Please, help me with my greenhouse plans!

16 years ago

Junkers! Put on your Thinking Caps!

I posted on the greenhouse forum but they were not very helpful. I guess that they just don't have the creative urges that we do here. One person actually told me to just go BUY one! Where's the fun in that?

OK. Here's what I've got:

all the 2'x 4' tempered glass I want. DH works for a store fixture manufacturer and they don't need the tempered glass shelves that are taking up room in their warehouse. There are pallets of it!!!!!!!!

4 large sheets (4'x 6') of not tempered glass.

7 old window sashes with mullions all the same size, in good condition.

Purchasing the lumber necessary is a given. I'm saving a ton on the glass and freecycled a storm door already so that's OK.

I have every kind of saw except a radial arm saw and a scroll saw and was a farm girl raised by a shop teacher so I'm not afraid to tackle this. I even have a finish nailer, my latest toy!

I would like to be able to take the greenhouse apart and move it since we plan to get some acreage in about a year. I'm thinking modular. I'd like to be able to start things in it in early spring. I am planning on a passive heating system--barrels of water that heat up in the day and keep it warm during the night. I'd make the north side solid with a vent fan opening.

Here's what I was thinking. I can make the frames for the tempered glass from pressure treated 2x4's that I make parallel grooves in to hold the glass making double pane windows. Miter the corners and caulk in the glass. I know that they won't be completely weather tight just better than single pane. How do I hold them together in a fairly weather tight manner that can be disassembled. Mending plates and caulk? Screw them to a frame?

Also, I am thinking about making the roof hinge open for ventilation in the summer. I'd just weather strip that in on the edges I think.

I know that you all will have some great input. You always do. Please, forgive me for posting on that 'other' forum first. I won't do it again! =)

Thanks!

~~Mimi

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Comments (2)

nonacook
16 years ago
Sounds like you have a good plan! To make it moveable, do it in 4x8 foot panels for the sides. Or close to that depending on the sizes of the panes plus the wood. That does the sides, but the ends, and the roof would have to be 'played with' to make them fit. You have all the equiptment you need it seems. I would use screws to put it together tho, so it could be taken apart easily.
A little more thought and you have it made! Maybe someone else will come up with a better suggestion...
butch_idaho
16 years ago
Sounds good to me... I do see problems with the double panes... The ones on a house, are filled with a gas and vacumed. I would be afraid of condensation inbetween.

If you are just starting plants early, then I think one pane would be enough, 2 panes is going to double the weight and I don't think a 2x4 structure could handle that, plus if you want to make a ventable roof, that is more for you to lift. and support while open.

How large of a green house do you want? What is the largest section you think you can safely move? Let me know, I love figuring out things like this...

Butch
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Please, help me with my greenhouse plans!

Comments (2)

nonacook

butch_idaho

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