HOW TO BUILD A GREENHOUSE

Mike Montgomery
by Mike Montgomery
5 Materials
$400
5 Days
Medium
This greenhouse is a relatively simple design and is a great project if you're jusr getting started with construction materials and framing. Framed completely from 2x4's this sturdy greenhouse is completely customizable to fit your needs. Want a bigger greenhouse? Go for it. Need a smaller greenhouse? Pare this design down to just the right size for you. All the written instructions follow along with the included build video to help everything make more sense. Lets get started!
All the written instructions follow along with the included build video to help everything make more sense. Lets get started!
The wall are constructed using really basic construction methods. I spaced the studs 24" on center.
Once i had four walls I stood them up and connected them together. I used clamps to hold everything in place while standing them up.
The roof is made up of three triangular supports that 2x4'rafters' are connected to.
I got some help from some friends to lift the roof into place once it was built. I used screws to attach it to the rest of the frame.
The shelf system (more info in video) is tied into the studs to make everything more sturdy.
There are definitely cheaper options, but I chose to use clear corrugated panels.
Thanks a lot or checking out the project. Obviously this was a really big project and hard to fit into a photo slideshow, so be sure and check out the video and written article on RyobiNation.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwOmUN5B4FY
Suggested materials:
  • Wood
  • Drill
  • Screws
See all materials
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 9 questions
  • DORLIS DORLIS on Jul 14, 2017

    do you plan on heating it in the winter? I would love to have a place for my house plants in the winter, but in Midssouri, would have to heat.

  • Catherine Reardon Catherine Reardon on Jul 12, 2019

    How many 2x4s did you use? What is your material list?

  • Country Girl Country Girl on Jan 27, 2023

    Is there a way to open the roof in any way? The plants will fry in the sun without adequate ventilation (fan + exit). I learned this the hard way.

    it’s a great project. We’ll done!!!

Comments
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2 of 23 comments
  • Chalking Up Success Chalking Up Success on Jun 20, 2020

    I love this project but where I live, you would have to anchor it down otherwise in winter it would go the same way as Dorothy!

  • Jason Jason on Jan 17, 2022

    I did a 8x8 vs. 8X6 that the author did in his and I used about 48 -2x4x8 for most of the construction. I used 4 - 2x4x8 for the bottom pieces against rot. I did not do a gable roof as he did, I simple added a extra 2x4 on the front to raise the roof by a few inches and then just used 5 - 2x4x10 for the roof pitching front to back. Note that you need longer plexi sheets if you do the 10' 2x4's on top but the others are just 8' for the sides. I did have a new window from a project that was resued (I broke 1 piece of glass that was double) and I have a actual door that has glass in it. The only thing I did different was I used a propane torch to "burn" the wood as you can see in the picture so that it gave it a better look than raw 2x4 or painting it. I'm probably 60% done as I need to add some water and a power for a light/fan perhaps and add a few other areas. I have about 600$ into this so far with the current wood prices as they are.

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