5 Best Floors For A Greenhouse – 2022 Buying Guide

By Fortino Rosas / February 26, 2022 / 0 Comments

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    Are you looking for the best floors for a greenhouse? We’ve reviewed the most durable, non-toxic, and stunning floors you can install in your greenhouse. In these product reviews, you can find out what type of material the greenhouse flooring is made from and how practical each product is for a greenhouse setting.

    Unfortunately, you can’t simply pick any type of floor for your greenhouse, because it needs to have a proper drainage system. The floors we’ve reviewed are practical, aesthetically pleasing, and have adequate drainage.

    To find out more about what type of flooring is ideal for greenhouses, refer to the buyer’s guide and frequently asked questions below. These sections will give you the information you need to pick the right type of flooring for your greenhouse.

    Our Top Picks

    1. Best Overall: Mexican Talavera Tiles
    2. Best Brick: US Stove Company Fire Brick
    3. Best Pebbles: 2O2OUP Glow In The Dark Garden Pebbles
    4. Best Wood Composite Tile: PANDAHOME Wood Composite Tiles
    5. Best Artificial Grass: Interlocking Artificial Grass Tiles

    Greenhouse Floor Buying Advice

    Best Overall: Mexican Talavera Tiles

    Floor Critics Rating (4.8):

    Key Features

    • Weight – 35.2 lbs.
    • Type – Ceramic tiles
    • Dimensions – 6 x 6 inches
    • Color – Multiple colors and patterns

    Pros:

    • Stunning colors and designs
    • Durable
    • Handmade in Mexico

    Cons:

    • Individual tile sizes may vary slightly
    • The paint may wear off over time
    Mexican Talavera Tiles
    Mexican Talavera Tiles

    The Mexican Talavera tiles from Color y Tradicion are colorful and hand-painted with traditional Mexican patterns. They are durable ceramic tiles that can withstand UV rays. Note the sizes of the tiles may vary because they’re handmade. There intended is use is for stair accents or a backsplash, however they can be used for the floor as well.

    Most people wouldn’t choose ceramic tiles for a greenhouse because they have no drainage system. However, if you drill holes systematically throughout your ceramic tile flooring, you can create a drainage system.

    Since these tiles have striking patterns and colors, you won’t see any drill holes you make in the tiles. On the other hand, these tiles aren’t frost-proof, but it shouldn’t be a problem in winter, as you’ll ideally have a heating system in your greenhouse.

    If you want to protect the hand-painted designs on these tiles, you may want to coat them with a non-toxic sealant before installing them in your greenhouse. Overall, these tiles will add a stunning look to your greenhouse. Just make sure you have a proper drainage system after installing the tiles.

    Best Brick: US Stove Company Fire Brick

    Floor Critics Rating (4.7):

    Key Features

    • Weight – 2 lbs.
    • Type – Fire bricks
    • Dimensions – 4½ x 9 x 1¼ inches
    • Color – Cream

    Pros:

    • Natural insulators
    • Long-lasting
    • Aesthetically pleasing

    Cons:

    • May grow mold over time
    • Can be expensive for larger greenhouses
    US Stove Company Fire Brick
    US Stove Company Fire Brick

    The US Stove Company fire bricks are primarily designed for wood or charcoal stoves. However, you can also use these bricks for flooring. Fire bricks are ideal for greenhouses if you live in colder regions because they retain heat well and create natural humidity inside your greenhouse.

    These fire bricks are durable and will provide a flat, even surface for you to walk on. You don’t need to mortar these bricks if you don’t want to because the spaces between the bricks will create a natural drainage system in your greenhouse.

    If you’re looking for a durable floor that’s not going to crumble under your feet, then you may want to consider these fire bricks from the US Stove Company. These bricks will provide an even, flat surface for you to walk on if you lay them out correctly.

