Building a greenhouse from old window frames is a cost-effective solution that's also extremely practical. Photos and videos of the process will help you understand how to create a DIY greenhouse that's as functional as possible and in a short time, while saving money on additional, albeit inexpensive, materials.
Building a greenhouse from window frames is a cost-effective and practical solution, saving time as well. One frame can cover anywhere from 0.4 to half of the greenhouse wall. This means it's quick to build and eliminates the need for additional covering material.
Plus, and this advantage should be mentioned right from the start, there's no need to worry about ventilation. The photos and videos show that the sashes are already installed, and they'll definitely be functional for at least one window frame. We offer a step-by-step overview of the key points for building a greenhouse from old window frames yourself.
Advice! To build a greenhouse yourself using old window frames, you can use wooden, plastic, or even aluminum frames. The basic construction steps are the same for all frame types. The only thing you need to consider in advance is creating a proper foundation.
Roofing design and selection
For a homemade greenhouse made from window frames, standard projects certainly won't work. Because, no matter how you look at it, the greenhouse will need to be assembled from different modules.
Therefore, you can create a drawing yourself if you carefully watch the video in this material and follow the following tips:
1. Lay out the frames you've chosen for construction on the ground and try to space them out evenly. This will require some puzzle-solving to determine which frames are best for the side and end walls.
2. Measure the modules and write down the main values.
3. Make a drawing on paper where you mark the layout of the frames and indicate the installed dimensions of the module.
4. Based on the dimensions of this drawing, you will need to make a second drawing of what kind of foundation needs to be built.
5. You will also need a third drawing - this is a schematic representation of the frame on which the window frames will be installed.
6. Another essential step is to pay attention to the roof, determining its shape and material. If you don't have time to build a greenhouse yourself, a roofing project will help. greenhouse "Snowdrop".
What to choose for roofing?
If you choose window frames that match the geometry, they're perfect for DIY roofing. However, you can always opt for practical and inexpensive materials such as film, polycarbonate, or glass.
The easiest way to make a roof is with film, but keep in mind that it will only last one season, and you'll have to build something else for the greenhouse yourself next year. A film roof is absolutely not suitable for winter use because it loses a lot of heat.
Selection and installation of the foundation
To build a greenhouse from old window frames, you'll first need to build a foundation. Its shape and installation details depend on the number of seasons the structure will be used for. This, in turn, depends on the frames used. For example, aluminum or plastic window frames will last five years or more. Therefore, a solid strip foundation is essential for them.
If the window frames are wooden but sturdy, the greenhouse can be used for four years, and a strip foundation is preferable, but not required. In principle, a concrete or brick columnar foundation is suitable for wooden frames (you'll need to treat the sturdy timber for the frame with bitumen mastic and wrap it in roofing felt to ensure it lasts for three to four years).
Advice! Sometimes, a greenhouse made from old window frames is built as a temporary shelter for one or two seasons. In this case, there's no need to bother with a complex foundation; a simple frame can be constructed from timber laid in the ground. The timber can be wrapped in roofing felt to protect it from moisture for several years of future use.
Let's say you want to build a strong and reliable greenhouse that will last for years. So, you'll use plastic window frames, and a strip foundation is required for such a greenhouse. Read about advantages of a polycarbonate greenhouse.
Before building the foundation yourself, you'll need to dig a trench 50 cm deep and 30 cm wide. Then, pour 15 cm of crushed stone into the bottom, and lay rebar on top, tied with steel rods. For the plinth, create 40 cm-thick formwork around the edges, using boards or plywood (additionally protect from moisture).
Pour the cement-and-gravel/sand mixture in two stages. To ensure a strong greenhouse, the first foundation layer should be poured flush with the ground. Then, pour it flush with the edges of the formwork (or, alternatively, a few centimeters below the edge).
Important! There's no need to leave a gap between pours. Mix the concrete batches all at once and simply cover each layer with plastic film to allow it to harden. After three days, remove the formwork yourself and cover it with plastic film. After four days, you can begin building the greenhouse from the window frames.
Assembling the frame:
1. Lay strips of roofing felt on the foundation, and then install supporting beams on top. The elements are secured with steel angles to ensure the strength of your DIY greenhouse.
2. Mark the frame for the vertical supports. Installation is carried out using steel angles. Install the corner posts first, then move on to the intermediate posts.
3. Provide temporary support to prevent the greenhouse from tilting under its own weight during installation. Once the supports are in place, secure everything with brackets and remove the temporary support.
4. Two vertical gable posts are needed for the roof frame. Also, make a ridge and rafters on each side of it. First, install the posts themselves, then throw the beam over them, and support the rafters on it.
Installation of window frames
To complete the greenhouse, you need to move on to the final and crucial step: installing the frames themselves. This is incredibly simple, as they are screwed to the frame through existing holes (they were there when the window frames were installed in the apartment).
Building a greenhouse using window frames is perhaps one of the simplest and cheapest options. However, it's important to consider all the construction details and remember that a foundation is essential in any situation to ensure a sturdy greenhouse lasting at least one season.