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When the temperature starts to drop where will you put those plants you’ve nurtured all summer? This DIY friendly greenhouse might be just the right solution to extend the growing season in your backyard garden.

Greenhouse Materials

Building this 8’ x 8’ greenhouse cost $800 about in materials:

  • 26 – 2” x 2” x 8’ treated pine (wall/roof framing)
  • 6 – 1” x 4” x 8’ treated pine (shelves)
  • 17 – 2’ x 8’ corrugated fiberglass panels (roof and walls)
  • 16 – corrugated foam gaskets
  • 1 – 32” x 80” storm door
  • 1 – 32” x 36” vinyl window
  • 5 lbs. – 3/4” self tapping screws with rubber washers (siding)
  • 16 – 3” deck screws (shelf brackets)
  • 24 – 2” deck screws (shelves)
  • 5 lbs. – galvanized nails (framework)
  • 1 – 8’ x 8’ plastic sheeting
  • 10 – 50 pound bags of gravel (floor)

Cutting lumber with a miter saw for the greenhouse frame.
Cutting lumber with a miter saw for the greenhouse frame.

Framing the Greenhouse

The frame for each end of the greenhouse was assembled on the ground from pressure treated 2”x 2” lumber. The rafters were cut and joined at a 45° angle at the peak with the walls slope out at a 15° angle.

A 32” wide by 80” high opening was framed into the front of the greenhouse to accommodate the storm door, with a 32” x 36” opening in the back for the window.

The end frames were joined together with 8’ long 2x2s at the ridge, wall top, and bottom. Side wall supports and rafters were added to each side on 32″ centers.

Assembled framework for budget greenhouse.
Assembled framework for budget greenhouse.

Roofing and Siding the Greenhouse

Temporary 1” x 4” braces were attached diagonally at the top and bottom of each of the side walls to keep the frame square until the fiberglass panels were installed. The corrugated fiberglass panels were attached using self tapping screws with rubber washers. The front and back sides of the greenhouse were covered first, starting at the bottom and overlapping each panel over the one below.

The fiberglass panels on the front and back were cut flush with the frame using an abrasive blade in a circular saw. Be sure to wear a respirator or an approved dust mask when cutting fiberglass panels.

Attaching fiberglass panels to roof of greenhouse.
Attaching fiberglass panels to the greenhouse rafters.

Next, position foam gaskets on the side frames and center a fiberglass panel over the ridge of the roof, attaching it to the frame with screws. Apply the rest of the panels, working from the top down each side, making sure to lap the upper panels over the lower ones to prevent leaking.

Cut the holes for the window and door using a circular saw and abrasive blade.

Shelf with brackets inside of greenhouse.
Shelf with brackets inside of greenhouse.

Greenhouse Shelves

Use scrap 2x2s to make eight angled shelf brackets. Attach the brackets to the side frames using 3” screws. Connect the brackets together using 8’ long 2x2s.

Use 2” screws to attach the pressure treated 1×4 shelves to the brackets, leaving a gap between each board to allow for drainage when watering plants.

Greenhouse Floor

A simple floor for the greenhouse can be made by covering the ground with plastic sheeting, then adding a layer of gravel on top.

Attaching storm door to greenhouse with screws.
Attaching storm door to greenhouse with screws.

Greenhouse Door and Window

Attach the window to the opening in the back wall of the greenhouse with screws. Plumb and level the storm door, and attach it to the opening in the front of the greenhouse with screws.

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Danny Lipford holding pressure treated wood

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Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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