Building a garden greenhouse: materials, site and rules

Updated 26 October 2026 · 5 min read

With a greenhouse (tuinkas) you mostly choose between an aluminium or timber frame and glazing of tempered glass or polycarbonate. Put it in a sunny, sheltered spot, provide enough ventilation and give it a stable foundation. For the rules, a greenhouse usually counts as an ancillary structure: under the general rules it often fits in the backyard without a permit, but always check.

Aluminium or wood?

Aluminium is light and low-maintenance, with slim profiles that let in a lot of sunlight. Wood insulates better, is easier to work yourself and often blends into a garden more nicely, but needs periodic upkeep. For timber greenhouses, durable wood such as larch or Douglas fir works well, provided you finish it properly and protect it from ground contact.

Glazing: glass or polycarbonate

• Tempered glass 4 mm: clear, scratch-resistant and long-lasting. When it breaks, it crumbles into small granules rather than sharp shards. Heavier than polycarbonate and so more vulnerable during installation.
• Polycarbonate 6 mm: lighter, insulates better and is more impact-resistant. Lets light in a bit more diffusely, which is often good for plants, and can yellow after years.

If you mainly grow plants and want insulation, polycarbonate is a good choice. If you want maximum light and a neat look, tempered glass is the alternative. See also the article on roofing materials and light transmission.

Position and orientation

• Preferably the long side facing south for the most sun, or east-west for a more even light pattern.
• Do not place it under trees: shade, leaf litter and dripping are a nuisance.
• Sheltered from the prevailing west wind, but not so close to a wall that the air stands still.
• Close to a water tap and to the house saves daily carrying.

Ventilation

A greenhouse heats up fast. Without good ventilation you get mould, scorched plants and excessive humidity.

• Fit roof vents or top windows plus a door or window on the side, so air can flow through.
• An automatic vent opener that works on temperature saves a lot of worry.
• Plan for shade netting or shading paint in summer.

Foundation

A greenhouse is often light, but glass catches a lot of wind. Make sure the frame is anchored to a solid base, for instance a concrete strip, a timber base frame on tiles, or screw piles. The greenhouse must not be able to slide or blow away. More options in foundations for canopies and garden houses.

Permit and rules

For regulations a greenhouse generally falls under ancillary structures. In the backyard area it usually fits without a permit under the general rules, but that depends on the dimensions, height, distance to the boundary and your municipality's local plan. The total built area of your plot counts too. A greenhouse in the front garden, at a monument or in a protected city or village view needs extra attention.

So run the check on omgevingsloket.nl and read the main rules in permit for a canopy or garden house. If in doubt, ask your municipality.

Note: a greenhouse close to the boundary can cause shade and reflection for the neighbours. Talk to them beforehand; see neighbours and boundaries.

Practical tips

1. Measure your spot first and see where the sun falls at different times of day.
2. Choose the glazing before you finalise the frame; it determines the profiles.
3. Plan a path or floor of tiles or gravel inside.
4. Think about collecting rainwater from the roof for your plants.
5. Have power or water lines installed only by a qualified installer.

What next?

Design your greenhouse in the 3D configurator and see whether the dimensions fit your garden. The greenhouse page shows which plans and options exist; part of that is still being prepared. Want to know the cost? Read what drives the cost.

Try it yourself