DIY Greenhouse Project

 

           

How to build a Greenhouse

Introduction

 

This is a revised and updated version of the 'How to build a Greenhouse' project. The old version can be seen at http://www.buildeazy.com/greenhouse_imp.html

In this version, the greenhouse frame is constructed mainly out of 2"x4" (100mm x 50mm) which is a more common stock (in North America, anyway) than the 2"x3" (75mm x 50mm) called for in the original version. We will talk more about lumber sizes a bit further down the page.

Other modifications include a wider door to allow for a wheelbarrow if need be, and a bit more inside height. See, we do listen to feedback.

To view some photos of greenhouses sent into us by people who have used the plans go to http://www.buildeazy.com/greenhouse5-10.html. Photos of other peoples handiwork are a good source of help and inspiration.

Note: This complete project (all the pages together in one handy pdf file,ad free) can be purchased online and downloaded immediately to your computer for only $5.  Grab here.
To view all available plans in downloadable pdf file click here.

Description

This greenhouse consists of a lumber frame suitable for a cover such as a clear UV-resistant polythene film.
It is 8ft (2400mm) wide by 10ft (3000mm) and stands 8' 6" (2550mm) off the ground at the highest point.
There are two opening windows that span along the very top of the greenhouse and a door at either end (optional).
The greenhouse basically sits on the ground and is held in place by a few stakes around the bottom that are hammered into the ground and nailed to sides of the base.
It could be fixed more permanently if required without too much ado, and would probably need to be, if positioned anywhere other than a sheltered area.
It is ideal for areas that have just enough winter frosts to be annoying.

Where to place the greenhouse.

Choose a place likely to get the winter sun. The greenhouse should not be placed in a potential boggy area without drainage.
If the site is a low lying area, then it might be necessary to put in a drain (open, tile or metal) to re-direct any water flow away from the greenhouse site.        

Wood sizes and measurements

 

This projects is in both imperial (inches) and metric (mm).

All measurements are given in inches first followed by millimeters (mm) in brackets ().

The size of the framing lumber referred to in his project is the actual size, which is the size of the lumber after it has been dressed (smooth, planed, finished).
When the lumber is dressed, the actual size is then less than the nominal size.
For example: 2"x4" (100mm x 50mm) when dressed may be 1 1/2"x 3 1/2" (90mm x 45mm) actual size. The actual sizes can vary slightly from place to place.

Note: The imperial sizes are not an exact match to the equivalent metric sizes. A structure built using the imperial measurements (ft and in) will be approximately 1.6% larger than the same structure built using the metric (mm) measurements. The imperial measurements are more suited to North America. The metric measurements are more suited to Australasia.

About the angle cuts

There are two different angle cuts (off square) required for this project. One is 30 degrees off square, the other is 60 degrees off square.
To cut the 30 degree angle, simply set the blade on your miter saw to the required angle. The 60 degree angle will have to be cut with a circular saw, as miter saws will not do such a cut.
There is a 30 degree and a 60 degree angle pattern in appendix http://www.buildeazy.com/greenhouse5-9.html

Note: This complete project (all the pages together in one handy pdf file,ad free) can be purchased online and downloaded immediately to your computer for only $5.  Grab here.
To view all available plans in downloadable pdf file click here.

You will need

Around 330ft (100 meters) of 1 1/2"x 3 1/2" (90mm x 45mm) treated, or natural decay-resistant lumber for the frame. Some will need to br ripped down for parts of the windows and doors.
36ft (11 meters) of 4" x 4' (100mm x 100mm) treated for the base. (sawn lumber will do)
10ft (3 meters) 3/4"x 7 1/2" (190mm x 19mm) treated board for the fascia. I sheet of 4ft x 8ft x 3/8" (1200mm x 2400mm x 10mm) treated plywood for the gussets
350sq ft (30sq m) ultra-violet-resistant polythene for the covering
You will also need miscellaneous such as nails, galvanized plates, strapping, hinges, handles, latches etc.


 See this page at http://www.buildeazy.com/greenhouse5-2.html

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