Complete the perfect greenhouse with these 5 greenhouse flooring ideas.
When building a greenhouse, the flooring is just as important as the frame. There are several methods of creating a floor in a greenhouse and most can fit any budget, while there are a few that can be quite expensive.
When choosing a flooring for your greenhouse there are a few things you should keep in mind. It is very important that you keep in mind the following:
- Will it drain well?
- Will it control weeds?
- Will you be able to level it well so that you have a safe walking path?
- How much will it cost?
- How easy it will be to create?
- How often will it need to be replaced?
With all these things in mind you can then decide on which materials will be the best for your greenhouse. With many to choose from, it will be easy to meet any budget. Here are some great greenhouse flooring ideas.
- Mulch: Line your greenhouse with about a 2 inch layer of mulch. This will help control both weeds and drainage. You may want to line it with some type of weed mat to help keep out the weeds or lightly spray the ground with a weed killer before laying.
- Weed Mat: Weed Mat is a very popular and budget friendly alternative. Once the soil is completely level, roll out the weed mat over lapping each section by at least 6 inches. If you can afford a few extra pieces then over lapping by 12 inches would be optimal. Simply staple to the edges of the greenhouse. A hundred foot roll is usual $10-20 depending on the grade. If it tares you can simply replace the torn piece. Weed Mat drains rather quickly and can be swept out when dry.
- Rocks and Gravel: Another great material to put in the bottom of the greenhouse is any type of rock or gravel that is small. Small rocks or gravel can be used to line the bottom of a greenhouse to create a well draining greenhouse floor. Keep in mind, that in areas that constantly stay wet, algae may grow and cause it to be slippery. Over the years, watering and high traffic can also cause the rocks to settle in the ground and eventually have to be replaced.
- Brick Pavers: For the gardener who can afford anything, brick pavers, bricks, or concrete stones are great for greenhouse floors. However, they are relatively expensive and not commonly affordable. They will also need to be slightly spaced or sloped when laid to help with drainage. One positive side to using brick pavers is that they will last many years without needing to be replaced (except for the occasional broken brick). They are easy to clean and maintain but they too can become slippery depending on the finish.
- Sands: Another option is sands. Not dirt that will create a mud pit, but sand such as builder sand or beach sand. It will be a well draining greenhouse floor that will last a long time. However, additional weeding will be necessary.
The copyright of the article Ideas for Creating a Greenhouse Floor in Landscaping is owned by Stephanie Manning. Permission to republish Ideas for Creating a Greenhouse Floor in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
