Greenhouse Tubing & Pipe

Greenhouse construction typically requires three categories of tubing.

Structural framing uses galvanized round or square tubing in sizes from 1-3/8 inch to 2-3/8 inch OD for arches, purlins, and ridge poles. Bench framing relies on smaller-diameter square tubing (3/4 inch to 1 inch) for worktables and display racks. Irrigation and heating systems use thin-wall round tubing from 1/2 inch to 1 inch for convection heating loops and water distribution lines.

Sonco stocks all three categories in galvanized finishes designed for the high-humidity greenhouse environment.

In-line galvanized tubing offers several advantages over raw or post-galvanized steel in greenhouse environments. The continuous zinc coating protects against the constant moisture, humidity, and chemical exposure from fertilizers and pesticides that greenhouses produce.

Unlike hot-dip galvanized tubing, in-line galvanized products have a smooth, consistent surface that reduces condensation drip points and makes cleaning easier. The coating also eliminates the need for painting, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Sonco offers flexible shipping and packaging solutions tailored to greenhouse projects. Tubing can be shipped in full bundles for large-scale builds or in smaller quantities for repairs and expansions. Standard packaging includes banded bundles shipped on a covered truck for protection against all elements and to prevent transit damage.

Delivery options include direct-to-site shipping for commercial greenhouse operations, and orders can be coordinated across multiple stocking locations to optimize freight costs and delivery times.

The clear organic topcoat applied over the zinc layer serves as an additional moisture barrier that is particularly valuable in greenhouse settings. This topcoat prevents white rust (zinc oxide buildup) that can occur when galvanized surfaces are exposed to prolonged moisture without airflow.

It also provides a smoother surface finish that resists dirt and algae accumulation, which keeps the tubing looking clean longer. For greenhouse operators, this means less maintenance and a more professional appearance in customer-facing growing operations.

Sonco provides several fabrication services to support greenhouse builders. These include cut-to-length processing for precise frame dimensions, swaging (reducing one tube end to create slip-fit connections without external couplings), and custom bending for arch-style greenhouse frames.

Pre-fabricated components reduce on-site labor and ensure consistent quality across large greenhouse projects.

Sourcing from a supplier with multiple warehouse locations reduces freight costs and shortens delivery windows, which is critical during the seasonal greenhouse building peak.

Sonco’s distribution network allows growers and builders to receive materials from the nearest stocking point, minimizing transit time and shipping expenses. This multi-location approach also provides inventory redundancy, so if one warehouse is low on a particular size, another location can fulfill the order without project delays.