DIY Greenhouse plans - build your own DIY greenhouse, free step by step plans by ANA-WHITE.com

Preparation
- 3 - 2x4 @ 10 feet long - use on back wall
- 5 - 2x4 @ 12 feet long - use on sides/ridgepole DO NOT CUT
- 32 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
- 11 - 12 foot x 26" standard corrugated plastic greenhouse panels
- 1 - 8 foot long x 26" wide standard corrugated plastic greenhouse panel (use on door side)
- 3 - 12 foot long tin panels (use on sides and back)
- 1 - 8 foot long tin panel (use on front)
- Tin screws
- 28 - 4' long ribbing strips
- L flashing (optional for the corners)
- You'll need either metal gussets for the trusses or to cut plywood ones from 1/2" plywood
Cut list is in plan at each step
Instructions
Step 1
Step 3
Step 6
- 4 – 2X4 @ 48” (BOTH ENDS CUT AT 22 ½ DEGREES, ENDS NOT PARALLEL)
- 1 – 2X4 @ 117 7/8” (BOTH ENDS CUT AT 22 1/2" DEGREES, ENDS NOT PARALLEL)
- 1 – 2X4 @ 55 3/8 (TOP CUT TO DOGEARED POINT, 22 ½ DEGREES)
- 2 – 2X4 @ 55 ¼” (TOP CUT TO DOGREARED POINT, BOTTOM CUT 45 DEGREES OFF SQUARE, END CLIPPED)
The back truss is built same as front. See next step for close up of the center cuts
Step 8
Step 9
- 10 2X4 @ 48” (BOTH ENDS CUT AT 22 ½ DEGREES ENDS NOT PARALLEL)
- 10 2X4 @ 47 1/4” (BOTH ENDS CUT AT 22 ½ DEGREES ENDS NOT PARALLEL) - shorter rafters go up to meet the ridgepole. I marked all shorter rafters to avoid confusion.
For the common rafters of this barn style greenhouse, we ended up using plywood gussets to save money. After cutting quite a few, I figured out how to cut gussets the super quick and easy way - got gusset cutting down to less than a minute each.
We put gussets on both sides of each rafter joint with glue and screws. We made all of the small trusses first on the ground, then it was just a matter of stacking them on the ridgepole and attaching to the studs. We used 8 screws per gusset. Common rafters are installed flush to top of ridgepole and flush to outside of side walls. We had to "toenail" the screws in - meaning they are screwed in at an angle. We used glue and 3" screws from both sides.
Step 10
The plan will get you through the framing.
At this point, you could use plastic paper, lexan glass panels, you name it to seal the frame in.
We used the corrugated plastic panels detailed earlier for installation. IMPORTANT: If you do not use panels you will need some sort of lateral support to keep the greenhouse from swaying side to side. Try 12 foot long 2x4s.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
Kosodate Farm (not verified)
Fri, 05/18/2012 - 14:29
Will the gambrel roof hold ut to the snow?
Hi,
I'm just wondering how the roof will hold up under the weight of snow.
Thanks Ana!
In reply to Will the gambrel roof hold ut to the snow? by Kosodate Farm (not verified)
Ana White
Sat, 05/19/2012 - 12:34
The roof is very strong. The
The roof is very strong. The Ram was standing on it yesterday to put the ridge cap up and there's no give.
Sue_McL
Fri, 05/18/2012 - 17:52
Aquaponics?
This looks about just the right size for my greenhouse!
I'll be curious to see what you do for winterizing it. Maybe use bubble wrap in "ceiling?"
Looks like it would support the snow load and I am thinking about heating with a fish tank -- about 500 gallons of warm water should be able to keep the veggies growing... and allow me to harvest fish too!
Thanks Ana!!!
Kosodate Farm (not verified)
Sat, 05/19/2012 - 07:43
How did you move it from the driveway?
Hi Ana,
Is the greenhouse light enough to relocate from where it is built? Can you recommend the best way to move it? thanks!
In reply to How did you move it from the driveway? by Kosodate Farm (not verified)
Ana White
Sat, 05/19/2012 - 12:31
Hi! The greenhouse isn't
Hi! The greenhouse isn't that heavy - we moved it by putting it on a trailer and then taking it off with just my husband and father-in-law. The best option is to build your trusses and walls on a flat level surface, and then assemble and add the tin and greenhouse panels in place.
baklund
Sat, 05/19/2012 - 15:43
I would love to see this as a
I would love to see this as a shed. We don't have a garage and need to build a bigger shed to store the snowblower, bikes, tools, etc.
llconcloud9 (not verified)
Sun, 05/20/2012 - 19:33
I love this idea! And the
I love this idea! And the step by step plans are wonderful! Can you give me a guesstimate of the cost to build this they way you built it?
nan harp (not verified)
Sun, 05/20/2012 - 19:39
cost and time involved
About how long timewise was the project? What was the rough cost of materials?
nan harp (not verified)
Sun, 05/20/2012 - 19:43
cost and time involved
About how long timewise was the project? What was the rough cost of materials?
nan harp (not verified)
Sun, 05/20/2012 - 19:45
cost and time involved
About how long timewise was the project? What was the rough cost of materials?