DIY Wooden Greenhouse

[freefolk]

Good Evening, having looked at some "easy to put up" plans for aluminium greenhouses, myself and the wife are going to build a simple wooden greenhouse. Does anyone know of any websites that do plans (PDF form) for such a project? Many thanks.

[nickdub]

First things to consider are how big you want it to be and whether you can get second-hand timber and/or glazing sheets - I've done a few DIY building projects over the years and the combination of site with what materials I could get cheaply, has to an extent dictated the end result - of course the more money you are prepared to spend, the greater your freedom of choice .

[freefolk]

Probably going to b e 6' x 6' and polycarb panels.

[veggiechicken]

Lots of info on how to build a GH using plastic bottles. Maybe use the advice on building a timber frame and glaze it with polycarb instead?

http://www.reapscotland.org.uk/wp-co...tions_2004.pdf

[nickdub]

Probably going to b e 6' x 6' and polycarb panels.

If you are going polycarb for the roof I'd suggest just having a simple sloping roof and getting proper glazing bars for where the sheets go next to one another - call it about 8' lengths for a 6' span and go from that. so you are looking at making a wooden box for the sides with one side higher than the opposite one to give you the slope You need to get the bars going from front to back in the right place for the width of the sheets and allow a little bit for expansion in hot weather

then you can put the sheets up on the sides after, just by screwing right through them if you want or use wood pieces to cap over them where they butt against one another - you may need some hinged bits so you can manage the ventilation.

[Stan79]

Have you checked the price of polycarbonate sheets? The clear stuff (not twin wall) is pretty expensive... i looked into doing similar and in the end got a free greenhouse off a family friend!

[nickdub]

polycarb is dear but then it lasts virtually for ever, and is much easier to work with than glass.

One time I was building a work shed come greenhouse, I manage to buy a complete conservatory where the roof was polycarb and the sides double glazed glass for around £100 - had to hire a van to shift it back home as there was so much of it and it took a day to take down, but I reckon it was a good investment - got a grapevine and my woodworking tools includion a lathe and a 6' high bandsaw in it now.

[veggiechicken]

Have you checked the price of polycarbonate sheets? The clear stuff (not twin wall) is pretty expensive... i looked into doing similar and in the end got a free greenhouse off a family friend!

I have 3 Free GHs - from neighbours, friends and Freecycle. Lots are given away if you're able to dismantle, move and re-erect.

[Snadger]

Plastic /polycarb greenhouses can turn into box kites if you are not careful.

[greenishfing]

I have 3 Free GHs - from neighbours, friends and Freecycle. Lots are given away if you're able to dismantle, move and re-erect.

I agree. Before you go the whole hog of starting from scratch have a look around and see what is being given away. Recycling old greenhouses can work out much cheaper.