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oraylawson

Help for 10 x 12 HFGH

oraylawson
17 years ago

Having assembled the Harbor Freight 10x 12Â greenhouse kit and finding the kit complete and all parts fabricated correctly, but finding the assembly instructions incomplete and difficult to follow, I would like to offer the following corrections and suggestions as a supplement to the instructions for those wishing to assemble this greenhouse. I will note all suggestions, as such, since they are not required for completion of the assembly. I will also note which page the comment applies to.

Page 5 of instructions.

(Suggestion) The included base frame assembly is made of mild steel and as such may not last for very long if in contact with the ground. The base frame should be attached to a decay resistant "foundation" which has been anchored to the ground. At a minimum it should be attached to a "foundation" frame constructed of 2"x4" decay resistant lumber which has been staked to the ground. If using pressure treated lumber, a barrier of rubber, vinyl, builders felt, or other suitable material should be installed between the base frame and "foundation" to prevent reaction between the steel and treated lumber.

Page 6 of instructions.

1) The parts list and drawing incorrectly shows parts #7a and #7b. All four corners are IDENTICAL. There will be four holes at the top, TWO sets of two offset holes in the center, and two holes at the bottom, with the holes being in the same location in all four corners All holes should be in the sides without the lipped edge and the sides with the holes will face the inside of the greenhouse. The lipped edge is designed to hold panel clips and looks just like the lip on the outside of the studs.

(Suggestion) To aid in assembly attach the diagonal corner braces, part #80, in place temporarily, to help support the corners as the corners will tend to fall over if only attached at the base. DonÂt tighten the nuts on the braces as they will need to be removed to install the wall studs.

Page 7 of instructions.

2) When assembling the back wall braces parts #31, and the stud connectors part # 48, the flat side of part #48 will be against the wall braces, and part #48 will be on the outside of the greenhouse. Part #48 will be used later to join part #18 and part#19 to the top of the center wall studs. Install the braces, part #31 with the arrows pointing toward the corners.

3) The front ceiling plates, parts #24 and #25 can not be connected together on their own. You must use part #27, the right door rail as a splice plate. Use the two holes near the center of the right door rail, part #27 to join the front ceiling plates. You can also attach the left door rail, part #26 at the same time. The front ceiling plates are attached to the OUTSIDE of the corners not inside as stated in the instructions.

Hint: When you look at the drawings of the ceiling plates and door rails in the parts list they are drawn in the same orientation that they will be installed. Looking at the profile drawing, the top of the part is at the top and the bottom of the part is at the bottom.

Page 8 of instructions.

4) At all three center side wall studs, part #14 (both sides), all three center roof studs, part #15 (both sides), and two center back wall studs, part #14, you will need to install FOUR long bolts in the slot in the studs between two short bolts. The short bolts will be used to attach the studs at the top and bottom and the four long bolts will be used later in the assembly to attach the horizontal wall braces, parts #30 and parts #31 and the horizontal roof braces parts #30 . The instructions incorrectly state only two long bolts between two short bolts.

5) When attaching the wall studs be sure to install the hold down connecters part #47 at the bottom of each stud. The instructions require that you go back and install the hold down connectors later and this is a step that you can save.

Page 9 of instructions.

6) When attaching the horizontal braces parts # 30 and #31 make sure that the arrows at the ends of the braces always point toward the corners.

Page 11 of instructions.

(Suggestion) To aid in assembly of the roof install the left handed crown beams part #9, and the right handed crown beams part #8 to the front and rear walls, then assemble the front and rear crown, parts #10 and #11 together and attach to the front and rear crown beams. Now you can install all the roof studs, parts #15 in place, on top of the greenhouse. There is no need to assemble the entire roof on the ground and then lift it into place.

With careful reading, study of the drawings, and study of the parts list profile drawings, all other steps in the assembly are relatively straightforward.

There are posts on the forum reguarding additional bracing, additional panel clips, taping panels, etc. but these are optional and can be adopted as you see fit.

I hope that you will find this helpful!!

Ray

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