How to build a greenhouse with your own hands from window frames. Important points during construction

With the advent of spring, each owner suburban area is faced with the choice of buying or building a greenhouse for seedlings. Stores offer the most various options, ranging from simple arched structures made of arcs with agrofibre coating to complex structures from polycarbonate. But the goal of any summer resident is to grow a crop with least cost, so on the plots you can increasingly find greenhouses built from old window frames. Fortunately, they replaced the wooden ones modern windows from PVC profile and frames that have served their time are dismantled.

Advantages and disadvantages of window frames as a material for building a greenhouse

Prefabricated greenhouses and hotbeds offered by stores are easily assembled according to the diagrams attached to them. But with a sufficient number of old window frames and minimal construction skills, almost everyone who knows how to hold a hammer in their hands and use a screwdriver can build a greenhouse. Like any material, frames have their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of window frames

This material has the following advantages:

1. Availability of the material and its low cost. Old frames can be obtained during the dismantling and replacement of windows for free or for a small price if you purchase them from an organization involved in these works.
2. The possibility of building a greenhouse in a relatively short time. Frames are easily mounted on a pre-prepared foundation.
3. Long service life. At proper preparation frames and constant care for them, a greenhouse can last about 10 years.
4. No special tools or fixtures are required. To install a greenhouse, a hammer, a screwdriver and a building level are enough.
5. Installation on different kinds foundation. Depending on the weight of the frames for building a greenhouse, a strip or column foundation can be poured, but you can get by with a simple strapping.
6. Glasses keep optimum temperature for plants and pass the maximum amount of light. In case of damage, glass can be replaced with polyethylene film.
7. Possibility of combination with other materials. A frame greenhouse can have a roof made of polycarbonate, film or other suitable coating.

Plastic, metal-plastic and aluminum frames will last longer, but the cost of the greenhouse will be much higher.

Material disadvantages

The disadvantages include:

1. Difficulty in preparing frames for installation. Thorough cleaning required old paint, antiseptic treatment and fine painting.
2. Requires constant care. During operation, gaps may appear between the frames that will need to be sealed.
3. Brittleness of glass. If the foundation sinks or is hit, the glass may crack and need to be replaced.
4. Lifetime restrictions. Depending on the material from which the frames are made and their proper processing, a greenhouse can last several years.

Frames can be painted in one color to make the finished structure look more aesthetically pleasing.

Preparatory work: dimensions, diagram, drawing up a drawing

On how correctly the preliminary calculations are made and the installation diagram is drawn up, it largely depends on how much time will be spent on installing the greenhouse. In this case, you do not need to urgently buy the missing material or make adjustments right on the site.

Selecting a location for installation

One of the most important factors in building a greenhouse is the choice of location. The future harvest depends on it. It should be even and well lit throughout the day, be away from the building and trees, not be in a lowland so that water does not stagnate. It is necessary to have a greenhouse in the direction from north to south. Based on the site plan and the location of trees and buildings, you can choose the installation site and determine allowable dimensions future greenhouse. After that, it is worth starting a more detailed study.

Preliminary calculations, drawing

Determine the exact number of frames available, write down their size. It's best if they are the same. This will avoid additional height adjustment. After that, you can draw up a diagram according to which the installation will be carried out. This will help determine the installation sequence, mark the place for doors and vents.

Depending on the exact size of the frames, the necessary adjustments should be made. If you need to increase the height of the walls, the vents can be placed horizontally by attaching them above the main frames.

Depending on the weight of the frames, you should decide on the type of foundation on which the greenhouse will be installed. If you plan to do gardening quite long term, it is better to install a greenhouse on strip or column foundations. If it is planned for 1–2 years, a base made of timber, previously isolated with roofing felt or treated with an antiseptic, will suffice.

The roof in the greenhouse can be either single-pitched or gable or arched. It largely depends on the material from which they decided to make it. It could be arched roof made of polycarbonate or construction of frames covered with polyethylene film.

Roofs made of glazed window frames are less common. If the slope is insufficient, it is likely that in a snowy winter the glass may break under the weight of snow.

You should first draw up a detailed drawing of the roof and consider mounting options.

