Choosing between greenhouse flooring options for your greenhouse is an exciting time in the construction or renovation of any greenhouse. Should you choose gravel, wood, concrete, brick, pine needles, bark mulch, sawdust, or flagstones for your new greenhouse floor?

Before you decide on a flooring material for your greenhouse, here are a few tidbits to consider.
 
1. Drainage. Drainage is crucial in a wet environment like a greenhouse. If you’re leaning toward a solid flooring material, like concrete or wood, keep in mind that you’ll need to install drains to help keep your greenhouse flooring dry and your plants healthy and free from mold. Organic materials like pine needles, sawdust, and plain dirt floors have the best drainage capacities. Other materials, like gravel, bricks, and flagstones, are also relatively decent in the no-fuss drainage department.

2. Decomposition. Organic materials such as bark mulch, sawdust, and wood will decompose over time and need replacing. These materials may be initially cheaper, but will incur additional costs as the years go by when you need to remove and replace rotting flooring.
 
3. Price. The cost of flooring materials is by far one of the most important factors to consider when selecting between greenhouse flooring options. Hardwood and composite wood floors are the priciest, and some materials, such as sawdust or pine needles, may be free if you know the right people.

4. Heat. Heat retention is an important factor in the greenhouse if you live in a colder climate. Materials such as brick and flagstone will help trap and slowly release the day’s heat during the cooler nighttime hours. This can help significantly decrease your heating costs during colder weather.
 
5. Comfort. Standing for many hours while caring for your plants can be hard on your body if you choose an unforgiving flooring type like concrete. Some flooring types like pine needles, sawdust, and bark mulch are softer on the feet and easier on your back and may be much more comfortable after hours of working.
 
6. Traction. Your greenhouse floor will often be wet or covered in spilled soil. This can lead to slips and falls if you’re not careful. If you opt for a gravel floor, you may want to choose a coarse stone that will provide better traction, or brushed concrete verses smooth.

7. Weeds. Remember that you greenhouse does a wonderful job at creating an environment that plants love – and that includes weeds! Before you lay down a floor base of gravel, pavers, dirt, or mulch, be sure to put a week blocking material underneath. This will save you time and hassle of pulling unwanted weeds on your greenhouse floor.
 
Choosing between greenhouse flooring options includes considering many different factors. Drainage, decomposition, price, heat retention, comfort, and traction vary between flooring types and allow for a customization of your greenhouse that extends beyond visual appearance.

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