You may be wondering - How do I build a geodesic dome or zome greenhouse? Building a greenhouse dome or zome is an exciting venture, but selecting the right material for covering your structure is crucial to ensuring its durability and functionality. Whether you're growing plants, creating a sustainable living space, or both, choosing the best material will impact the internal climate, longevity, and overall performance of your dome.
At Trillium Domes, we understand that this decision can be overwhelming with so many material options available. Over the years, we’ve worked with a variety of coverings and have designed our Ultimate Geodesic Dome and Zome Build Plans to accommodate these materials. This guide will help you make an informed choice and avoid costly mistakes. If you want to know more about what roofing materials to use on cabin type domes and zomes, see this post.
By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to pick the perfect material for your dome or zome, suited to your climate and needs.
Run-of-the-mill 5 mil polythene film - it's best to opt for string reinforced or woven material instead.
Why Choosing the Right Greenhouse Material Is So Important
When building a greenhouse dome or zome, the material you use for the covering is one of the most important factors to consider. It will directly affect the internal environment, including how much light your plants receive, how well the structure insulates, and how durable your dome is against weather conditions.
Historically, glass was the go-to for greenhouses, but advancements in materials have provided more effective options like polycarbonate and PVC. These modern alternatives not only offer better durability and insulation but also are more affordable and flexible, making them ideal for DIY dome projects. The most important detail to check is whether or not the material has a quality UV coating applied. Most of the higher ticket materials such as polycarbonate will even come with a warranty.
In our Ultimate Geodesic Dome and Zome Build Plans, we’ve accounted for a variety of material options, each suited for different climates and uses. This guide will help you understand which materials are the best fit for your specific greenhouse project.
The Best Materials for Greenhouse Domes and Zomes
Let’s break down the best options available for covering your dome or zome. Each material has its own strengths, so you’ll be able to choose the one that fits your needs, climate, and budget. I’ve also included some price ranges to give you a better idea of what to expect when shopping for materials.
1. String Reinforced or Woven Poly Film: Budget-Friendly and Effective for Greenhouses
From our 30' / 9m Dome Plans - Built by Brad Porter in Oregon
Woven poly film is one of the most affordable options for greenhouse coverings. It’s a translucent material that allows ample light for plant growth, while offering a strong barrier against weather. It’s highly puncture-resistant. You can even affordably add multiple layers (with or without gaps to create insulation) to create a seriously strong and insulated greenhouse for really cheap! Look for sources that are used by industrial growers and farmers.
Best for: Budget-conscious greenhouse builders, large structures.
Price Range: $0.10 – $0.50 per square foot, depending on thickness and UV protection.
Pros:
Affordable and durable.
Allows good light transmission for plant growth.
Easy to install and repair.
Can be layered for added insulation.
Our geodome build plans include guidance on attaching woven poly film to dome frames efficiently, making it a great option for those seeking a low-cost but functional solution.
2. Marine Grade Vinyl (PVC): Flexible, Strong, and Long-Lasting
From our 20' / 6m Dome Plans - Built by Paula in Australia
Marine grade vinyl is a durable, mid-range option that offers both flexibility and strength. It’s frequently used in the marine industry due to its ability to withstand harsh weather, and its resistance to punctures and tears makes it ideal for greenhouses. Marine grade vinyl is available in a variety of thicknesses and colors, allowing you to customize your structure. It can be applied to a dome in sections after it is framed or beforehand. By lapping the top seams over the bottom and joining the laps with PVC cement, the cover becomes extremely weatherproof and strong.
Best for: Greenhouses in harsher weather conditions or long-term projects.
Price Range: $0.75 – $1.50 per square foot, depending on thickness and UV resistance.
Pros:
Strong and resistant to damage.
Can be layered for added insulation.
Flexible and easy to work with.
If you're looking for a strong material that offers better longevity than woven poly film, marine grade vinyl is a great choice. Our Complete geodesic Dome and Zome DIY Plans offer tips on layering and securing this material to ensure your greenhouse remains durable and weather-resistant for years to come.
3. Twin Wall Polycarbonate: Strong, Insulated, and Nearly Indestructible
From our 23' / 7m Dome Plans - Built by Trillium Domes in Washington
Twin wall polycarbonate is the gold standard for greenhouse domes and zomes. Its fluted, dual-layer construction traps air between layers, providing excellent insulation while remaining lightweight and virtually unbreakable. It’s 250 times stronger than glass and offers superior protection against extreme weather, making it perfect for greenhouses in challenging climates.
Best for: High-performance, long-lasting greenhouse projects in extreme climates.
Price Range: $1.50 – $3.00 per square foot, depending on thickness.
Pros:
Excellent insulation properties.
Extremely durable and impact-resistant.
Great light diffusion for plant growth.
UV-treated to resist degradation from sunlight.
While twin wall polycarbonate is more expensive than other materials, its durability and efficiency make it an investment worth considering. Our How to build a geodesic dome or zome instructions show how to easily secure this material to dome frames, ensuring proper insulation and a long-lasting structure.
4. Solid Clear Polycarbonate: Crystal Clear Visibility with Durability
From our 16' / 5m Zome Plans - Built by Trillium Domes in Washington
For those who want a luxurious, crystal-clear finish, solid clear polycarbonate is the way to go. It offers unmatched transparency, allowing unobstructed views while still providing the strength and durability that polycarbonate is known for. This material is perfect for greenhouses where maximizing sunlight and visibility is key.
Best for: Aesthetically-focused greenhouses with high light requirements.
Price Range: $2.50 – $5.00 per square foot, depending on thickness and UV treatment.
Pros:
Crystal-clear transparency, ideal for sun-loving plants.
Strong and durable (250x stronger than glass).
Can be layered for better insulation.
Solid clear polycarbonate is more expensive, but it's an ideal choice if you're looking for clear views and durability. Our Geodesic Dome and Zome Build Guide provide detailed instructions for incorporating windows and using this material effectively in your greenhouse design.
What about glass? – I personally don’t use glass, but it is an option. Regular glass is hard to work with, brittle, and quite frankly dangerous. Tempered glass is an expensive but high quality option. Because it has to be cut and then tempered, that pretty much rules it out for DIY projects. Double glazed type windows would be a good choice for windows in a dome, but the cost is significant.
The Next Step Toward Building an Affordable DIY Dome or Zome Greenhouse
Now that you’re equipped with all the knowledge you need, it’s time to choose the best material for your greenhouse dome or zome. From budget-friendly woven poly film to premium twin wall polycarbonate, each material has its place depending on your goals and climate. You can Contact us for help sourcing these materials as well!
Ready to get started? Our Complete Geodome and Zome DIY Build Plans include step-by-step instructions for every material covered here, ensuring your dome or zome is perfectly tailored to your needs. If you're still unsure about which material is best for your project, feel free to reach out for personalized advice or leave a comment below!