In the construction of greenhouses, the most commonly used wooden frames. They are affordable and with the right preliminary preparation can last a long time. Before installation, you need to carefully inspect all frames, put aside those in which there are defects. If during operation they become numb, they will show signs of decay - peeling paint, darkened wood color, change in structure. Frames with a high degree of damage should not be used for installation.

Frames with small defects may last for some time. When drawing up the drawing, this moment must be taken into account and, if there is no possibility of replacement, the installation should be provided in such a way that the places with defects are located in the upper part, near the roof itself. So they will be less exposed to moisture and increase their service life.

In preparation for installation, you must:

1. Remove all unnecessary hinges and handles from the frames.
2. With help sandpaper or grinder to the base to remove layers of old paint.
3. To protect against rotting and damage by pests, treat the frames with an antiseptic.
4. Remove the glass so that it is not damaged during installation if the assembly is carried out with nails and a hammer.
5. Fix the vents to be used, convenient way so that they do not open during the assembly of the greenhouse.
6. Vents that are not planned to be opened, clog with nails or sealant.

Calculation of the required amount of material

We make all preliminary calculations based on the drawing drawn up earlier. Calculate the number of frames you need depending on the size. At standard size frames 1200x900 mm, the length of the greenhouse will be a multiple of 90 cm, and the height will be 120 cm + foundation height + roof height. Taking into account the fact that optimal width the beds are 1 m, and the distance between them varies from 40 to 60 cm, the most convenient width of the greenhouse will be 2.7 m, i.e. 3 frames. If the windows are larger, two frames may be sufficient.

Swing windows have big sizes and will require significantly fewer.

If there are few frames, you can make a greenhouse with a pitched roof by attaching it to a house or other building on the south side.

Apart from the right amount frames, you will need:

1. Entrance door. You can use the standard balcony door, shortening it if necessary, or you can make it yourself according to the size of the opening.
2. Bars for building a frame. For small greenhouse you need 4 bars long, equal height buildings. If a long structure is planned, support beams can be used to strengthen it.
3. Foundation materials. For tape, formwork material is required - posts and boards, a mixture of concrete, crushed stone and cement, reinforcement or large stones. For an ordinary wooden foundation, you will need a beam 15X15 cm long, equal to the perimeter of the greenhouse, and roofing material for waterproofing.
4. Anchor bolts, screws.
5. Wooden bars for rafters. Depending on the type of roof, their number will vary significantly. The largest number required for gable roof.
6. Roofing material. It can be polycarbonate with a thickness of at least 6 mm or a polyethylene film.

Tools needed for the job

In the process of installing a greenhouse you will need:

• cord and pegs;
• hammer;
• screwdriver;
• a circular saw;
• building level;
• drills of various diameters;
• square;
• roulette;
• shovel;
• assembly foam.

Detailed instructions for making a greenhouse

During the construction of almost any greenhouse, the main stages are the following:

1. Marking the place for installation. With the help of pegs and a cord, we mark out the place where the greenhouse will be installed. If a strip foundation is planned, we determine the width of the formwork and by marking a swarm with a trench about 40 cm deep.

   For a tape greenhouse, it is necessary to dig a trench

2. Building a foundation. For strip foundation we install the formwork from the boards. We strengthen their rows with pegs and put reinforcement or large stones inside. Then we fill the channels with pre-prepared cement mortar. Drying time is about 5 days. Only after that you can proceed to further work.

   Filling is carried out in a pre-prepared formwork

3. For setting angles column foundation you can use a metal pipe, brick, gas silicate blocks. The crown of timber is mounted at the installation site. The bars are fastened metal corners, and a rod is driven into the ground at the corners for reliable fixation. In order to prevent rotting, paving slabs or other material can be placed in the corners and in the center of each side of the base.
4. Garden beds arrangement. Before installing the frame, it will be convenient to make beds and arrange paths between them. Depending on the location of the entrance to the greenhouse and their number, there may be various options for the location of the beds.

   When arranging a greenhouse, it is important to properly position the beds

   5. There are many types of track design. It could be paving stones paving slabs, brick or stone, which are laid in a pre-prepared trench 10–15 cm deep with a sand cushion 5–7 cm high. Alternative option- backfill path of sand and gravel.

