A greenhouse is a perfect space for growing plants and flowers. It allows one to start planning their gardening season early and extend it into the autumn.
The main challenge with traditional greenhouse setups is that they are usually too big for the average home. Instead of spending thousands on a massive greenhouse, build one from scratch.
A greenhouse can be used as a temporary structure that adds beauty to your property. It can also be a permanent structure that can disappear once it’s finished. The durable wood construction featured here can last for many seasons.
This design features high knee walls that provide plenty of space for growing plants. To allow for easy access, we used a sheet of weighted plastic to secure the door. For ventilation, we used a wood-frame vent cover that’s designed to fit over one rafter bay.
You can assemble the greenhouse’s frame using a variety of tools and methods. Some of these include using nails and deck screws.
What to Know Before You Start
There Are a Lot of Things To Consider Before Choosing The Greenhouse That’s Right For You. Such As:
Local Ordinances
Make sure that the greenhouse is allowed to be built on your property before applying for a building permit. In most cases, a greenhouse is considered an outbuilding, which means it will have to be approved by the homeowner’s association (HOA).
Orientation to the Sun
Ideally, a greenhouse should be placed in the yard to receive the most sun exposure. This is also important to ensure that it’s positioned correctly to take advantage of the morning sun.
Ideally, a greenhouse should receive at least six hours of continuous sunlight each day. It should also be able to support a blanket of snow.
Glazing Options
Conventional glass is the most popular type of greenhouse material. However, due to its heavy and fragile nature, many people who build their own greenhouse panels use plastic or fiberglass.
Panel systems made of fiberglass, acrylic, and polycarbonate are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, they can also get damaged over time.
Frame Materials
Most greenhouse frames are made of either wood or metal. This type of material is cheaper and easier to work with than wood.
Floor Materials
The greenhouse’s floor can be made of various materials such as flagstone, wood decking, or even bare dirt. It’s important to keep the yard dry to avoid damaging the floor.
Although concrete is extremely durable, it can be very costly to install. Instead, opt for a gravel floor.
Temperature Regulation
Having the capability to regulate the temperature inside a greenhouse is very important. This can help prevent the internal temperature from getting too hot.
When the weather turns cold, a warm greenhouse is best maintained by using an electric heater. In moderate climates, a solar system can help provide supplemental heat.
How to Make a Green House
To install a greenhouse, make sure the area is flat and well-drained. Then, arrange the timber timbers so they are level and have square corners.
To make sure that the timber has square corners, cut 12 pieces of rebar to length at 24 inches. Using a sledgehammer, push the rebar through the holes to make sure that the bar is aligned with the timber.
Position the studs and plates for the two knee walls on the center of the greenhouse. Mark the studs’ layout onto the plates and caps.
Position the knee walls on the timber’s base and fasten the sole plate to the top portion using 3 deck screws.
Position the ridge support posts to the proper position. Cut the plates to length and install one post at the center of the sole plate.
Create and Cut Rafter
Position the template rafter against the end of the knee wall cap and the ridge. Take note of the cutting lines for the rafter.
Using a template, mark the sections of the rafters that you want to cut using the cutting lines.
Position the rafters against the ridge and the knee wall caps using the deck screws.
Lay out the frame for the door using the various lengths and directions. It’s important to make sure that the timber is flush to the frame.
Follow the same steps as before to build the greenhouse’s back and side frames.
Wrap the frames in plastic. Use a hammer and the foil fixers to secure the plastic. You can also trim any excess plastic to make the greenhouse look neat.
To secure the studs, screw the hinges into the studs using the supplied screws. Then, attach the pad bolt to the door.
Position the frames on the base and attach the other pieces using the bugle screws.
Position the studs on the flat surface of the greenhouse and plumb the bottom edge of the rafter.
Follow the step-by-step guide to complete the door frame. Position the front support post 78″ up from the sole plate. Use a circular saw to make a square cut.
Covering Greenhouse
Cover the greenhouse’s walls with a layer of poly sheeting that’s designed to fit the framing. Secure the sheeting to the framework using wood tack strips that are secured with wire brads.
Roll the sheeting to the top and down the other side of the greenhouse and secure it with the tack strips.
Create the door by using a piece of sheeting that’s a little larger than the opening. Secure the top portion of the door with a tack strip.
Cut a hole in the roof of the rafter bay and tack the plastic to the faces of the rafters, ridge pole, and wall cap. Then, build a frame from 1 2 stock and extend it to the top of the knee wall.
Kit: Plastic door kits are made from self-adhesive zipper strips. You can also make your own by using the same material and securing it with a tack strip.