If you're looking to design your own wooden greenhouse, this tutorial is for you!
Hey there! I’m Eric, and in today’s tutorial, I’m going to walk you through designing and building a GreenHouse. Using quality materials and a solid plan, we'll create the perfect Greenhouse for your plants. Let's get started!
Building a wooden greenhouse for your plants or crops yourself lets you customize the design to perfectly suit the size, comfort, and any unique needs of your plants. Plus, designing and building it yourself ensures a significant cost saving. This way, you can be sure it’s the ideal option and know it’s built to last.
The first step is to gather materials and plan out the basic structure. I’ll be using Crafty Amigo materials, which offer durability and ease of assembly. Consider the space your plants or crops will need, accounting for both width and height. Once you have the dimensions in mind, gather your wood, screws, drill, and any durable materials you’ll need.
Build the Structure: To begin constructing the structure, we will use 2x4 profiles arranged in a U shape for the base. The profiles with a length of 77.5 inches will be positioned perpendicular to the profile with a length of 97.25 inches. This forms the foundation of the frame.
Next, we will install the vertical 4x4 profiles, considering their varying heights due to the roof's slope.
For the front part of the structure, we will place 4 posts of 4x4 with a height of 96 inches. These posts should be evenly and symmetrically distributed.
On the 77.5-inch profiles, we will install a pair of 4x4 posts with a height of 89.25 inches, followed by another pair of 4x4 posts with a height of 81.75 inches. Again, these posts must be evenly and symmetrically distributed.
On the 2x4 profile at the rear of the structure, we will place 4 vertical 4x4 posts with a length of 74.5 inches, aligning them with the posts at the front. These rear posts will provide additional support for the roof structure.
By following these steps, you will establish a solid foundation and support system for the greenhouse structure, ensuring stability and durability throughout the construction process.
Build the Side Supports: The lateral supports play a crucial role in connecting the previously installed posts, providing stability to the main greenhouse structure.
For the front part, we will place 6 profiles of 2x4 with a length of 30 inches in a uniform and proportional manner. Looking at the diagram, we can see that there are 4 posts forming 3 spaces between them. The 30-inch profiles will be positioned in the middle of these spaces, leaving the intermediate space empty.
On the lateral sides of the structure, we will staggeringly place 6 profiles on each side with a length of 23.5 inches. These profiles will enhance the rigidity of the structure's sides.
It's worth noting that a greenhouse requires maximum rigidity as it is exposed to the elements. It must be able to withstand various weather conditions.
Finally, for the back of the structure, we will install 4 profiles of 2x4 with a length of 30 inches. Two profiles will be placed per space, leaving the middle gap with 2 profiles of 30.25 inches.
By incorporating these lateral supports, you will effectively strengthen the greenhouse's overall structure, ensuring its ability to withstand external factors and provide a secure environment for your plants.
Build the Roof Structure: In this step, we will construct the main structure that will support the roof. It involves the use of three profiles of 2x4 with a length of 104.25 inches.
Firstly, one of these profiles will be placed on the front posts of the structure. Secondly, another 2x4 profile will be positioned on the rear posts.
To ensure stability, four 2x4 profiles will be evenly and symmetrically attached to these main profiles using a bird cut. This arrangement guarantees a secure fit for the additional profiles.
Lastly, the final 104.25-inch profile will be installed at the front, intersecting with the four profiles that were previously attached with a bird cut. This placement adds rigidity to the overall structure.
When securing these profiles, it is crucial to utilize a fixation method that prevents corrosion. Additionally, we recommend applying an enamel coating specifically designed for exterior wood. This coating will help extend the useful life of the structure by protecting it from environmental factors.
Install the Door and Roof: In this final step, we will address the installation of the door and the roof coverings. The door measures 30 inches by 6.7 feet and will serve as the main access point to the greenhouse.
As for the roof, it will consist of three polycarbonate segments strategically positioned to cover the entire structure. These segments should be arranged in a way that ensures comprehensive coverage and protection.
Please note that the design provided thus far covers the structural stage of the greenhouse. To complete the project, we highly recommend covering all the remaining spaces with polycarbonate sheets that are 8mm thick. This additional layer will enhance insulation and provide optimal conditions for your plants or crops.
Congratulations on completing your new greenhouse! We hope you enjoy the benefits it brings to your gardening endeavors.
Once your wooden greenhouse is ready, make use of the space! Observe how your plants react to their new environment, and if any area needs adjustments, make the necessary changes. The great thing about building it yourself is that you can customize it to ensure maximum comfort and fit for your plants.
Building your own greenhouse is a rewarding project that gives you the flexibility to create a space for your plants and crops. You'll see how the experience takes it to the next level. Follow these steps, and you'll have a high-quality, personalized greenhouse in no time. Happy building, and may your plants and crops thrive in their new space!
Is this a downloadable app?
No! It all works on the browser. It works on your phone as well as your computer!
Is it free?
Yes the app is 100% free.
Can I save my design?
Yes! You can save your design in your account.
Can I share my design?
Yes! You'll have a unique URL for every design you save which you can send to anyone! They can then see or clone the design. They cannot edit your design. You can also delete it whenever you'd like.
What materials do you support?
Crafty currently have 1000 parts across aluminum 8020, steel, wood, HVAC and PVC! Let us know if we're missing a part.
Where did the idea for this app come from?
I spent a year building an off grid farm and knew nothing about construction / plumbing / electrical work…
I saw that most people had to go the hardware store multiple times and many times they weren’t able to finish their work that day because the vendor didn’t have the part. So I thought if you can design your project beforehand, it will allow us to check for compatibility while you’re designing and then be able to send you all the parts! Much easier!
Can I connect PVC to wood, t-slot / aluminum 8020?
Yes. There are transition parts that allow you to connect PVC to wood or wood to aluminum 8020. If there is interest, we will start adding parts like motors and electrical components as well.
The idea for Crafty is to be a place where you can design your entire project with all of its components so when you want to get to building, all you need to do is order!
Do you have everything in stock?
No, not everything. We currently have about half of the parts and our goal is to little by little add more.
For the parts we don't have, we will give you a link for the provider that you can buy it from. Hopefully as the app gets more traction, we will start to carry more and more items so we can ship you everything in one set.
How do you deal with long and heavy parts (like 2x4s)?
When you have parts longer than 36" or of a certain kind (like lumber beyond a certain WxH), we just give you the dimension / exact length for you to go buy that at your local store. It doesn't make much sense to ship a 2x4 :)
Are you going to add more parts?
Yes. This current set of parts that you see on the app is our initial set. We just finished this version in late April 2023 so we’re listening to the feedback we get and will evolve the app to be the best that it can be for all of you!
Why not just use CAD?
You can! If you have all the parts downloaded already and are an expert in CAD software. Also, I would hope that your CAD software gives you a clean output of all the parts / their exact measurements.
What CAD software won't do is allow you to share the design online and allow others to see your design and specs.
Do you have tips I can follow for different materials?
Sure! Here are some basic concepts.
How to Use 80/20 Aluminum
How to Cut PVC Pipe
Can I Connect PVC Pipe with Metal Threads?
How to Connect PVC Pipe without Glue
Do you have any tutorials on how to use the app?
Yes please visit our YouTube Channel and learn about:
Crafty Amigo Tutorial: Design Your Woodworking Project!
Crafty Amigo Tutorial: How to design your DIY PVC Project!
Do you remember the first time you made something for yourself?
It’s such an empowering feeling.
Whether you're 8 or 80... have no experience building anything or you’re a veteran diyer...
Live in a tiny apartment or have a garage full of tools...
Anyone should be able to imagine → design → make things the way they think it should be done!