    Best Pebbles: 2O2OUP Glow In The Dark Garden Pebbles

    Floor Critics Rating (4.0):

    Key Features

    • Weight – 7 oz.
    • Type – Resin pebbles
    • Dimensions – Various sizes
    • Color – Blue

    Pros:

    • Non-toxic pebbles
    • Perfect for garden beds
    • Durable resin material

    Cons:

    • May not be ideal for bigger greenhouses
    • Some stones may not glow as brightly
    Glow In The Dark Garden Pebbles
    Glow In The Dark Garden Pebbles

    Do you want to add a magical touch to your greenhouse? Perhaps you want to see where you’re walking in low-light conditions. If so, you’ll love these glow-in-the-dark pebbles from 2O2OUP. These are non-toxic resin pebbles that are designed for outdoor gardens.

    You may have to purchase several bags to cover your greenhouse floor because you only get 100 pieces per bag. These pebbles are ideal for small greenhouses with a floor space of 12 square feet. The pebbles will absorb sunlight during the day to provide between three and six hours of light at night.

    These glow-in-the-dark pebbles won’t affect the health of your plants inside your greenhouse, especially because you don’t need mortar to keep the stones in place. Simply scatter the stones until you cover your entire greenhouse floor and it’s the depth you want. Pebbles and stones are ideal for greenhouses because they provide a natural drainage system.

    Best Wood Composite Tile: PANDAHOME Wood Composite Tiles

    Floor Critics Rating (4.5):

    Key Features

    • Weight – 2.0 lbs. per tile
    • Type – Composite wood tile
    • Dimensions – 12.2 x 12.4 x 18.5 inches
    • Color – Brown

    Pros:

    • Easy to maintain
    • Stain and rot resistant
    • Easy to install

    Cons:

    • May release VOCs
    • May not be suitable to use in colder region
    PANDAHOME Wood Composite Tiles
    PANDAHOME Wood Composite Tiles

    If you want the look of wooden floors in your greenhouse without having to worry about water damage, then you’ll love these PANDAHOME wood composite tiles. These tiles are water resistant, and they have spaces between the boards to drain water. They’re also slip resistant, so you’ll have a safe place to walk when watering your plants.

    These composite tiles are easy to install and can be placed over any subfloor such as concrete, sand, or grass. To prevent weeds from growing through the tiles, you may want to place a plastic sheet under the tile layer.

    Additionally, these tiles can be cut into any shape or size, so you can create unique patterns with them on your greenhouse floor. They’re also easy to clean and won’t get damaged by sunlight or water.

    Natural wooden floors will get damaged if they’re exposed to water, so they’re not ideal for greenhouses. However, composite wood will work well because it is water resistant. These composite wooden tiles can withstand any outdoor environment, meaning they’re durable enough for greenhouse floors.

    Best Artificial Grass: Interlocking Artificial Grass Tiles

    Floor Critics Rating (4.3):

    Key Features

    • Weight – 5.69 lbs.
    • Type – Artificial grass tiles
    • Dimensions – 12 x 12 x 0.01 inches
    • Color – Green

    Pros:

    • Affordable
    • Non-toxic
    • Easy to install

    Cons:

    • May be difficult to clean
    • Some blades of grass may fall out
    • Attracts bugs and other pests
    Interlocking Artificial Grass Tiles
    Interlocking Artificial Grass Tiles

    Although your greenhouse is designed to grow plants, you may not want to have natural grass flooring because it can bring pests into your greenhouse. However, if you still want the natural aesthetics of grass, then you might want to install these artificial grass tiles.

    These artificial grass tiles have interlocking mechanisms, so they’re easy to install. The synthetic grass is non-toxic and odorless, so it won’t harm the plants inside your greenhouse. There are grids underneath each tile, so if you spill any water, it will drain right through the synthetic grass.

    These synthetic grass tiles look authentic and will add to the natural look of your greenhouse. You can install the tiles over concrete or sand. Since the grass is synthetic, you won’t need to mow it. The color is a stunning bright green that will blend in well with your natural green plants inside your greenhouse.

