underfloor heating systems.

Other flooring options include solid oak, laminate, and even engineered flooring. There are so many options! You can create whatever look you want for the interior of your conservatory.

Conservatories Are Versatile

The beauty of conservatories lies in their versatility. They can be used as an extra living room, dining room, den, game room, in-house gym, etc. There is no limit to how you can use a conservatory!

Multiple Roofing Options Are Possible

Conservatories also come with multiple roofing structures. These roofs should provide stability. Glass roofs, glazed flat roofs, tiled and hybrid roofs are other options. Maybe you’re concerned with privacy or shade. Whatever space you want to create, a conservatory helps you create it.

Year-Round Functionality

Conservatories also provide year-round functionality! They make it possible to enjoy the sun all year long. You can add your favorite furniture to create a warm, inviting space. You can also grow a variety of plant species when you add a conservatory to your home.

Making Your Selection

This article may have changed your mind about building a greenhouse. If so, a conservatory might be the best option for your home.

The beauty of a conservatory is that it provides an excellent addition to your home. It offers a space for entertaining guests or feeding your family with a unique ability to enjoy nature in style. It’s an elegant way to create functional space.

Please consider contacting us if you'd like to add a conservatory to your property. We would love to help you design an attractive outdoor space.