Commercial greenhouses are essential infrastructure for modern agriculture. They enable growers to control climate, extend seasons, protect crops, and increase yield regardless of external weather conditions. Whether used for vegetables, flowers, seedlings, berries, or high-value crops, choosing the right greenhouse structure is crucial for long-term performance and profitability.
This guide covers the most common types of commercial greenhouse structures, the key materials used in construction, essential climate systems, typical cost considerations, and how to choose the right solution for your project.
1. Introduction: Why Greenhouse Structure Matters
A greenhouse is much more than a steel frame and a cover. Its structure determines:
• Climate stability
• Energy efficiency
• Durability in harsh weather
• Crop quality and yield
• Labor efficiency
• Long-term operational cost
With global agriculture shifting toward year-round production,
commercial greenhouses must be engineered for strength, climate control, and economic performance.
2. Major Types of Commercial Greenhouse Structures
Commercial greenhouses come in several structural styles, each designed for specific crops, climates, and budgets.
(1) Single-Span Greenhouse
A basic structure with one bay.
Advantages:
• Low cost
• Easy installation
• Suitable for small farms, nurseries, research
Limitations:
• Limited width
• Less stable climate
• Higher cost per square meter
(2) Multispan Greenhouse
Multiple bays connected under one continuous roof.
Advantages:
• Best land efficiency
• Lower cost/m²
• Strong structure
• Ideal for large-scale farming
• Easy to integrate climate systems
Applications: Vegetables, flowers, berries, seedlings, herbs, cannabis.
(3) Venlo Glass Greenhouse (Dutch Style)
High-end commercial structure with vertical glass façades.
Advantages:
• Maximum light transmission
• Longest lifespan
• Precise climate control
• Suitable for automation
Applications: Commercial vegetable production, research centers, high-tech farms.
(4) Polycarbonate Greenhouse
Uses rigid PC panels on steel or aluminum frames.
Advantages:
• High insulation
• Strong impact resistance
• Suitable for harsh climates
Applications: Flowers, seedlings, cold regions, snow-prone areas.
3. Frame Materials: Strength, Longevity, and Cost
Greenhouse frames determine the structure’s durability and safety.
(1) Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel (Most Common)
Benefits:
• Excellent corrosion resistance
• Strong load-bearing capacity
• Suitable for large-scale houses
• 15–30 years lifespan
Used in: multispan greenhouses, commercial plastic greenhouses, Venlo houses.
(2) Aluminum
Benefits:
• Lightweight and corrosion-resistant
• More common in glass greenhouses
• High aesthetic quality
More expensive than steel.
(3) Steel Pipe (Pre-galvanized or coated)
Benefits:
• Low cost
• Common for simple tunnels
Not recommended for harsh climates compared to hot-dip galvanized structures.
4. Covering Materials: PO, PC, and Glass
Covering material directly impacts light transmission, insulation, durability, and energy use. Below is a detailed comparison of the three most popular coverings in commercial greenhouses today.
(1) PO Film (Polyolefin Film)
The most advanced agricultural film today.
Key Features:
• High light transmission (≥ 90%)
• Excellent insulation
• Anti-drip, anti-fog coating
• UV-resistant and aging-resistant
• Strong tear resistance
• 4–5 years lifespan depending on thickness
Best for:
Vegetables, flowers, nurseries, berries, and large-scale multispan plastic greenhouses.
Benefits:
• Low cost
• High optical clarity improves crop quality
• Suitable for large continuous structures
(2) PC Panels (Polycarbonate Panels)
Rigid, durable, and highly insulated.
Key Features:
• Strong impact resistance (hail-resistant)
• Good thermal insulation
• Twin-wall and multi-wall options
• 10–15 years lifespan
Best for:
Flower production, seedlings, cold climates, mountainous regions.
Benefits:
• Withstands heavy snow
• Lower heating cost in winter
• More durable than film
Limitations:
• More expensive than PO film
• Lower light transmission than glass
(3) Glass Covering
Used in high-tech Venlo glasshouses.
Key Features:
• Highest light transmission (up to 96%)
• 20–30+ years lifespan
• No aging or yellowing
• Compatible with full automation
Best for:
High-value crops, high-tech agriculture, areas with low sunlight.
Benefits:
• Superior long-term performance
• Ideal for automation and screening systems
• Professional appearance
Limitations:
• Higher cost
• Higher structural requirements
• Heavier construction
Summary Comparison
Feature
PO Film
PC Panels
Glass
Light Transmission
★★★★
★★★
★★★★★
Durability
Medium
High
Very High
Lifespan
4–5 years
10–15 years
20–30 years
Best For
Large farms
Cold climates
High-tech farms
5. Essential Climate Control Systems in Commercial Greenhouses
To maintain optimal growing environments, commercial greenhouses typically use:
Ventilation System
• Roof vents
• Side vents
• Manual or automated control
Cooling System
• Cooling pad & fan
• Fogging system
• Shading system
Shading & Light Systems
• Internal shading screens
• External shading nets
• Blackout screens for photoperiod crops
• LED grow lights
Irrigation & Fertigation
• Drip irrigation
• Hydroponics
• NFT, ebb-and-flow, or Dutch bucket systems
Heating & Insulation
• Hot water heating
• Hot air heaters
• Energy-saving screens
• Thermal curtains
These systems ensure stable growing conditions, reducing climate fluctuations and increasing yield.
6. Cost Breakdown of Commercial Greenhouse Projects
Greenhouse project costs typically include:
1. Structure Cost
• Steel frame
• Covering material (PO, PC, glass)
• Gutters, columns, arches
2. Climate Systems
• Ventilation
• Cooling pad & fans
• Shading system
• Heating
• Irrigation / fertigation
3. Installation & Construction
• Foundation
• Assembly labor
• Equipment setup
4. Optional Systems
• Screens
• Rolling benches
• Automation system
• CO₂ enrichment
Typical Cost Range (for reference)
PO Film Greenhouse: $20–$40/m²
PC Panel Greenhouse: $35–$60/m²
Glass Greenhouse (Venlo): $70–$120/m²
(Actual pricing varies by region, design, climate requirements.)
7. How to Choose the Right Greenhouse Structure
Selecting the right greenhouse depends on several factors:
1. Crop Type
• Vegetables → Multispan PO Film
• Flowers → PC or Glass
• Seedlings → PC or Glass
• Cannabis → Multispan with blackout screens
• Berries → Multispan PO Film
2. Climate Conditions
• Hot regions → PO + cooling system
• Cold regions → PC or Glass
• High wind → Multispan steel
• High snow → PC or Glass
3. Budget & ROI
• Low budget → PO film structures
• Long-term investment → PC or Glass
4. Automation Level
• Manual → PO film
• Semi-automatic → PC panels
• Fully automatic → Glasshouse
Conclusion
Commercial greenhouse structures play a central role in crop production, climate control, energy savings, and long-term farm profitability. Whether using PO film, PC panels, or glass, each covering material has distinct advantages that fit different climates, crop types, and investment goals.
By understanding the strengths of each structure type and material, growers can plan a greenhouse that delivers stable performance, high-quality production, and significant long-term value.
