Greenhouse Benches Selection Guide – 5 vital types to know

Greenhouse Benches Selection Guide – 5 Vital Types to Know

Want more information on Wire Greenhouse Bench? Feel free to contact us.

Benches are useful accessories to organize plants in greenhouses. They help maximize space and add a decorative touch to the greenhouse interior. With their ergonomic height, they provide convenience to gardeners and improve WHS in horticultural workplaces.

Greenhouse benches come in different types. To know which one suits your needs, here are five types of greenhouse benches. Read on to learn more.

1. Slatted Benches

This is the traditional form of benches. Most slatted benches are elevated for at least 2 1/2 feet above the ground. This type of bench provides good aeration to the plants.

Good air circulation minimizes the risk of root rot and other foliar diseases, especially during winter. It also helps dry the plants quickly after watering.

Slatted benches are often made from metal slats or wood. Here are the differences between wood and metal benches.

• Wood Benches

Generally, wood benches are popular for their aesthetics and affordability.

Treated lumber is the best option, but other durable and humid-resistant options include locust, cedar, redwood, and cypress.

However, wooden benches are more susceptible to insect infestations, swelling, decay, and cracking when exposed to humidity, daily watering, and sunlight.

To prolong the lifespan of wooden benches, paint them with copper naphthenate to protect against decay, fungi, and insects.

• Metal Benches

Metal benches are ideal for growing weighty plants like large ferns and potted trees. They may be more expensive, but they are practical due to their low maintenance and longevity.

The two common metals used are aluminum and steel.

a. Aluminum - Most aluminum staging is durable, lightweight, maintenance-free, and rust-resistant. They provide good drainage and air circulation.

b. Galvanized steel - For more sturdy benches, galvanized steel is used. It resists rot and decay and is known for its durability. Though expensive to install, it’s a one-time cost.

2. Netted Benches

Netted benches typically have a wire top, although plastic versions exist. Wire tops are preferred by gardeners as they are easy to disinfect. They provide good air circulation but have some drawbacks. They are not suited for automatic watering and are not ideal for potting workstations.

Another downside is that they can sag under the weight of pots and tend to corrode over time. It's recommended to use rustproof paint to protect against rust.

3. Solid Benches

Solid benches usually have a corrugated or flat sheet of metal, wood, or plastic on top. Plastic benches are lightweight, portable, durable, and do not rust. They are easy to handle and require low maintenance.

These benches conserve heat in winter, making them ideal for holding compost for potting plants. However, they are difficult to disinfect and are not fireproof. Potting plants cannot be kept long on solid benches due to poor air circulation.

4. Rolling Benches

Rolling benches are moveable, allowing workers to shift plants within the greenhouse. They improve airflow and reduce plant diseases. Rolling benches allow for additional production space by eliminating walkways, offering 24%-33% more space in a typical greenhouse layout. They also improve crop efficiency.

5. Flood Benches

Flood benches help control irrigation and minimize plant diseases by keeping leaves dry. Fertilizer consumption is reduced by re-circulating water.

Selecting the best size for greenhouse benches brings comfort to workers. Consider these factors:

• Height of the worker

Commercial houses require benches suitable for all workers. A convenient height is 32-36 inches, and width should be 42-48 inches if accessible from both sides, or 30-36 inches if accessible from one side only.

• Types of growing plants

Tall flowering plants should be on lower benches for easy access. Small plants can be on higher benches to reduce injuries from stooping or bending.

Conclusion

Using benches in greenhouses maximizes space, provides good aeration essential for plant growth, and makes work more comfortable for gardeners and workers. For quality greenhouse benches, check out trusted nursery equipment manufacturers with over 50 years in the market.

Greenhouse & Nursery Applications