Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (2024)

This step by step diy woodworking project is about12×16greenhouseplans. The project features instructions for building a free-standing greenhouse made from lumber. This medium sizedgreenhouse is wide, so that you have enough space to grow a large variety of vegetables. Make sure you take a look over the rest of planstosee alternatives and more projects foryour garden.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the projectwon’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day.

Projects made from these plans

Wood Greenhouse Plans

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (2)

Building-a-wooden-greenhouse

Cut & Shopping Lists

  • A– 2pieces of 4×4 lumber– 144″ long, 2 pieces – 192″ longBASE
  • B– 2pieces of 2×4 lumber– 192″ long, 9pieces – 72″ long2xSIDE WALL
  • C– 2pieces of 2×4 lumber– 137″ long, 5 pieces – 72″ long2xFRONT WALL
  • D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 35 3/4″ long, 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 192″ longRIDGE
  • E – 18pieces of 2×4 lumber – 821/4″ longRAFTERS
  • F – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 69″ long, 2 pieces – 26 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 23 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 41″ longDOOR
  • 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 12′
  • 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 16′
  • 28pieces of 2×4 lumber – 6′
  • 4pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
  • 19 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
  • 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16′
  • 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 16′
  • 5pieces of2×2 lumber – 6′
  • 500 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
  • film
  • vent opener
  • thermostat outlet
  • hinges + latch

Tools

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (3)Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (4)Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (5)Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (6)One day

Building a 12×16 greenhouse

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (9)

Building the base

The first step of the project is to build the base for the greenhouse. Use 4×4 lumber for the components. Select the right location for your greenhouse, making sure it gets at least 8 hours of light every day. Remove the vegetation layer and level the surface thoroughly.

Make sure the corners of the frame are right-angledusing a carpentry square.Measure the diagonals and make adjustments until they are square.

Make notches to the ends of the beams, as shown in the diagram. Make parallel cuts and remove the excess material with a chisel. Drill pilot holes and lock the beams together using 3 1/2″ screws.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (11)

Installing the stakes

Use 2×4 stakes to anchor the base to the ground, as shown in the plans. Use 2 1/2″ screws to secure the stakes to the base. This will ensure the greenhouse will resist to winds.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (12)

Building-the-side-walls

Continue the project by assembling the side walls from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs equally-spaced and make sure the corners are square.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (13)

Fitting the side walls

Fit the side walls to the base of the greenhouse. Plumb the walls with a spirit level and secure them to the base by inserting 2 1/2″ screws through the bottom plates. Use 2×4 braces to lock the side walls temporarily.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (14)

Building-the-front-and-back-wall-frame

Build the front and the back walls from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs. Check if the corners are square and leave no gaps between the components.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (15)

Assembling the frame of the greenhouse

Fit the front and back walls to the frame of the greenhouse, as shown in the diagram. Use 2 1/2″ screws to secure the walls to the base. In addition, lock the adjacent walls together by using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are right angled before inserting the screws.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (16)

Fitting the top ridge

Next, fit the 2×4 supports for the top ridge. Center the supports to the top plates and plumb them with a spirit level. Toe-nail the supports to the top plate with 2 1/2″ screws. In addition, use corner connectors to lock the supports into place.

Fit the top ridge to the supports, as shown in the diagram. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges with attention. Toe-nail the top ridge to the supports with 2 1/2″ screws. In addition, install plate connectors and enhance the rigidity of the joints.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (17)

Building-the-gable-rafters

Build the rafters from 2×4 lumber. Make angle cuts at both ends of the rafters, as shown in the plans.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (18)

Fitting the rafters

Fit the rafters to the top of the greenhouse. Place the rafters equally-spaced, leaving 22 1/4″ between the them. Use 2 1/2″ screws to secure the rafters to the top plates and to the top ridge, after drilling pilot holes.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (19)

Fitting the vertical supports

Fit 2×4 supports to the front and back gable ends of the greenhouse. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the supports into place.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (20)

Building the door

Assemble the frame of the door using the information from the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the top and bottom components and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the vertical studs. Fit the middle components with 2 1/2″ screws. In addition, secure the diagonal braces with 2 1/2″ screws.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (21)

Building the braces

Build the diagonal braces for the door of the greenhouse. Make cuts at both ends of the 2×2 slats, as shown in the diagram.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (22)

Fit the door

Fit the door to the opening and lock it to the studs with hinges. In addition, install a latch to keep the door closed.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (23)

Building a wooden greenhouse

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches, as to be able to continue the process with the rest of the steps. Use translucent polyethylene film or polycarbonate sheets to cover the greenhouse.

Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (24)

Wood Greenhouse Plans

Top Tip:Check out the rest of the garden projectsfor more inspiration for your backyard. We have lots of greenhouse plans on MyOutdoorPlans, so don’t forget to take a look over the rest of the related projects.

This woodworking project was about woodgreenhouseplans.If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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Wood Greenhouse Plans | MyOutdoorPlans (2024)

FAQs

How much wood do I need to build a greenhouse? ›

12 foot long 2x4s. You'll need at least 12 of those. Take the pressure treated wood if you want your greenhouse to last more than a few years. You can usually find ACQ of PWF lumber at the hardware store.

