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
whitney_smith
Thu, 05/17/2012 - 11:57
Amazing!
My sister and I were just talking about greenhouses. I have always had a little dream of having one (gardening was my first hobby love). It looks great!
Rory (not verified)
Thu, 05/17/2012 - 12:37
Cost?
Love this! Just wondering about what it costs to build? Couldn't find it in the description.
Cindy from Indiana (not verified)
Thu, 05/17/2012 - 12:51
Oh, I love this!
This project is awesome! I've been planning out how to arrange our yard - this is going to have to go into the plan. Love it!
viola
Thu, 05/17/2012 - 12:52
greenhouse envy
Ana I am so glad to see the greenhouse finished. What a wonderful Mother's Day gift that was. Thank you for sharing the plans with us. Wishing you and your family lots of joy in your gardening adventures...Vi
In reply to greenhouse envy by viola
birdsandsoap
Thu, 05/17/2012 - 13:33
ditto!
ditto!
jaimecostiglio
Thu, 05/17/2012 - 13:01
Clearly beautiful
Thanks Ana for the apron shout out, perfect for gardening in the greenhouse! Your advice proved perfect (and my husband wrong!) as we got both giant wall pieces in and upstairs no problem, just finishing up and I'll send you pics tomorrow.
hammertime
Thu, 05/17/2012 - 13:05
Wow
Ana, you floor me anew.
BookladyDavina (not verified)
Thu, 05/17/2012 - 15:47
well done
Very nice job on this. Will be looking at this as a possible basis for the one we need to build, though it will have to wait til next year (this year I'm more concerned about the master suite renovations we're in the middle of.. the old man who built our house ages ago didn't understand the difference between dry wall and and the waterproof greenboard.. so we've had to gut and redo all the bathrooms one at a time. we decided to take the necessity and turn it into an excuse to redo the master suite the way we want, but doing it ourselves, on the weeks hubby's home from the slope, seems to be taking forever.. and there was a lot i can't/couldn't help with for health reasons.. but it's getting there..)
Meanwhile, I have 2 lovely bay windows that I use as an indoor mini-greenhouse.. keep my tomatoes and peppers in those and they do wonderful.. I'm in Palmer, AK and I have to literally kill them off or they would keep producing all winter. had one that got left in the bedroom all winter and ignored.. it has come back and is covered in new bell peppers. it's crazy :)
redhead_61
Thu, 05/17/2012 - 16:09
So Exciting
I of course would have no idea of how to do this on my own. Yet another reason you are loved by us all. I will totally be building one of these instead of buying when I get my spot of land!
Emily Frazier
Thu, 05/17/2012 - 19:15
Nice to get what you really want on mothers day
Isnt it really nice to get what you want for mothers day. Ana I am so glad you finally got your greenhouse. I got a stanless steel laser miter saw. Now I can build almost anything, got my Kreg Jig for Valentines. Cant wait for my birthday next month. I am thinking air compressor. Keep bringing these wonder projects. I talk you up to everyone I know. Send them to you sight. Thanks for being an inspiration to all the women that think the could not come out of their comfort zone and create.
Thanks,
Emily