   For the design of the tracks, small trenches are pre-digged

   6. Sand or gravel is poured into a trench 5–10 cm high. Use of wood mulch or straw is optional.

   Paths can be mulched with sawdust, straw or other material

   7. Installing the frame and attaching frames to it. We cover the foundation with strips of roofing material and with the help of anchors on top of the roofing material we mount bars for bottom strapping. We connect these elements for structural strength with steel corners. After that, we make markings for the installation of vertical supports. With the help of steel corners, checking the accuracy vertical lines by means of a level, we fix the corner posts, and then, if necessary, install intermediate ones.

   The frame of the greenhouse is prepared for the installation of frames

   8. With the help of bars, we make a temporary fixation so that the racks do not tilt from their own gravity. After installing all the vertical elements on the racks, we fasten the upper harness with the help of corners - it will not allow the elements to tilt under their own weight. Only after the final installation of the frame, we remove the temporary supports. Can be used as stands metal pipes buried in the soil. To attach the frames to the frame, it is best to use self-tapping screws or screws. This will eliminate the possibility of glass damage. It is optimal to fasten the frames directly to the timber in those holes that are already in the frames.

   Frame attachment points can be patched mounting foam

   9. After completing the installation, the gaps that have formed between the racks and frames must be sealed with mounting foam. This will eliminate drafts and the penetration of cold air into the greenhouse.

   The gaps between the frames and the frame are sealed with mounting foam

   10. Building a roof. The frame of a gable roof consists of two vertical racks of gables, a ridge and rafter legs on both sides of it. First of all, racks are installed, then a beam is thrown from one rack to another - it will play the role of a skate. Rafters are attached to it.

   For greenhouses of great length, you need to install additional racks

Far-sighted owners, in order to grow early greens and vegetables, are thinking about how to equip greenhouses. To do this, the most inventive and economical of them choose from a large number building materials are those that literally lie under your feet. One of the options for improvised material used to build a greenhouse with your own hands are old window frames.

Alternative ways to build greenhouses

The simplest type of greenhouse is a covering one. It is a polyethylene film that covers the frame structure.

practical

To create a frame, you need a material that has a certain strength and flexibility. This can be large diameter wire, pipes, or any other material option that has the appropriate properties. The frame constructed by bending the blanks is covered with polyethylene, the edges of which are fixed on the ground with a board and covered with earth.

To implement another version of such a structure, you will need an old pallet and boards sheathed with foil. This design has a compact size. Place it near the wall of the building, which is located on sunny side. In this case, the calculation is that at night heat will be transferred from the wall to the greenhouse.

Using polypropylene pipe and films, you can equip a more reliable and practical greenhouse in operation. To assemble it, pipes and corners made of polypropylene are needed. The frame of the required size is obtained by mounting the pipe structure to the corners by welding and gluing. Polypropylene is easily processed, so you can easily assemble a greenhouse of the right size.

Greenhouse made of polypropylene pipe and film

If you use a large diameter pipe, then the film can be replaced with sheet polycarbonate. If you stiffen the entire structure with special ribs, you get a reliable and durable greenhouse.

A large number of used plastic bottles gave an impetus to engineering. To build a greenhouse from such material, a considerable amount of such empty containers will be required. On the mounted frame, a wire or a strong thread is pulled in two rows. Between them, bottles are installed in the form of columns, the bottom of which was previously removed. For greater tightness of the structure, the bottles should be installed with maximum density.

bottle greenhouse

However, with all the advantages of the described structures, do-it-yourself greenhouses from window frames are leaders in popularity and their qualities.

How to supply construction with blanks?

It would seem that the insoluble question, which consists in providing the construction site with a sufficient number of old window frames, has a simple answer. Moreover, the scale of the problem is exaggerated, since the dimensions of the greenhouse will not require many window structures. The mass transition of residents from wooden frames to modern double-glazed windows determines the availability of the required material in the vicinity of the house. If it is not possible to find old window frames, then you can seek help from specialists who install double-glazed windows. Most often, used frames are unclaimed.

old window frames

The process of building a greenhouse from window frames

Site selection

The choice of a construction site depends on such factors:

• how well the area is lit;
• is there a shadow from other structures that have a greater height;
• to what extent the site is protected from the effects of wind;
• location relative to the cardinal points.

