When planning a commercial greenhouse, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is determining the right commercial greenhouse size. Whether you’re producing leafy greens, nursery plants, or high-value crops, the commercial greenhouse size you choose will impact your layout, workflow, crop yield, and long-term profitability.
At Harnois, we specialize in helping growers design commercial greenhouses that are both efficient and scalable. From compact high tunnels to multi-acre gutter-connected greenhouses, our team can help you determine the optimal size based on your crop, climate, and business goals.
Commercial Greenhouse Size: How Big Is a Commercial Greenhouse?
Commercial greenhouse sizes vary widely to accommodate different levels of production and growing needs.
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Small-Scale (1,000–3,000 sq. ft.): Ideal for growers starting a pilot project, selling at farmers markets, or testing new crops. Also used for propagation and research.
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Mid-Scale (3,000–10,000 sq. ft.): Suitable for diversified operations producing vegetables, flowers, or herbs for wholesale, CSA programs, or regional distribution.
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Large-Scale (10,000+ sq. ft. and up to several acres): Designed for year-round, high-volume production with integrated automation, climate control systems, and advanced irrigation.
Many Harnois customers begin with a mid-sized structure and expand over time thanks to our modular greenhouse designs.
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What is the average commercial greenhouse size (dimensions) ?
Choosing the right commercial greenhouse size goes beyond square footage—it’s about aligning your structure with your production objectives. Key factors include:
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Crop Type: Crops like tomatoes and cucumbers require taller structures for vertical growth, while herbs and leafy greens can thrive in lower profiles.
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Growing Method: Whether you’re growing in soil, containers, or hydroponic systems, your setup will impact space requirements.
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Climate: Cold regions may need more compact, energy-efficient greenhouses with greater insulation. Warm climates can support wider, open-span structures.
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Energy & Automation: Adding climate control, irrigation, and lighting systems may require additional space for equipment and operational access.
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Access and Workflow: A well-designed layout ensures smooth workflow for planting, harvesting, packaging, and maintenance activities.
Engineered and Manufactured in Canada
All Harnois greenhouses are manufactured in Canada and built to meet or exceed Canadian and U.S. building code requirements. Our engineering team develops site-specific stamped plans that account for:
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Snow loads
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Wind resistance
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Seismic activity
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Local permit requirements
This ensures that your greenhouse is not only durable but also fully compliant—essential for insurance and grant funding.
✅ Proudly Canadian. Built for North America’s harshest climates.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Greenhouse Size
Available Land
Ensure your site can accommodate the commercial greenhouse size you’re considering, plus space for pathways, parking, and potential expansions.
Crop Type
Different crops have different space requirements. For example, tomatoes require more vertical height and spacing than herbs.
Budget
Your budget will dictate the features of your commercial greenhouse size. Investing in quality structures like Harnois Greenhouses can save money in the long run by improving productivity and durability.
Market Demand
Understand your market size and crop demand. Building a industrial greenhouse is only worthwhile if you can sell the increased yield.
Climate & location
Colder regions may need stronger for heated greenhouses.
Automation level
Advanced systems for heating, irrigation, and ventilation often demand more space for equipment.
Modular & Scalable Commercial Greenhouse Structures
At Harnois, our greenhouse systems are designed to grow with you. Whether you’re starting with a single bay or building a multi-acre operation, our modular designs make it easy to expand, adapt, and optimize your structure over time. Each model is engineered for durability, ease of installation, and long-term flexibility.
TunnelPro Plus – High Polytunnel Greenhouses
Ideal for commercial berry producers, leafy greens, and nurseries, the TunnelPro Plus is a rugged yet economical choice.
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Modular design for fast installation and phased expansion
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Available with roll-up or sliding side walls for better ventilation
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Resistant to high wind loads
Best for growers looking for a cost-effective seasonal or 3-season solution.
Typical commercial greenhouse size: 3 bays of 31’6” x 213′
Ovaltech – Freestanding Greenhouses
Our signature freestanding greenhouse combines strength and simplicity.