    Side by Side Comparison

    ProductOur RatingKey Features
    Mexican Talavera Tiles
    Mexican Talavera Tiles
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Best Overall

    Overall: 4.8
    Weight – 35.2 lbs.
    Type – Ceramic tiles
    Dimensions – 6 x 6 inches
    Color – Multiple colors and patterns
    US Stove Company Fire Brick
    US Stove Company Fire Brick
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Home Depot –>
    Best Brick

    Overall: 4.7
    Weight – 2 lbs.
    Type – Fire bricks
    Dimensions – 4½ x 9 x 1¼ inches
    Color – Cream
    Glow In The Dark Garden Pebbles
    2O2OUP Glow In The Dark Garden Pebbles
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Best Pebbles

    Overall: 4.0
    Weight – 7 oz.
    Type – Resin pebbles
    Dimensions – Various sizes
    Color – Blue
    PANDAHOME Wood Composite Tiles
    PANDAHOME Wood Composite Tiles
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Best Wood Composite Tiles

    Overall: 4.5
    Weight – 2.0 lbs. per tile
    Type – Composite wood tile
    Dimensions – 12.2 x 12.4 x 18.5 inches
    Color – Brown
    Interlocking Artificial Grass Tiles
    Interlocking Artificial Grass Tiles
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Home Depot –>
    Best Artificial Grass

    Overall: 4.3
    Weight – 5.69 lbs.
    Type – Artificial grass tiles
    Dimensions – 12 x 12 x 0.01 inches
    Color – Green

    The Complete Greenhouse Floor Buyer’s Guide

    To help you find the best greenhouse flooring, I’ve provided a buyer’s guide below. In this section, you’ll learn about the different types of greenhouse flooring that you can implement  and the features you should consider for each type before buying your product.

    Types of Greenhouse Flooring

    There are six main types of greenhouse flooring you can use:

    1. Mulch: This type of flooring is popular for greenhouses because it improves ground soil, provides a stable, even surface, and has excellent drainage. Mulch is the ideal option if you’re growing ground plants in your greenhouse. Another advantage of mulch greenhouse flooring is that it’s affordable and readily available at any gardening store. Use shredded mulch for the best results.
    2. Weed barrier: A weed barrier or cloth is a woven piece of material that is commonly used in commercial greenhouses. The fabric is designed to deter weeds from growing through your greenhouse flooring. Since this type of flooring has small holes throughout, it allows water to drain from your greenhouse easily. Also, the weed barrier prevents your floor from becoming muddy.
    3. Brick: Laying bricks down on your greenhouse floor will provide a stable surface to walk on. Bricks are durable, but they’re also expensive. People primarily install bricks inside their greenhouses because they create humidity inside the enclosure. You don’t need to mortar the bricks down because having gaps between them will create a drainage system inside your greenhouse.
    4. Concrete: This flooring is a somewhat expensive option, but it provides an even and stable surface to walk on. You may want to get a professional to lay the concrete down properly because you will need a proper drainage system installed, too. The main advantage of concrete flooring is that it lasts.
    5. Pea gravel: If you’re looking for a natural but cheap flooring option for your greenhouse, then you may want to try pea gravel. Water will drain through the gravel so you won’t have puddles of water on your greenhouse floor. Weeds can grow through pea gravel, so you may want to place a weed barrier first before laying the gravel on the floor.
    6. Stone: Similar to concrete flooring, stone greenhouse floors are another permanent option. This is because stone is firmly mortared to the ground. With stone floors, you’ll need to add a surface drain so water can escape the greenhouse. Stone slabs provide a stable surface, and they function as a natural insulator.

    Features To Keep In Mind

    There are a few features you need to keep in mind before you purchase your greenhouse flooring. In this section, I’ll explain the importance of a greenhouse floor drainage system and heat retention. Additionally, there are greenhouse flooring options that help you prevent weed growth and pest infestations. Find out more below.

    Drainage

    Greenhouses are wet environments because plants need to be watered regularly. If you want a solid floor that’s tiled or bricked, then you will need a proper drainage system so that water doesn’t flood your greenhouse floor.

    Furthermore, a wet floor is dangerous because it can be slippery to walk on depending on the type of flooring you have. Wet floors can also increase mold growth, which may be healthy for your plants but not for you.

    If you don’t want to build a drainage system, then you should choose greenhouse flooring that naturally drains water such as mulch or pea gravel.

