With What Kind Of Wood Is A Greenhouse Framed?

Building a wooden greenhouse frame is a cost-effective and customizable solution that provides plants with the perfect environment to thrive. This article will walk you through the steps to build a greenhouse frame, including selecting the right wood for your needs.

For beginners or advanced DIYers, wooden frames are easy to work with, but it’s crucial to choose the right wood for your greenhouse. Installing a door in a greenhouse involves positioning the door into the frame, ensuring a snug fit, and assembling the frame using weather-resistant materials like treated lumber, aluminum, or steel. Join pieces securely and add diagonal bracing. Choose durable glazing like polycarbonate panels or tempered glass to balance the structure.

Lumber, PVC pipes, aluminum, and galvanized steel are often used to make greenhouse frames. Cedar wood is widely regarded as one of the best choices for greenhouse frames due to its natural oils and resins that make it resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation. There are four good options for greenhouse frames: pressure treated lumber, naturally rot-resistant lumber, cull wood, and pallet wood.

The best wood for greenhouses is larch, which is widely regarded as one of the best choices due to its natural oils and resins. The wall and roof framing used in this greenhouse is appearance-grade 1-by-2 pine, while the base is untreated construction grade plywood and pine 1-by-2 pine. Timber can be chosen from rot-resistant wood like Macrocarpa or treated Pine. Greenhouse plastic can be UV-resistant and used to cover the greenhouse.

There are two main materials for greenhouse frames: wood/timber and aluminum. For this DIY guide, we will focus on four popular materials: wood, aluminium, galvanized steel, and PVC plastic piping.

What is the best wood for a greenhouse frame?

Cedar and redwood are rot-resistant lumber options that can last for 15-20+ years and 30+ years respectively. They are ideal for greenhouses but are more expensive than pressure treated lumber. However, a cedar greenhouse cost around $700, including plastic, doors, and other materials.

Cull wood, which includes defects like knots, splits, or warping, is unsuitable for regular sale due to knots, splits, or warping. These defects may require cutting off or working around the bad pieces or using shorter lengths. Despite these costs, cedar is a cost-effective option for greenhouse construction. Overall, cedar and redwood are excellent choices for greenhouse construction.

Do I need pressure treated wood for a greenhouse?

To select lumber, consider the location and application conditions. If the location is wet or humid, treated lumber may not be necessary. In some areas, red cedar, redwood, white oak, or cypress may be less expensive and have a 10-15-year life. Recycled plastic lumber is becoming more available and has a similar lifespan to treated wood. If pressure-treated lumber is available, use it with lower retentions and less cost for above ground, indoor applications. This will ensure the longevity and durability of the lumber.

What is a greenhouse frame made of?

Greenhouse frames are crucial for a greenhouse’s structure, with various materials available. Common frames include galvanized steel, wood, PVC, composite materials, and aluminum. Galvanized steel is strong and durable, but its low profile may require reinforcing with wooden beams. Wood frames, like cedar and redwood, offer a natural and aesthetically pleasing look but require more maintenance and may be less durable in the long term.

PVC is lightweight and affordable, but not as strong as metal or wood. It is easy to work with and suitable for smaller, temporary greenhouses, but not for larger, more permanent structures. PVC is not recommended for larger, more permanent structures.

What is the best base to put a greenhouse on?

A solid concrete base is the most practical and durable foundation for greenhouses, suitable for large ones and easily set above ground level. It can be easily maintained and kept clean with a broom, and can be washed down with detergent to prevent diseases. Rodents cannot tunnel inside the greenhouse. Standing water may be a problem, but drilling drainage holes can prevent issues. This is the most expensive option, but it is relatively easy to construct once shuttering is placed. Stronger fixings, such as expansion bolts, can also be used to hold the base in place. Once the site is prepared, it’s time to construct your greenhouse and start growing.

Do I need treated wood for greenhouse?

To select lumber, consider the location and application conditions. If the location is wet or humid, treated lumber may not be necessary. In some areas, red cedar, redwood, white oak, or cypress may be less expensive and have a 10-15-year life. Recycled plastic lumber is becoming more available and has a similar lifespan to treated wood. If pressure-treated lumber is available, use it with lower retentions and less cost for above ground, indoor applications. This will ensure the longevity and durability of the lumber.

What is the most common framing material is greenhouse?

Greenhouses can be made from various materials, including aluminum, steel, and wood. Aluminum is the most economical and longest-lasting, and can be extruded in various shapes and thicknesses. The efficiency and productivity of a greenhouse operation depend on the type of growing structure used. There are three types of greenhouses: lean-to, detached, and ridge and furrow or gutter connected. Lean-to greenhouses are less common for commercial production due to size limitations, but are popular among hobbyists.

Commercial greenhouse structures include gutter connected, free-standing quonset, and single gable. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type is crucial for selecting the right greenhouse structure.

What is the best material for greenhouse frames?

Galvanized steel frames are a durable and low-maintenance option for greenhouses due to their strength and thermal conductivity. They require fewer beams to support, allowing for more light and warmth. However, they are often made with polyethylene film instead of glass or polycarbonate, which may not be visually appealing. While this is suitable for commercial growers, it may not be suitable for gardens. Overall, while galvanized steel offers benefits, it has drawbacks, such as potential unattractive appearance in gardens.

What kind of timber do you use for a greenhouse?

Red cedar timber greenhouses are a popular choice for gardeners due to their self-oiling properties, lack of knots, and resistance to contortion. These greenhouses are warmer in winter and cooler in summer, providing a better growing environment than aluminum ones. Wooden greenhouses are easy to install and maintain, with hooks, screws, and wires for plant training. Cedar is a deterrent to pests and helps reduce plant disease, making it less maintenance-intensive than other softwoods.

It also offers excellent insulation, maintaining a constant internal temperature, promoting healthy plant growth and reducing condensation. Overall, red cedar is a practical and efficient choice for greenhouses.

What kind of wood is used for greenhouses?

Wooden greenhouses are beautiful but can rot due to high humidity and dampness. Use moisture and rot-resistant timber like cedar and ground contact-rated wood for the foundation. PVC pipes are easy to use, inexpensive, and lightweight for small backyard greenhouses. UV-resistant PVC pipes are recommended for longer frame life. Aluminum is rust-resistant and suitable for glass or polycarbonate panels. Heavy gauge aluminum is ideal for a strong greenhouse. Galvanized steel is not common for backyard greenhouses but is used by commercial growers.

To withstand weather extremes, choose a covering that allows different amounts of light to enter. Greenhouse glass panels are beautiful and sturdier than plastic sheeting or polycarbonate sheets. They can break if hit by hail or stray objects, but tempered glass can shatter into smaller pieces. UV-resistant polycarbonate sheets are durable and less expensive than glass, but may become yellow or cloudy over time. Most warranties are five to ten years, with some up to 15 years.

Plastic sheeting, also known as polyethylene sheeting, is lightweight and inexpensive but less durable than polycarbonate sheets. Double layers of the best greenhouse plastic are recommended for better insulation.

What is the best surface for a greenhouse?

Brick, concrete, and paving stones are durable and easy-to-clean options for greenhouse floors. However, commercial greenhouse vinyl is a more readily installable and maintainable alternative.