I got the idea for this greenhouse from another blog I found. I used old shower doors for the glass, and the window came from a friend for free. If you look around you can find lots of free or cheap resources. Here is a link to the blog that I found: http://www.heartwoodresources.org/how_to.htm
This is the shed before we started on the greenhouse. It gets a good amount of sun, and a lean-to structure is pretty simple to build.
I used these cement footings for the foundation. They are pretty inexpensive ($4) and they are easy to work with. I used 4×4 cedar posts for the foundation of the greenhouse.
I built the doors and the walls of the greenhouse using 2x4s and used shower doors. First I framed the door, then I framed the inside of the door with 1×3. Then I put the shower glass in the door, then sandwiched the glass with more 1×3. I used caulking to seal the glass after that.
These are the two outside walls.
After I got the doors and walls up I started the roof. I put it at a 45 degree angle for simplicity. I framed in a section for the window.
This is where the window fit into the roof.
I used hardware to build the roof at the 45 degree angle.
When I hanged the roof I put 2×4 blocks on the shed to hang the roof on. Then after I got everything square I screwed it all in.
This is my son William. He was a big help. He lost screws, moved tools, and got in the way quite a bit. He does his job well.
I skinned the roof with OSB plywood. I was able to do the whole thing with one 4×8 sheet.
The last thing I did was put the roofing material on, and paint it. I also put in gravel in the base to help keep things clean. When you water your plants the gravel doesn’t get all muddy like plain dirt. We grew all of our seedlings this year in it and it worked great. We had a cool Spring so some things grew slowly but overall it worked great.
this is just what i was looking for…have any more details on how to do this?
That’s really cool! I know we hate throwing away old glass but most of it can’t be recycled… Gotta upcycle it!
I enjoy ed your article. I have a small garden in New Jersey The winters are kind of rough. I have two shower doors I’m not the greatest craftsperson, nothing like you. I am persistent. And I’m looking for ideas.
I have a few large glass storm doors that I’ve been wanting to make a tiny sunroom out of, and I was looking for thoughts on how to build the wooden frames. This should help. Thanks!