    Durability

    You should look for flooring that you don’t have to change regularly. The most durable greenhouse flooring options are concrete, brick, and tiles. These types of floors will last many years without regular maintenance.

    Mulch and sawdust greenhouse flooring will only last for up to seven months because of decomposition. Stone pebble flooring will last longer because the pebbles won’t decompose over time, and they have a natural drainage system because of the spaces in between each stone.

    Pests

    Choose a type of greenhouse flooring that won’t attract pests. Since sawdust and mulch decompose quickly in wet environments, they can attract unwanted pests such carpenter ants or termites.

    Ideally, you want greenhouse flooring that pests won’t want to munch through such as rocks, stone, or concrete. Use mulch or sawdust as a temporary solution until you can get flooring that won’t attract pests.

    Traction

    Greenhouse floors shouldn’t be a safety hazard. Choose flooring that doesn’t become slippery when it’s wet. Concrete flooring has plenty of traction, even if you spill water on the surface. Other types of greenhouse flooring with plenty of traction include synthetic grass and wood composite tiles.

    If you choose to tile your greenhouse floor, then you should install non-glossy tiles that have a rough surface because they will provide more traction when you walk.

    Heat Retention

    Do you live in a cold region? If so, you should pick flooring that will retain heat inside your greenhouse. The best types of greenhouse flooring for people who live in cold regions are bricks, concrete, and flagstone.

    Some people have heating systems inside their greenhouses. But if you have brick or concrete flooring, you can save on energy because it traps heat inside the greenhouse during the day and slowly releases it at night.

    Weeds

    Some people like to plant flowers or other plants into their greenhouse floor. If you’d like to have plants growing out of your greenhouse floor, then you’ll need to install a weed barrier. The weed barrier is a mesh cloth that deters weeds from growing out of your soil.

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    FAQs

    Can You Have A Ceramic Tiled Greenhouse Floor?

    Yes, you can have a ceramic tile greenhouse floor, provided you have a proper drainage system and the tiles aren’t slippery. If you want a ceramic tiled greenhouse floor, make sure you use textured tiles for more traction.

    However, one important factor to remember is that ceramic tiles don’t retain heat, so they’re  not an ideal greenhouse flooring option if you live in a colder climate. If you want to retain heat inside your greenhouse, you should install natural stone tiles such as slate.


    What Flooring Shouldn’t You Install In A Greenhouse?

    Don’t install wooden floorboards because wood isn’t water-resistant. Additionally, wood can attract unwanted pests such as termites. Another downside to wooden greenhouse floors is that they’re expensive.

    If you want a more affordable flooring option that’s water-resistant and won’t attract pests, you could install vinyl or laminate flooring in your greenhouse. Make sure you buy high-quality vinyl or laminate flooring with low VOC. Poor quality vinyl flooring could wear out quicker.


    Can Certain Flooring Types Be Toxic For Greenhouses?

    Yes, there are certain flooring options that can be toxic for greenhouses. If you’re using synthetic grass or other plastic-type floors, they may release VOCs, and these chemicals can harm sensitive plants. If you want a synthetic option, make sure it’s a non-toxic product.

    Final Thoughts

    You want greenhouse flooring that’s stable, UV resistant, pest resistant, and non-toxic. You also shouldn’t have to compromise on decor and aesthetics when installing a greenhouse floor.

    If you want a floor for your greenhouse that has all of these features, then the clear winner of this round up review is the Mexican Talavera Tiles. These tiles are hand-painted with stunning patterns and designs. Also, they’re pest resistant and provide a stable surface to walk on.

    If you have any comments or firsthand experiences with flooring for your greenhouse, please post them below or share your pictures via social media.

    About Fortino Rosas

    Chief Floor Critic, 32 years of experience in flooring installation and sales

    Fortino Rosas is an independent flooring contractor with 32 years of experience in residential and commercial flooring installation and sales. He joined the Floor Critics team to share his expertise with our readers. Fortino has acquired vast knowledge and skills in the areas of product selection, space planning, and installation. He has installed flooring in residential, government, and commercial office projects in the Midwest. Visit Website.

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