Greenhouse Design?
 

Hi,

I'm looking to have a new outside greenhouse made from polycarbonate and shade cloth, for the structure treated pine seems like a good option.

Anyone know if there's anywhere on the web that has plans and ideas for this kind of construction?

Thanks

Darren

Darren, I know polycarbonate is very strong, but with time and sun exposure it yellows unless UV treated...but you knew that....acrylic is also very strong and doesn't yellow ..... :twocents:

I'm sure if you do a google search, you are sure to find some kind of plans....why not design your own...it really isn't difficult. Many years ago I designed a 16 x 20 attached lean-to with built-in gas heaters, window vents, electrical and water. It was of simple form using treated wood set on a 4' brick wall with the glazing sloped at 60deg to max out southern exposure....I was growing cactus and succulents at the time but would work today for chids, just need some serious sun protection.

check this one out.......

Yvonne's Main Page, (see my Home Page for outside picture )

I knew about the polycarbonate but not the acrylic. I will look into that. I am happy to design it but thought there might be a site that gives me ideas on what to include, things I may not have thought of. I have no skills at all when it comes to building things so I have to get someone else to do it for me, I wish I had more knowledge of that stuff. I guess I can learn by helping.

I need it to be able to hang one layer of shade in winter and two layers of shade in summer, hopefully there is a way of designing that into the building.

Hey Yvonne I really love your house, that one looks terrific.

Darren, when you speak of "layers of shade", are you making reference to the glazing surface? If you mean shade cloth, it is cheaper and easier to purchase pre-cut shade cloth at specific %%%% and change it out as needed. That's what I do. I start in March with 60% and about June 1st, change to 70% and in Sept back to 60% and by mid October I remove all shade and go through the winter Exposed :shock: :photo: :rofl:

As for the the things you'll need inside the GH, the most important of course are Heat source, Electical source and Water. Because of my specific setup, I was unable to run water into the GH so I make do with a 3 gallon hand sprayer for the winter and I have a hose for the summer. I installed a natural gas line and electical underground into the GH. None of this is rocket science! Trust yourself, you're not brain-dead....I'm brain-dead and I did it! You can purchase the glazing online in 4 x 8 sheets usually a twin-wall design of various thicknesses(google search). You must know someone or friends who can help. I know it sounds unbelieveably challanging but it isn't any thing more than measure twice, cut once! And if you are building a lean-to style GH it is even easier because you already have your 1st wall done and the header gets nailed to that wall. Then you just string out your ceiling joists so they rest on your distal header which you can make out of 2 or 3, 2 x 8's bolted together. Then install the run from that header to your base wall. And, yes, there is alot of work but it is fun and not soooo very difficult. Like I said I built a 16 x 20 unit totally alone! You learn to get creative when you work alone as to how to get things done! If you are interested, I'd be happy to help....PM me.

I built a 12'x12' polycarbonate on treated wood GH using my own design. I looked closely at the design of the Cedar-Built GHs (post & beam) and adapted it to 4x4 posts and crossbeams on the ends and 2x4 studs and rafters. I built it on a standard 12'x12' deck of treated wood for the floor. Im very happy with the result.

:photo: Pics anyone?? :) We would ALL love to see your GH's ;)

GH Photos
 

Here are photos, nearly finished. Deck built on block foundation (neighborhood requirement); GH built on deck. 12x12 pottery studio in back for wife. Some photos too large. May have failed to post. Edited: added 3 lower color photos.

Wow!! That's looks Awesome HD!! Great Job!!

Yeah awesome ideas, keep them coming......;-)

I think I know what to do with mine. It needs to be open with shade cloth allowing a breeze to come through whilst also having a solid roof to stop frost and rain coming in.

I just need a builder.....;-)