The choice of greenhouse dimensions is influenced by:

• plot dimensions;
• type of crops and their number;
• window frame dimensions.

Frame greenhouse

An important factor is the characteristics of the soil. It is undesirable to build a building on swampy or very wet soil, as the risk of subsidence of the structure increases. For reliable installation of the greenhouse, dry soil with sufficient density is best suited. In addition, the choice of a construction site has a significant impact on the availability ground water. Minimum depth their occurrence should be at least one and a half meters.

At the same time, it is important to provide for an appropriate height of the room, which allows you to carry out work in the greenhouse. Having determined the approximate dimensions of the building, a selection of old window structures is made, which makes it possible to clarify the length of the structure.

At the end, a plan is drawn up and the width of the structure is calculated, taking into account the location of the beds and paths that you wish.

foundation or foundation

Due to the fact that the structure has a certain mass, the organization of the foundation for it is necessary step. In order to prevent subsidence or destruction of the greenhouse, as well as to give it strength and reliability, it is installed on the foundation.

There are various options for organizing the foundation:

• Brick. It is characterized by reliability, but at the same time relatively high cost. At correct installation has sufficient durability. However, when exposed to moisture and temperature changes, it is prone to destruction.
• Stone. High cost, but extremely reliable. Can withstand the load of a larger mass structure. impact resistant external factors and has a long service life.
• Wooden. The foundation of such a material has acceptable strength and stability, but not a long service life. Durability does not exceed 5-8 years. It should be understood that the window frames themselves are likely to last no longer.
• Concrete. The device of the strip foundation is optimal in terms of durability, performance characteristics and construction cost.

Foundation - the basis of the greenhouse

Preparatory work with frames

Before you build a greenhouse from window frames with your own hands, to simplify the assembly of the structure, as well as increase its strength characteristics, you should preparations. Parts of the frames may be worn out, so they must be dismantled or replaced. Preparation means:

• removal of accessories;
• removal of old paint;
• antiseptic treatment;
• dismantling of glazing in the presence of spalls and other defects;
• fixing vents that will not be used.

The preparation and layout of the frames must take into account that the greenhouse must have a height of at least 1.7 m.

floor laying

It is important to pre-organize drainage when arranging the floor in order to prevent flooding of the structure and premature failure of its elements. For this purpose, it is necessary to dig a trench 150 mm deep, and at the bottom of it create a pillow of sand and gravel. If the floor is constructed of concrete, it is required to create a slope with a slight angle, as well as provide a hole for draining water.

Proper organization inner space greenhouses have a great practical and certain aesthetic value. It is desirable to protect the passages with curbs, which can be made of wood or plastic. This will prevent the soil from moving into the passage.

In addition to concrete, for organizing paths inside the greenhouse, you can use:

Making the right frame

To create a greenhouse from frames, it is better to use boards as a frame. Their thickness should be approximately the same as the frames and be 40-50 mm. The boards are connected in such a way that the structure is a harness. The strapping should be at the top and bottom, while it is desirable that the bottom be made up of two rows of boards.

Correct frame

Walling

Installation of vertical racks will allow to form the volume of the structure. The frames are fastened to the racks along the long side. Existing gaps must be sealed with building foam. To create a more rigid structure, the frames are fastened from the inside with bars that serve as a support.

The cross section of these parts may be smaller than that of the material of the main elements.

Give greater stability to the structure vertical supports, which are recommended to be mounted when installing the frame. They are fixed with cement or by nailing with racks.

To avoid drafts, be sure to make sure that all cracks are eliminated. The exception is vents designed for ventilation.

props

Roof device

Before you make a greenhouse from old window frames, you need to decide on the type of roof. The roof can be made with one or two slopes. To some extent, the choice depends on the number of available structural elements. With a limited number of them, you can decide on the construction pitched roof, the slope of which should contribute to the unimpeded descent of precipitation.

Under equal conditions, a gable roof device is preferable. Pre-prepared and processed blanks from frames are placed on the upper trim and nailed to them. After that, a skate is constructed from wood or plastic. It is important that the joints are as tight as possible. The occurrence of leaks leads to a violation of the microclimate in the greenhouse, and contributes to the development of mold.

In case of a shortage of blanks from frames, you can use sheet polycarbonate or a dense film specially designed for the construction of greenhouses.

