Greenhouse

[TonyC]

Attached is a photo of a greenhouse I built from the ground up (no kit). I spent months researching it. I learned quickly that to build one right, there is a LOT to learn. I read extensively both in print and electronic media, then developed plans electronically. I'm proud of how it came out and if anyone's giving any serious thought to building one, I would be glad to assist. I'm sure I can save someone a lot of time on the research.

 

[Vermonster]

I've toyed with the idea of building one. Any idea--exclusive of your labor and research time--how much yours cost?

 

[ejb]

Same here...would love to know the details.

 

[s1120]

Count me in too! Hubby already said he would build me a greenhouse on our land now that we have room.

Michele

 

[TonyC]

Okay, folks. After the terrible events of the day, it's time for a diversion.

The greenhouse pictured is 12' X 20'. I didn't cut any corners whatsoever. As home greenhouses go, this would be the deluxe model. I have about $4000.00 in it. It is heated, which is a bit expensive if done properly. The covering is 8mm twin wall polycarbonate which is about the best you can do. There is triple wall which would be good in cold climates but not necesssary here in Virginia. It has an automatic misting system for cooling and a rainwater collection/distribution set-up. It also has an automatic ventilation system. Like I said, the works.

A comparable greenhouse kit with aluminum frame in this size would cost between $5800 and $6200 EMPTY. No misting, no heating, no fan ventilation etc. By comparison, building your own is extremely cost effective if you have the time. You could build one for a lot less than $4000 and if it's done right it would be a serviceable structure. My plan was to have fresh tomatoes in February;-)

This is the basic rundown. If you would like to know more, ask away!

 

[jinman]

Great job Tony! I'm also very fond of your choice of pea gravel around the outside rather than concrete. I have pea gravel around my well house and it is self-cleaning just by hosing it down. With concrete, you always have runoff.

JimI

 

[TWINKLE_TOES]

Tony,

Fine looking greenhouse/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

<font color=blue>Okay, folks. After the terrible events of the day, it's time for a diversion</font color=blue> Right on

<font color=blue>If you would like to know more, ask away!</font color=blue> OK

<font color=blue>The greenhouse pictured is 12' X 20'. I didn't cut any corners whatsoever.</font color=blue> If that were true it would be round. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gifThat is about the perfect size for my plans also. How is it placed with respect to the sun?

<font color=blue>It is heated,</font color=blue> How is it heated? An if not partially solar why not?

<font color=blue> The covering is 8mm twin wall polycarbonate which is about the best you can do.</font color=blue> What were the trades you considered on polycarbonate Vs say glass or other material?
<font color=blue> There is triple wall which would be good in cold climates</font color=blue> I don't know what you mean here could you provide more detail?
<font color=blue>It has an automatic misting system for cooling and a rainwater collection/distribution set-up.</font color=blue> Why is this a good idea Vs warering and air ventilation?
<font color=blue>It also has an automatic ventilation system. </font color=blue> Are the automatic controls integrated or separate?

<font color=blue>My plan was to have fresh tomatoes in February;-)</font color=blue> Darn good plan. That is my motivation also. Thanks in advance Tony for posting and offering to help dummies like me.

Al

 

[HR_Mutt]

TonyC
Very Nicely Done!/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Keep the pics and info coming!
Regards
Mutt

 

[Anonymous Poster]

WOW! Very nice looking job, good curb appeal. I'm wondering why you opted for gable vents rather than roof or ridge venting?

 

[TonyC]

Thanks Jinman. Yes, my wife and I debated carefullyover what material to use there. Pea gravel seemed the best choice. It is easy to walk on and easy to maintain and, as you pointed oput, doesn't cause runoff.
Underneath we put this black poly like stuff that comes on a roll. I bought it to put underneath my gravel drive when I built my house. It looks like the standard weed block stuff that comes from K-Mart but it is impervious to cuts and will almost never degrade, but it will pass moisture. It is very expensive but I had half a roll left. It's been sitting in the weeds outside for about 15 years and still looked like brand new. If I didn't already have it, I wouldn't have paid the money for it!