Gravel, Concrete, or Fabric: Which Greenhouse Floor Covering Should You Choose?

When building or upgrading a greenhouse, one often-overlooked yet crucial decision is the type of floor covering. A functional floor can dramatically influence your greenhouse’s drainage, weed control, temperature regulation, and overall productivity. But which material is the best choice for your operation—gravel, concrete, or landscape fabric?

Each option offers unique benefits and drawbacks depending on your greenhouse type, budget, and growing strategy. This article will help you compare them side-by-side so you can choose the best greenhouse floor covering for your specific needs.

Why Floor Covering Matters in a Greenhouse

Unlike outdoor growing, greenhouse cultivation is a controlled environment—and the flooring plays a bigger role than most growers expect. A good floor covering should:

• Prevent weed growth

• Ensure proper drainage

• Improve cleanliness and accessibility

• Support equipment movement (carts, trolleys)

• Help regulate humidity and temperature

Poor floor choices can lead to pest infestations, water pooling, mold development, and even crop contamination.

1. Gravel Greenhouse Floor: Affordable and Natural

Best for: Growers needing excellent drainage and a low-cost, semi-permanent solution.

Pros:

• Excellent drainage: Reduces water pooling and root zone problems.

• Low cost: Cheaper than concrete; easy to install.

• Natural appearance: Ideal for rustic or semi-permanent greenhouses.

• Weed-resistant (with fabric underneath): Pairing gravel with landscape fabric helps suppress weed growth.

Cons:

• Hard to sanitize: Difficult to clean up spills or biological contamination.

• Uneven surface: May not support wheeled carts well.

• Shifting material: Requires maintenance over time to level out high-traffic areas.

Installation Tip: Place a layer of landscape fabric under the gravel to improve weed resistance and soil separation.

2. Concrete Greenhouse Floor: Durable and Easy to Clean

Best for: Commercial greenhouses, hydroponic systems, or areas with heavy foot or cart traffic.

Pros:

• Extremely durable: Can last decades with minimal maintenance.

• Easy to clean: Ideal for sanitizing, especially in food production or hydroponics.

• Supports automation: Smooth surface supports carts, robots, and automated systems.

• Improved pest control: No place for insects to hide.

Cons:

• High cost: Most expensive option upfront.

• Drainage issues: Must be installed with proper slope or integrated drains.

• Thermal mass: Absorbs and releases heat—can be a pro or con depending on your climate.

Installation Tip: Install floor drains or a slightly sloped floor for water runoff.

3. Landscape Fabric (Weed Barrier): Flexible and Cost-Effective

Best for: Seasonal greenhouses, budget-conscious growers, or temporary setups.

Pros:

• Inexpensive: Easy to install and replace.

• Weed control: Effective at blocking sunlight from reaching soil.

• Permeable: Allows water to pass through while reducing erosion.

• Flexible: Easy to cut and fit around benches and beds.

Cons:

• Tears easily: Not ideal for high-traffic areas or rolling carts.

• Shorter lifespan: Typically needs replacement every 2–5 years.

• Not very cleanable: Difficult to sanitize after soil or plant debris build-up.

Installation Tip: Choose a high-quality, UV-stabilized woven fabric and stake it securely to prevent shifting.

Comparison Table