Roof device

Greenhouse installation: step by step instructions

A greenhouse made of frames can survive more than one winter
Long greenhouse made of frames

How many necessary things people just throw into the landfill, not understanding the value of some things. Take at least the old car tires- from them you can make wonderfully beautiful with your own hands flower bed, this was written in the article "".

Today in the store you can find a large assortment greenhouses for your home garden, but their prices are not the most affordable. Not every gardener can afford such a luxury.

Nowadays, many people change the wooden frames of houses to new ones - plastic ones. Old frames, as a rule, are thrown into a landfill without realizing how valuable it is. construction material! From old window frames, you can easily make an excellent greenhouse for your site with your own hands. In terms of its qualities, it will not be inferior in any way to polycarbonate bought in a store. In this article, we will tell you how to make a greenhouse from frames with your own hands.

The greenhouse is very useful tool for successful cultivation vegetables. Seedlings can be planted in the greenhouse when a stable environment has not yet been established on the street. warm temperature air. Glass in old wooden frames will help keep correct temperature air and lighting conditions. Air vents built into frames can serve as ventilation. The construction of such a structure is not very difficult and cheap, it is important to know the steps of the work and have the material at hand.

Greenhouse from frames: stages of construction

Before starting the construction of the greenhouse, you need to measure the frames that you have available. The problem is that they often differ from each other. Then you need to think carefully about this option for installing frames, which will be the most optimal. To do this, you will need to fit all the frames. The easiest option is to take frames of the same height and width.

By measuring the width of the frames, you will need to determine how wide the greenhouse will be. Be sure to draw a drawing or at least a diagram of the future greenhouse, this will greatly simplify your work in the future. In the drawing, it would be desirable to indicate the place for entry, as well as the location of the beds and passages inside. Usually, they proceed from this calculation: the beds are made 1 meter wide, and the passage is 80-100 centimeters.

Location selection

It is very responsible to approach the choice of the place of the greenhouse. You need to choose big flat area ground well lit by sunlight. Consideration should be given to ensuring that the site is well protected from strong wind to protect the future greenhouse from possible drafts.

Shouldn't be around big trees And tall buildings, as this will create shading. The greenhouse in the chosen place is placed in such a way that it is located from north to south.

Now a few words about the soil. It is best to choose a site with loose soil so that there is no groundwater nearby and the ground is relatively dry. Even soil with a small layer of sand is allowed.

Foundation construction

It is very easy to build a foundation for a greenhouse, because a greenhouse is a very light structure.

For example, you can dig a shallow trench around the perimeter of the greenhouse, and fill it with concrete. Such a foundation is very reliable and will serve you for a long time.

And you can buy in the store metal foundation. It is installed only under the most supporting pillars.

The foundation must be level so that everything is level.

Preparation of frames for the greenhouse

Before installing the greenhouse, you must first prepare the frames. All unnecessary must be removed from all frames: hinges, handles, etc. Then, with the help of the skin, the old layer of paint should be removed. This is necessary so that the new layer lays flat. Painting frames is necessary to prevent premature decay of wooden frames.

Frames can also be processed. special means which repels rodents.

Frame manufacturing

For the future greenhouse, you need to make a wooden frame. It is done very simply, according to the drawing. A timber is taken and sawn off to the desired length.

Between themselves, the bars are fastened with nails or screws.

Installation of window frames to the frame

To fix the frames to the frame itself, it is best to use self-tapping screws or screws. This does not mean that they are more reliable than nails. However, when you hammer in nails, there is a chance that the glass will break.

After installation, you will have a few gaps left, they will need to be sealed with mounting foam. So there will be no drafts in the greenhouse.

Greenhouse roof

It is best to make the roof of the greenhouse with a ridge. This will provide better water flow. For the roof, it is better not to use frames. For these purposes, a lightweight material, such as polycarbonate, is suitable. On the roof of the greenhouse, it will not cost much.

You can cover the roof with several layers of film.

The roof must be made in such a way as to ensure unhindered flow of water.

After the construction of the greenhouse, it remains only to equip it inside - to build beds, shelves, racks, etc.

Drawings and diagrams of other greenhouse options

For example, we will give several drawings and diagrams of greenhouses from window frames. You can already take finished project and do it already.