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Built with exclusive oval tube framing for superior load resistance
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Available widths : 25′ to 42′
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Suitable for almost any crop
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Easy to relocate or reconfigure
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Optional automation for irrigation, ventilation, and heating
Perfect for producers who want a durable, easy-to-maintain structure with maximum ROI.
Typical commercial greenhouse size: 30′ x 96′
Luminosa – Gutter-Connected Greenhouses
A versatile heated solution for high-yield, year-round production.
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Expandable by bay in 21’ to 36’ increments
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Engineered for snow and wind loads across North America
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Supports advanced systems: heating, lighting, hydroponics, fogging
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Optimized for energy efficiency and climate uniformity
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Ideal for large oprations for vegetables, herbs, floriculture, and young plants
- Under-gutter heights: 12′ to 20′
Best for commercial growers seeking a high-tech structure with future-proof design.
Typical commercial greenhouse size: 8 bays of 30′ x 150′
Vermax – High-Tech Glass Greenhouses
The Vermax is our flagship model for large-scale, controlled-environment agriculture.
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Designed for NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) compliance
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Modular gutter-connected design
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Semi-closed growing systems, energy curtain, and CO₂ enrichment
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Peak energy efficiency with COP up to 7.5
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Circular water management system for sustainable irrigation
Ideal for agro-industrial, institutional projects, research, and intensive year-round production requiring high precision.
Each of our commercial greenhouse systems is engineered with expansion in mind—whether you need to add bays, lengthen your structure, or connect to additional zones or buildings. With Harnois, you’re not locked into a static footprint. You’re investing in a scalable platform that evolves with your production needs.
Planning Your Commercial Greenhouse Size
Not sure how big your professional greenhouse should be? We’re here to help. Harnois provides in-house engineering, agronomic support, and custom design services to help you plan every detail of your project.
When determining your ideal size, consider:
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Your production goals: weekly yield, crop diversity, growing cycles
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Market demands: seasonal or year-round supply
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Infrastructure: space for utilities, packing, storage, and access
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Expansion: future growth plans or phase-based construction
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Available land and site conditions: slope, drainage, orientation
Our team works with you to develop a greenhouse plan that fits your site, your crop, and your budget.
FAQ About Commercial Greenhouse Sizes
Yes! Modular designs, like Harnois’ gutter-connected greenhouses, make it simple to add sections as your business grows.
Location is critical. Choose a site with good sunlight, access to utilities, and proximity to your market. Harnois Greenhouses are designed to handle any climate as they are engineered and manufactured in Quebec, Canada, making them ideal for various locations.
Automation, such as irrigation and climate control systems, can maximize efficiency. Harnois integrates advanced technologies to reduce operational costs while enhancing yields.
Often, yes. Starting with a mid-sized greenhouse (~3,000–5,000 sq. ft.) allows you to test your market and processes before scaling up. You can easily expand once operations are stabilized.
Absolutely. The height affects ventilation, climate stability, and crop compatibility. For instance, tall greenhouses offer better climate stability, hence less stress on your crop.
FAQ About Harnois Greenhouses
Harnois designs and manufactures commercial greenhouses in Quebec, Canada, adhering to the highest standards. We offer durable, customizable solutions backed by 30 years of innovation.
Our Freestanding and Gutter-connected models are favorites among commercial growers for their versatility, durability, and ability to maximize crop yields.
Absolutely! We provide ongoing support, including parts replacement, technical assistance, and upgrades to ensure your greenhouse remains in peak condition.
Get a Commercial Greenhouse That Fits Your Vision
At Harnois, we don’t just build greenhouses—we help you build a growing system that supports your long-term success. Whether you’re installing a 3,000 sq. ft. high tunnel or a 100,000 sq. ft. glass greenhouse, our experts will guide you through every step.
👉 Let’s plan your commercial greenhouse size today. Contact our team for a custom consultation or explore our greenhouse models to get inspired.