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I have been debating for quite a while about either building a grow cabinet or a greenhouse so that I could do some growing over the winter. When I saw what looked like a nice 6 x 8 greenhouse at a local shop for $300 I decided a greenhouse it would be. The greenhouse has an aluminum frame and 4mm twin wall polycarbonate windows.
The entire project took about 20 hours, about 6 for site prep and building the base and 14 hours for the greenhouse. Since it will be used mainly over winter I decided to go back and caulk all the windows. I also plan to insulate the inside with bubble insulation, clear on the front and reflective on the back. I will also need to improve the weather seal around the door a bit.
I was happy with the quality of the kit. Things fit together nicely with close tolerances. The only issue was the quality of the directions but everything is well numbered and for the most part can only be assembled one way.
Since I am tall I decided to mount the greenhouse on top of a 2” x 12” pony wall that was added to the 4” x 4” base. In retrospect I could have saved the cost of the 4 x 4s and just attached the pony wall directly to the concrete pilings I put in. In all the project cost just under $600.
Greenhouse pieces parts
Dug level trenches for the 4x4s and dug holes to pour concrete pilings.
Squared up pony wall to base that was anchored to concrete piers
Attached pony wall to base
Backfilled the base and added mulch for the floor.
Constructed the greenhouse frame.
Installed the windows and sealed with clear caulk.
The finished greenhouse is rock solid
Still need to run the electric, build a couple of benches and install bubble insulation inside. Excited to have someplace to hang out and grow this winter when it's 10 below. Already planning a Moonstone run not to mention adding to the orchid collection and growing some vegies like spinach in it.
Updates once I have some stuff growing inside
The entire project took about 20 hours, about 6 for site prep and building the base and 14 hours for the greenhouse. Since it will be used mainly over winter I decided to go back and caulk all the windows. I also plan to insulate the inside with bubble insulation, clear on the front and reflective on the back. I will also need to improve the weather seal around the door a bit.
I was happy with the quality of the kit. Things fit together nicely with close tolerances. The only issue was the quality of the directions but everything is well numbered and for the most part can only be assembled one way.
Since I am tall I decided to mount the greenhouse on top of a 2” x 12” pony wall that was added to the 4” x 4” base. In retrospect I could have saved the cost of the 4 x 4s and just attached the pony wall directly to the concrete pilings I put in. In all the project cost just under $600.
Greenhouse pieces parts
Dug level trenches for the 4x4s and dug holes to pour concrete pilings.
Squared up pony wall to base that was anchored to concrete piers
Attached pony wall to base
Backfilled the base and added mulch for the floor.
Constructed the greenhouse frame.
Installed the windows and sealed with clear caulk.
The finished greenhouse is rock solid
Still need to run the electric, build a couple of benches and install bubble insulation inside. Excited to have someplace to hang out and grow this winter when it's 10 below. Already planning a Moonstone run not to mention adding to the orchid collection and growing some vegies like spinach in it.
Updates once I have some stuff growing inside