DIY greenhouse

Construction of a greenhouse in stages photo

And this trash is also useful for making a greenhouse. These bricks are very good for the foundation.
We will use these frames for the manufacture of the greenhouse.
We make the foundation.

This is how the greenhouse turned out.

Greenhouse from frames video

old wooden windows you don't always have to throw it away if you have own dacha and you are gardening. They may well come in handy in order to independently make a good and inexpensive greenhouse or greenhouse for growing seedlings and various vegetable crops, will be a great alternative to expensive stationary greenhouses, which are sold in specialized companies. Building greenhouses from window frames with your own hands will cost much less than buying ready-made structures.

Window frames as a material for a greenhouse: pros and cons

Old windows perfectly transmit light, which is necessary for plants, and they also have high level strength, so the greenhouse of them will be able to resist any kind of precipitation.

Wood is a strong and stable material that is perfect for greenhouses. And if new wooden structures are very expensive, then greenhouses from old unnecessary window frames will cost mere pennies.

Old window frames for building a greenhouse

The advantages of greenhouses from old windows are many:

• All windows and vents open, which ensures constant ventilation of the room;
• Allow to build a stationary non-collapsible or collapsible structure in a short time;
• You can grow vegetables, fruits and flowers all year round;
• Possesses excellent heat-insulating qualities;
• Allows for indoors artificial lighting and heating.

The only drawback is that it is often very difficult to find a sufficient number of frames of the same size in order for the design to turn out to be even and aesthetically attractive.

The difficulty of selection increases the construction time of the greenhouse.

Preparation for construction: diagrams, drawings and dimensions

Preparatory work begins with the selection of the required number of identical window frames. If they are completely different, then you will have to show all your skills and abilities in the field of architectural engineering and take measurements of each window separately, and then, having written everything down on paper, try to draw up a diagram - a drawing on paper.

Drawing of a greenhouse from old window frames without a roof

Only in this way will you be able to assemble not only a durable and reliable, but also aesthetically attractive greenhouse, which is very important for creating the exterior of everything. personal plot. In addition, if you assemble a structure from windows different sizes, you will not be able to achieve correct geometry, and hence the complete tightness of the room. Also, you will not be able to make a flat and practical shed roof.

Location selection

The place for the construction of a greenhouse is a very important point, since its future functionality depends on it. It is best to put the greenhouse on a flat area, well lit from all sides by the sun. But it is also important that the area is protected from strong winds, and was not near tall buildings and trees, which will create large and unnecessary shady areas for plants.

The greenhouse should stand in such a way that its longitudinal side is located from the northern part to the south.

Choosing a location for building a greenhouse from old windows

Soil selection

The ground under the greenhouse must be completely dry and clean. It is optimal when a sandy layer of soil lies under the chernozem. Since window frames with glass are quite heavy, the soil must be dense and well compacted. Especially if our building will be placed without a solid foundation.

If you have clay terrain, then it will need to be well prepared. To do this, you need to make a blind area from gravel of an average fraction, and then make a sand cushion about 10 centimeters thick, on which to pour good fertile soil.

It is very important to take into account the presence of groundwater, which should be at a depth of more than one and a half meters. Soil with a high level of moisture is not suitable for building a heavy greenhouse from window frames.

In principle, for the construction of a stationary greenhouse from old windows, any old frames with glass are suitable for us, and most importantly, that they be the same as possible. We choose windows with whole frames (not eaten by bugs and fungi), as well as whole glass, so that you do not have to buy new ones, since they are not cheap.

The choice of window frames for the construction of a greenhouse

It is necessary to twist all unnecessary metal elements from the window frames: hinges, handles, latches, etc. Then completely clean the window frames from old peeling paint and sand them with abrasive paper or special grinder. We also recommend treating wooden frames with an antiseptic that protects them from mice, rats, dampness and various insects.

If you want to attach frames to wooden frame using nails, the glass will have to be removed so as not to break them. And if you use ordinary screws, then there is no need to remove the glass. But at the same time, it is necessary to close all the windows so that they do not clap during operation. The height of the walls of the greenhouse is recommended to be at least 1 meter 80 centimeters.

