Low cost greenhouse

[willyb]

8'x8'x8' Built from 1/2" plywood and 2x4s resawn to 2x2. 3 layers of shelving. Will have poly cover. Material costs about $160

That is really neat !! Must have been a lot of work- I love the curves- want to see a photo after the poly is on.

[strax]

nice job, i wish i was that handy!

160 is the cost without the cover, correct?

[Worth1]

Looks nice.

It's great having a table saw isn't it.

I use mine all of the time.

Worth

[Defiant20]

Nicely done. Were you working from a set of plans or was this something you designed yourself? Also, is the top for ventilation?

[Boutique Tomatoes]

That is sweet. I've been going back and forth on different designs for a while now, I'd love to see some more picutures of what you've done.

[willyb]

The design is my own for this greenhouse. The concept of building a plywood gothic arch is old. I think I first saw the idea in Mother Earth news about 35 years ago.

The plans are scribbles on my shop table. It is an easy build.

Layout a curve on a sheet of plywood or table or lumber. Drive nails on curve, as few as possible to bend plywood around. Rip 1/2 plywood into 1-1/2' x 8 foot strips. Place one piece on curve, add spacer blocks, set in other side. Glue and air nail, nail or screw all together.

I put 2 -1/2 trusses together in the shop and added shelving members. (5 trusses in 8' length) Wife and I set finished trusses on base.

The box on top is a vent. I will build air intake near bottom. (hinged frame)I thought it was a good idea at the time, but too much work. Next one I build for my sister will have a vent on the back wall near the top.

The $160 cost includes $20 worth of poly. I may use natural UV coroplast, that would add to the cost 7 sheets @ $16

I think this is a good design, particularly for Canada. It spills wind and sheds snow. Light, 2 persons can move it. Very strong. Easy to vent and heat.

I will plant tomatos on the north side in wicking rubbermaids on the ground and let them vine up the trusses. Lots of shelve space for my wife's flowers. Will hang planters from the top.

Tools I used - Table saw, band saw, skill saw, air brad nailer, screwgun

This structure could be built with a skill saw and hammer only.

Brad

[Worth1]

Originally Posted by willyb

The design is my own for this greenhouse. The concept of building a plywood gothic arch is old. I think I first saw the idea in Mother Earth news about 35 years ago.

The plans are scribbles on my shop table. It is an easy build.

Layout a curve on a sheet of plywood or table or lumber. Drive nails on curve, as few as possible to bend plywood around. Rip 1/2 plywood into 1-1/2' x 8 foot strips. Place one piece on curve, add spacer blocks, set in other side. Glue and air nail, nail or screw all together.

I put 2 -1/2 trusses together in the shop and added shelving members. (5 trusses in 8' length) Wife and I set finished trusses on base.

The box on top is a vent. I will build air intake near bottom. (hinged frame)I thought it was a good idea at the time, but too much work. Next one I build for my sister will have a vent on the back wall near the top.

The $160 cost includes $20 worth of poly. I may use natural UV coroplast, that would add to the cost 7 sheets @ $16

I think this is a good design, particularly for Canada. It spills wind and sheds snow. Light, 2 persons can move it. Very strong. Easy to vent and heat.

I will plant tomatos on the north side in wicking rubbermaids on the ground and let them vine up the trusses. Lots of shelve space for my wife's flowers. Will hang planters from the top.

Tools I used - Table saw, band saw, skill saw, air brad nailer, screwgun

This structure could be built with a skill saw and hammer only.

Brad

The layout method you speak of is called Lofting in the boat and ship building community.

Again good job

[RebelRidin]

Very nice

[willyb]

Thanks for the comment on lofting, Worth. I don't know how many tomato growers are boatbuilders also so I avoid useing terms like lofting, fairing, spilling, scantlings, abaft, abeam, lee ect.

[willyb]

Thanks Mark,

I should have some more pics to show soon. I have 1/2 day of work to finish, hopefully this week if it warms up here in Alberta.

[dokutaaguriin]

Impressive greenhouse!
Jeff

[Mark0820]

Excellent job! I can't wait to see pictures of the finished greenhouse.

[velikipop]

Very nice indeed. I would love to get my hands on a plan for one of these, since something similar bought is abou $900.00. Great work.

[willyb]

Thanks for the comment. The weather is predicted to be good here this weekend, I hope to finish mine as I have plants waiting for a new home.

If you are serious about wanting to build one, I'll draw up a plan for you and upload it. They are easy to build.