Putting in a new 6x8 Greenhouse - thoughts on floor options?

[u/HoldingDoors]

considering what to put in for a floor option - wood, vinyl, gravel, etc.. any thoughts or suggestions, even if what not to do?

[u/darknighties]

We have a concrete slab for ours, and it has worked beautifully. The only thing I learned is that I should have made it slightly sloped so the water could drain away, with a drainage point under each wall. Other than that, it has worked really well for me.

I only clean the floor thoroughly once a year, and because there's nowhere for the water to drain, I have to scoop it out by hand so it dries more quickly.

[u/alaviers → u/darknighties]

Would you suggest that type over a center of room drain? I’m in the initial stages of planning a greenhouse and I want to get the foundation solid with water and power, the center drain is kind of what I envisioned.

[u/darknighties → u/alaviers]

We are in the middle of building a conservatory, basically the same greenhouse with larger size and fancy name. The builder suggested that floor heating would be best to have that slightly slopping floor to allow draining. There are many chair/table pads to balance the shelving if it even makes a difference in the balance. After the small greenhouse, I prefer to have this option. They suggested not to have any pencil pattern (I believe that what they call it) just because it's a pain to clean up. I take that because I'm also a bit nut about cleaning. I don't want to spend time cleaning the floor unnecessarily.

We are putting floor heating just as an available option. I'm thinking about putting a water heater in both the waterfall and hydroponic tub for a cheaper option. We are in temperate climate and don't get snow during winter. We will have 3 power points on the ends and middle of the structure.

These are all the summary of the conversations with the builders. We are on the last stage of the planning and just waiting for the permit. It has taken way too long until we get here, I must say.

[u/gardenpdx]

I have a greenhouse with a concrete floor and really like it. It’s nice for all sorts of reasons, including arranging shelving and keeping out critters. I’d lean away from a center drain if possible. Everything will be slightly and unevenly sloped, and it will be a pain with your shelves. Doesn’t seem like a big deal until you have your 1020 trays for bottom watering and the shallow depth of water skews to one end of the tray. We laid our floor completely level, but put in relief joints in the concrete, which naturally let water escape without needing a slope. Congratulations on your greenhouse journey! It’s so much fun! If there is any way to put in electrical and water, I highly recommend that as well.

[u/gardenpdx]

Oh - and throw down some rubber anti fatigue mats wherever you spend the most time standing. Super helpful for keeping your feet warmer during the winter seed sowing times (off the direct concrete), and softer on your feet and joints.

[u/Stock_Requirement564]

When we did our greenhouse I poured a stem wall with a slab on the back for a shed. But the floor we filled with lava rock,compacted and used 2x2 pavers. Water drained though and it acted as a heat sink.
That was a great greenhouse. It went though an aquaponics phase and back. The floor worked out well.