Calculation of the required amount of material and tools

In order to calculate required amount additional material you need to know the height and width of the windows. Depending on this, it is necessary to buy a beam for the frame, slats for creating a crate and other materials.

It is also necessary to measure the width of all available windows in order to have an idea of ​​how long the future greenhouse will be. In order to calculate the width, we recommend that you draw up a drawing on which all the passages and arrangements of the beds will be indicated in advance. Basically, the owners of cottages make beds at least 1 meter wide. The width of the passage between them should be such that a small garden cart can be easily transported along it. Usually the width of the passage is also 1 meter, but it can be more or less depending on the wishes of the owner of the greenhouse and his ideas.

For work, we need tools and materials such as:

• Hammer;
• Nails;
• Screwdriver;
• Screws or self-tapping screws;
• Abrasive paper or grinder;
• Metal corners and plates;
• Polyethylene film;
• Boards - thickness 4 – 5 cm;
• Wooden beam 10x10 cm;
• Paint for wood;
• Ruberoid;
• Bituminous mastic and antiseptics;
• Sealant and construction foam.

Step-by-step instructions with a photo for building a greenhouse with a pitched roof and without a foundation

Since window frames with glass are quite heavy, we cannot do without a foundation at all. Another thing is that we will not make it solid: concrete, stone or brick. We will simply make a base from a thick wooden beam, on which we will put our greenhouse.

1. First, you need to dig a narrow trench around the entire perimeter of the future frame of the greenhouse, about 15 cm deep, and fill it with medium-sized rubble. Everything is well tamped (you just need to pour water over the rubble and walk a little on it).
2. On this rubble we put roofing material in two layers, and this is a must. You can take another waterproofing material, but the roofing material is more economical.
3. On the roofing material around the entire perimeter of the structure we put a beam, approximately 10x10 cm in size. Before this, we process the beam from below bituminous mastic. This will increase its service life.

   The base of the timber under the greenhouse

4. At all corners from the inside, we connect the timber with metal corners, and from the outside with iron plates.
5. When the so-called foundation is ready, we begin to build a frame for the future greenhouse. We will do it from boards with a thickness of about 4 – 5 centimeters. Of these, we need to make the upper and lower strapping.

   Greenhouse frame from old windows

6. To do this, in the corners, as well as every 2.5 or 3 meters, we install vertical racks along the length of all sides. The installation step of the racks must be calculated depending on the width of the window frames. At the same time, it is better to make the bottom row of two rows of boards so that the height of the structure is much greater.
7. From above, all racks must be connected in general design via wooden beam thinner, for example 4x4 cm. It is the vertical racks that are the main volume of the frame.

   Device top harness frame

8. We also fasten the entire frame together with iron corners and self-tapping screws so that the greenhouse from old windows is as strong and rigid as possible.
9. We mount on vertical racks, prepared window frames with self-tapping screws, and blow out the resulting gaps with ordinary mounting foam. Also, the frames must be fixed and with inside, nailing support bars to them with nails.

   Fastening the window frame to the frame with nails

10. If your window frames are too “low”, then you will have to make a two-tier frame, which will allow you to attach frames to it not only vertically, but also horizontally. It would be good if we could find a sufficient number of single-leaf windows, with the help of which we would “raise” our greenhouse to the required height.

    Greenhouse with two rows of old window frames to "raise" the walls

11. If you will also make a shed roof from window frames, then you should make a frame for the roof with a certain angle of inclination, since the glass in the window frames may not withstand a large amount of snow.
12. For a pitched roof, we make the C-pillars much lower to provide the required roof angle.

    Shed roof with window frames

13. If you do not want to make a roof from window frames, then you can simply install a crate from wooden slats and stretch the plastic film. You can fix it on the frame using carnations or a furniture stapler. It will be much easier and easier, since the film can be removed for the winter so that a lot of snow does not accumulate on it.

    Roofing from old window frames made of reinforced film

14. After the frames are screwed to the frame, it is necessary to insert the windows, fix them with glazing beads and lubricate the edges with sealant to prevent air movement inside the room.
15. Hooks or latches are screwed or nailed to the vents, which will subsequently open. The rest can simply be hammered in with nails and also covered with sealant.
16. We install doors. If the end of the greenhouse where the door will be installed is very narrow, then it makes no sense to install window frames there at all. Could just be the space between door frame and cover with a dense polyethylene film.
17. We make a door frame from a bar. The door can be used as an ordinary interior door with or without glass. If the dimensions allow, the door can also be made of high window frames.