What is the best layout for a greenhouse? ›

Greenhouses with a single aisle down the center are typically 8, 10 or 12 feet wide. 10 ft. widths offer the most efficient utilization of bench space because you can put 3 ft. wide benches on both sides and have a 3-4 ft, wide aisle with room for plant to overgrow the benches.

What are the pros and cons of a wooden greenhouse? ›

Heavy - Wooden frames can be heavy, meaning that they're harder to install by yourself and may require a more significant foundation. Cost - Wooden greenhouses are generally more expensive than metal ones, with some brands and models being up to 2x or even 4x the amount vs the same size with a metal frame.

Can you make a greenhouse out of wood? ›

A wooden greenhouse is a useful addition to any garden, offering a controlled environment for cultivating a wide range of plants year-round. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, constructing your own wooden greenhouse can be a rewarding and cost-effective project.

What is the best base for a wooden greenhouse? ›

Concrete Pad

By far the most practical and durable foundation for any greenhouse is a solid concrete base. A good option for large greenhouses and can be set above ground level quite easily.

What size wood is used for a greenhouse? ›

We recommend using 4" x 6" (4" x 4" are acceptable for the smaller sizes) timbers for the foundation of a Solar Harvest, Grow More, or Cross Country greenhouse. The wood can be cut to size with a standard hand or power saw once it has been purchased.

What not to grow in a greenhouse? ›

What not to grow in a greenhouse
  • Giant Trees and Shrubs: ...
  • Invasive Species: ...
  • Aggressive Vines: ...
  • Water-Hungry Crops in Excess: ...
  • Plants with Extreme Temperature Requirements: ...
  • Highly Sensitive Varieties: ...
  • Crops with Pests and Diseases: ...
  • Plants with Excessive Maintenance Needs:
Nov 14, 2023

What is the least desirable location for a greenhouse? ›

The north side is the last resort and the least optimal site for a greenhouse. Try to situate the greenhouse lengthwise from north to south rather than east to west. This position provides the structure with more light and less shade.

Should a greenhouse be in the sun or shade? ›

Placement. The best spot to place a greenhouse is the sunniest spot. It's important that the structure (and therefore the plants within it) receive at least six hours of winter sun exposure. Situate the structure with the front or the end facing east.

How long does a wooden greenhouse last? ›

This 8'9″ wide pressure treated timber greenhouse has a minimum life of 15 years, but if cared for with re-treatment, will last 20-30 years.

Will a wooden greenhouse rot? ›

The maintenance of a wood frame greenhouse is not just staining it every year. You must caulk and seal all of the gaps that you will find season to season. In addition, a wood frame greenhouse is vulnerable to wood rot, pests, and fire.

Should a greenhouse have a wood floor? ›

Wood flooring also provides excellent insulation that's very beneficial to your plants. Wood flooring would be great if you want to add a touch of organic elegance to your herb greenhouse! Unfortunately, wood needs regular maintenance to fend off decay and insects. It's a commitment, but it's well worth it.

What are the disadvantages of a wooden greenhouse? ›

Wood Base Cons

In the long term, wood is more mould-prone unless it is rot-resistant or pressure-treated. If you build it on a deck, insulation might be an issue if you plan to use your greenhouse during the wintertime because a deck doesn't provide insulation from below.

What is the easiest greenhouse to build? ›

Arched PVC Greenhouse

This is a great starter greenhouse if you're just starting to experiment with growing in a greenhouse. PVC pipes are also pretty affordable and using them is a budget-friendly way to build a greenhouse.

How do you maintain a wooden greenhouse? ›

As with any structure made from timber, good airflow and allowing the timber to dry out periodically is key, so routinely clearing any debris that has built up on the outside of the Greenhouse must be carried out in order to allow water to drain away fully and the wooden profiles to dry out.

How much wood is needed for a 2000 sq ft house? ›

House Construction

To keep it simple and stick to a good average, say that 6.3 board feet are required for every square foot of house. So, a 1,000 square foot home would need 6,300 board feet to complete, while 12,600 board feet would be necessary for a 2,000 square foot home.

How much does it cost to build a 10x10 greenhouse? ›

A greenhouse costs $5 to $30 per square foot or $2,500 to $15,000 on average for a 500-square-foot structure. Building a large commercial greenhouse costs $2 to $25 per square foot. The cost to build a greenhouse depends on the size, materials, and whether it's prefab or custom-built.

What is the most inexpensive way to build a greenhouse? ›

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to build your own greenhouse is to use plastic sheeting, which is readily available at most hardware stores. Typically, you will want sheeting that is four or six mils thick. First, you will need to construct a frame to attach the plastic sheeting to.

What is the cheapest way to build a greenhouse? ›

Consider using PVC pipes or rebar for the frame; these materials are durable and budget-friendly. For the covering, opt for UV-resistant plastic sheeting, which is affordable and effective. Don't forget to scour local classified ads or building supply stores for surplus or discounted materials.

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