Constructing a DIY backyard greenhouse can be a fun project for the whole family. It will provide the perfect place to grow plants, fruit and vegetables. Orchids, cacti and tropical fruits need the warmth and protection of a greenhouse if they are to thrive in colder climes. Before you start to build the structure, it is a good idea to research some of the common construction materials used to build greenhouses.
About three major decisions largely decide what you will need for this DIY build. The first thing to consider is the design; you can choose from several styles just like an 'A'-frame, slant-sided, lean-to, Gothic arch or Quonset. Some circular styles will undoubtedly be best suited to flexible coverings like PE (polyethylene film), whereas squarer structures need more firm coverings like glass or plastic. When you have opted for a style and a material for the covering, you must also select a proper matter from which to build the frame.
The substance you select for the frame will depend mainly on the type of covering to be used, as well as on price and permanence. Wood is usually used; always make sure that it has been correctly dealt with for outdoor applications. Galvanized or aluminium frames are durable and somewhat maintenance-free. PVC pipes can be bent into shape for Quonset-type frames, and covered in PE.
Remember that glass is an expensive option for greenhouse covering. It can also become brittle with age and exposure to the elements, and is obviously prone to being smashed. The weightiness of glass means that framework will have to be sturdily built, again pushing up costs.
Fibreglass reinforced panels are a light alternative to glass, created from thermoplastic or acrylic. Being lighter in weight means that they need a lesser amount of structural help. They are tough and keep heat within the green house more effectively than glass. These panels are also adequately adaptable to be formed to fit a Quonset design.
The most affordable material with which to protect a green house frame is PE. It is also quite possibly the most lightweight option. One important disadvantage with PE is that it tends to have a lifespan close to two years, after which it must be substituted. If you do with this particular alternative it is worth investing in proper accessories which can be effortlessly eliminated and put back again when new PE sheeting has been fitted.
Other regularly employed construction materials include slabs or mulch on the floor of the green house to suppress the rise of unwanted weeds. No matter what technique has been selected, secure footings (either poured cement or concrete blocks) will probably be necessary before beginning to put up the framework. Footings must always extend beyond the frost-line. Side-walls is definitely an aesthetically pleasing accessory for a greenhouse. The majority of people use cement blocks, bricks or stone for walls, but clapboard, shingles or mesothelioma rock can also be good. The majority of DIY greenhouse builds can be completed using only simple hand tools.
Size is obviously an important element in the planning for a greenhouse erection. This will depend upon the amount of garden space that is available and also local planning regulations. The height of the gardener and the plants they intend to grow will also affect the height required. Location is equally significant. A convenient position that is accessible in winter conditions makes sense, as does ensuring that tall structures and trees will not block the sunlight. In the US, a South-East to South-West alignment for the longer sides of the greenhouse will be the orientation that gives maximum sun coverage.
Suitable equipment can be used to adjust the weather within the greenhouse to suit the particular needs of the particular crops that you wish to propagate or expand. Planning and purchases will be required to make certain that the greenhouse has a supply of electricity and water for such equipment. You could also wish to think about drainage as well as the way of removing waste. When all these factors have been taken into account, it is time to check and mark out a floor plan. This can be done using string, and sticks can be used to represent the height of the structure. If all the criteria are met, the real building can go ahead.
In these days where recycling is the vital thing, and cash tight, it can be a wise decision to use old windows, doors as well as plastic containers as opposed to the more common construction materials employed to build green-houses. A large green house can be built out of 1,500 2-litre bottles. Four 4" by 4" supports and 2" by 2" frames could be attached to the bottles on a cane using staples. Repeat this process for the roof and you are prepared to start growing.
About three major decisions largely decide what you will need for this DIY build. The first thing to consider is the design; you can choose from several styles just like an 'A'-frame, slant-sided, lean-to, Gothic arch or Quonset. Some circular styles will undoubtedly be best suited to flexible coverings like PE (polyethylene film), whereas squarer structures need more firm coverings like glass or plastic. When you have opted for a style and a material for the covering, you must also select a proper matter from which to build the frame.
The substance you select for the frame will depend mainly on the type of covering to be used, as well as on price and permanence. Wood is usually used; always make sure that it has been correctly dealt with for outdoor applications. Galvanized or aluminium frames are durable and somewhat maintenance-free. PVC pipes can be bent into shape for Quonset-type frames, and covered in PE.
Remember that glass is an expensive option for greenhouse covering. It can also become brittle with age and exposure to the elements, and is obviously prone to being smashed. The weightiness of glass means that framework will have to be sturdily built, again pushing up costs.
Fibreglass reinforced panels are a light alternative to glass, created from thermoplastic or acrylic. Being lighter in weight means that they need a lesser amount of structural help. They are tough and keep heat within the green house more effectively than glass. These panels are also adequately adaptable to be formed to fit a Quonset design.
The most affordable material with which to protect a green house frame is PE. It is also quite possibly the most lightweight option. One important disadvantage with PE is that it tends to have a lifespan close to two years, after which it must be substituted. If you do with this particular alternative it is worth investing in proper accessories which can be effortlessly eliminated and put back again when new PE sheeting has been fitted.
Other regularly employed construction materials include slabs or mulch on the floor of the green house to suppress the rise of unwanted weeds. No matter what technique has been selected, secure footings (either poured cement or concrete blocks) will probably be necessary before beginning to put up the framework. Footings must always extend beyond the frost-line. Side-walls is definitely an aesthetically pleasing accessory for a greenhouse. The majority of people use cement blocks, bricks or stone for walls, but clapboard, shingles or mesothelioma rock can also be good. The majority of DIY greenhouse builds can be completed using only simple hand tools.
Size is obviously an important element in the planning for a greenhouse erection. This will depend upon the amount of garden space that is available and also local planning regulations. The height of the gardener and the plants they intend to grow will also affect the height required. Location is equally significant. A convenient position that is accessible in winter conditions makes sense, as does ensuring that tall structures and trees will not block the sunlight. In the US, a South-East to South-West alignment for the longer sides of the greenhouse will be the orientation that gives maximum sun coverage.
Suitable equipment can be used to adjust the weather within the greenhouse to suit the particular needs of the particular crops that you wish to propagate or expand. Planning and purchases will be required to make certain that the greenhouse has a supply of electricity and water for such equipment. You could also wish to think about drainage as well as the way of removing waste. When all these factors have been taken into account, it is time to check and mark out a floor plan. This can be done using string, and sticks can be used to represent the height of the structure. If all the criteria are met, the real building can go ahead.
In these days where recycling is the vital thing, and cash tight, it can be a wise decision to use old windows, doors as well as plastic containers as opposed to the more common construction materials employed to build green-houses. A large green house can be built out of 1,500 2-litre bottles. Four 4" by 4" supports and 2" by 2" frames could be attached to the bottles on a cane using staples. Repeat this process for the roof and you are prepared to start growing.
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