Finishing: what color to paint and how to complement the design

Window frames cleaned from old paint must be treated with various antiseptic and antifungal agents and, if desired, can be primed with a special wood primer. This is done to increase the life of the "old tree". Although I would like to note that the old wooden frames have enough good quality, since in the days of the USSR everything was done “in good faith”.

Then you can simply paint them with any paint you like, but usually they choose the classic White color. If you are a great esthete, you can fork out and open all the frames with varnish. Such a greenhouse will look simply gorgeous.

Final touches on exterior finish- installation of handles on the windows that will open to ventilate the greenhouse and on the door.

Floor device

Inside the finished greenhouse, we pour out a layer fertile soil and arrange the beds as you wish.

There are also other options, but they are more expensive.

Video: how to build a greenhouse from old window frames with your own hands

Based on our article, it cannot be said that a greenhouse from old window frames is built in one day and costs nothing. But if you compare it with expensive factory stationary models, then it is no worse in its technical specifications and the functions performed, and if you do everything as it should be and make every effort to build a really solid structure, then it will serve you for more than one year. Such a greenhouse will not only allow you to grow your favorite vegetables and fruits, but will also become an integral part of your backyard.

Any gardener who wants to get a high-quality crop builds a greenhouse on his site. The simplest and most reliable option is greenhouse built from old window frames. It can be built with your own hands without special costs. The first question that arises is where to get window frames? The answer is simple: the people who make repairs. Old windows can be purchased for symbolic money or for free. Thanks to this approach, you will save a lot of money and build a structure that fits perfectly into your exterior.

Did you know?

How to build a greenhouse with your own hands from window frames?

1. Foundation creation and foundation options

Before laying the foundation, the site must be cleared. Mark the design plan, having previously leveled the ground. Be sure to take into account the degree of shrinkage of the soil. The foundation is the foundation of the structure. The choice of foundation will depend on how long the structure will last, as well as what material is required from which it is constructed. If you plan a strong durable construction from plastic windows, then it would be advisable to lay a foundation of brick or pour cement. But if the design is planned for one or two seasons, then it is enough to use bars. To wooden foundation not rotted, it can be wrapped with roofing material.

1. Frame erection

The frame of the greenhouse will serve as window frames. There are several options for attaching them:

• Corner fixing. Very reliable way, but it requires some skill and expense. The corners are fastened between the frames from the inside and bolted, connecting the two frames together.
• Self-tapping fastening. A fairly simple method in which self-tapping screws are screwed into the base of the frame, thereby fastening its individual parts together.
• Fastening with bars and slats. Along the perimeter of the greenhouse, thin bars or slats are attached from the inside, which are nailed. Such a design will be quite strong.
• Clamps and wire. This assembly method is the easiest. The frames are fastened by simply twisting the wire together. This type is suitable for a structure that is built for one season.

1. Installing the greenhouse on the foundation

Installing the greenhouse on the base is the most important point. The frame can be attached to the foundation by installing a corner and welding the parts together. If the base is made of timber, then it will be enough to attach the structure with bolts. The most important thing is to develop an action plan that will help to properly install the structure. It is necessary not only to correctly fix the greenhouse to the base, but also carefully connect the frame with each subsequent one, ensuring its stability.

1. Roof covering

Covering is the final stage in the construction of the greenhouse. There are several ways:

• Glass roof covering. It will be durable coating, but it significantly complicates the structure.
• Greenhouse cover plastic wrap. The method is very economical and simple, while lightening the weight of the structure. To cover the roof with a film, you will need to nail the slats around the perimeter of the roof and make a crate. Polyethylene is easy to fasten with clamps or clips.

After the frame is erected and the roof is stretched, the structure must be checked for strength. It is also very important that the greenhouse has a ventilation mode. In such a structure, the vents of old window frames will do this function. If there are gaps in the structure, they must be repaired. For this, building foam is suitable. The last important point is light transmission. The greenhouse should let in light from all sides. After checking the functionality, you can start planting plants.

See also the video: How to build a greenhouse with your own hands from window frames