Contents
This a complete guide with video tutorial on how to build a greenhouse for plants on your terrace. Shade House or Green-Net house benefits in gardening, Different colors of shade-nets and How to Make GreenHouse or Polyhouse – Its Planning, Design Ideas and Construction of shade house at home gardening or terrace gardening level.

What is a GreenHouse?
Also known as a shadenet house, net house, green net house, greenhouse, polyhouse, and similar terms, a shade house is a framed structure enclosed by nets or other woven materials designed to filter sunlight, moisture, and air. It creates an appropriate microclimate for optimal plant growth.
Green-House Materials and Factors
Shade nets are made from 100% polyethylene thread with specialized UV treatment. They come in various shade percentages or factors, such as 15%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 75%, and 90%. For example, a 35% shade factor means the net will reduce light intensity by 35%, allowing 65% of light to pass through.
Colors of Shadenets
Shade nets are available in different colors, including white, black, red, blue, yellow, and green, as well as in combinations like Green x Black, Black x Black, White x Black, and Green x Green. Darker shades generally filter more sunlight, while Green x Green shades enhance photosynthesis, resulting in better foliage for ornamental plants.
Design and How to Build a GreenHouse

Site Selection & Orientation:
- Single span structures can be oriented either east-west or north-south.
- Multispan structures should be oriented north-south to ensure uniform light intensity.
Structure:

- Frame: The best material for framing is mild steel (MS), which can last over 25 years depending on the gauge. I use 16-gauge material, with 3-inch diameter MS pipes for pillars and 2-inch pipes for top frame support. You can include decorative elements like hooks for hanging pots, multiple pot stands, vertical garden areas, and provisions for garden swings, based on your budget. Periodically perform anti-rust treatments by painting the MS material every 2-3 years.
- Alternative: Bamboo sticks are a cheaper alternative, but they have a lifespan of around 5 years.
Shade Net Material:
- Choose the shade percentage based on your local climate. In my area, a 50% green-green shade net is commonly used. Secure the shade net cloth firmly at all ends to keep it taut and maintain a professional look. Ensure that at least 2 sides are left open for good air flow, and consider adding gaps at side walls to enhance air circulation.
Design and Decoration:
- The design and decoration depend on your engineering skills, budget, and the dimensions of the shade house.
Cost of a GreenHouse:
- The cost of shade net cloth varies by location and shade percentage. A 50% shade net typically costs $1 to $2 per square meter. The cost of MS framing is approximately $2 to $3 per square foot, including material and labor.
Benefits of GreenHouse in Gardening and Farming
- Growth and Development: Promotes proper growth for various types of plants, including flowers, ornamentals, medicinal plants, vegetables, and fruits, particularly in hot climates.
- Enhanced Yield: Improves yield and reduces losses due to excessive heat.
- Pest Protection: Shields crops from many pest attacks.
- Weather Protection: Protects crops from natural weather disturbances such as wind, rain, hail, frost, and pests.
- Grafting: Useful in graft production, reducing failure rates during hot summer days.
- Vermicomposting: Creates a favorable microenvironment for vermicompost production.
- Additional Uses: Useful for hardening plants, terrace gardening, fencing, and more.
Video Tutorial on Installing Greenhouse
Please watch this detailed video showing you the construction of greenhouse on terrace.