Water pipes      04/03/2019

How to make a greenhouse from window frames. Choosing a project and building a greenhouse from window frames with your own hands

How economical a dacha owner is depends not only on how savvy he is and his budget, but also on his ability to make things with his own hands. Greenhouse from window frames- quite practical, and the most minimal investments will be needed, since 2 issues are being solved at once: replacing frames in a city apartment and building a greenhouse in suburban area. Let's consider step-by-step algorithm construction of such a device on their own land.

Content:

1. Making the foundation

The base of the greenhouse must be made, since wooden frames weigh a fair amount, plus it is necessary to cover the structure; other materials will be added, due to which the weight will be even greater. Accordingly, to ensure that your greenhouse made from window frames does not get damaged or sag over time, you need to install it with your own hands reliably and steadily, for which you will need to build a foundation. There are different materials for laying:

Brick- very reliable, but not very cheap. If installed correctly, it will last quite a long time. But it can also be damaged by constant temperature changes or excessive humidity. At the same time, it is absolutely stable and quite strong, wooden structure It will easily withstand the greenhouse.

Stone- This is a durable material, but very expensive. You can even install on it polycarbonate greenhouse with a metal body. Its base is durable and can withstand various weather conditions. If you take untreated stone, the price of the material will be much less.

Wooden foundation It is distinguished by its durability, it is also stable, but will not last too long. Literally up to eight years and it will have to be replaced. But it is perfect for DIY greenhouses.

Concrete- tape version made from cement. Reliable and durable. Will last for many years.


Based on the above, it is up to you to decide which material for laying the foundation for a greenhouse is acceptable to you. To build a foundation, the soil should not be swampy or too wet, otherwise the greenhouse will sag very soon. Perfect option when there is a layer of sand under the soil layer. If there is none, you need to do the following:

■ Fill the clay with gravel, spread it well, then add sand to a layer height of 15 cm.

■ Check that there is at least one and a half meters of groundwater penetration.

■ To install a strip foundation, you will need to dig a trench up to 50 cm deep. Make formwork. The boards can be wrapped in film to prevent them from “attaching” to the cement. At the bottom, place wire reinforcement or just large enough stones for reinforcement. Next, pour in a mixture made from: cement, crushed stone, concrete.


This must be done in such a way that the voids are completely filled.
Next, you need to remove the boards and waterproof them using bitumen composition, roofing felt and polymer material. If sinuses form along the edges, fill them with moistened sand and compact them. All this will take about three weeks (including complete drying of the foundation). Therefore, count on these deadlines before starting to build a greenhouse.

How to install the frame?

A greenhouse made from old frames is a completely self-sufficient frame that requires correct installation with your own hands, fastenings and coverings (including lathing). To build a reliable greenhouse, the frame must be installed securely. Window frames must be installed on the foundation and securely secured using corners, self-tapping screws, wooden blocks, nails or clamps. Building a greenhouse from old frames with your own hands is generally not difficult at all. The main thing is to stick important rules simplest construction. Plan all the work in advance, think through and write everything out step by step.

Place the frame on the foundation. To secure the components to the foundation with your own hands, use metal corners. They are inexpensive and quite durable. In order to secure it to the base of the greenhouse, you will need: welding, bolts and anchors. After which you can attach the old frames.

Don’t rush, do everything correctly, installing the next element on the foundation, fastening it together with the next one. Then you will be able to make the greenhouse frame with your own hands strong and stable, preventing subsidence into the ground.


Video “How to build a greenhouse from what you have at hand”

This video tells and shows how to make a greenhouse from what you have on hand. Window frames act as walls.

Installation of windows and frames

Since the structure itself will already be quite heavy in weight, it is not worth adding additional weight to it with windows. Nevertheless, some reproduce their greenhouses in this way, but this mainly applies to small structures. The best covering option is polyethylene film.

To equip it, you need to make a light version of the sheathing around the perimeter of the upper part of the greenhouse. Use steel wire, slats or mounting profile. When the sheathing is installed, you can stretch the film. To fasten it, use clamps and clamps, and you can also make regular holes for fastening.

Roof installation

When you are just planning to build a greenhouse by hand, think about what kind of roof it will have: single or gable. For example, if there are not enough details, then, of course, you can only make a lean-to version. He is satisfied with the most in a simple way, the main thing is that the slope is sufficient so that the water can drain without difficulty during and after rain.


The gable roof option is much better, regardless of the material that will be used for its construction. The processed frame blanks are laid in the standard way, they are nailed down and covered with a ridge (made of wood or plastic) on top. It is important that the surface is sealed, especially at the junctions of glass and wood. Indeed, in the event of leaks, an unfavorable environment may be created inside the greenhouse, for example, mold or plant diseases.

If the walls of the greenhouse are made from old frames, they go well with polycarbonate. For example, if there is a shortage of materials that you will prepare for arranging a roof in a greenhouse, you can use polycarbonate or greenhouse film. Of course, this is not glass, but in terms of properties, the microclimate inside the greenhouse will not become worse if there is another material instead of glass.



To make a good, solid greenhouse, it is not necessary to make drawings, the main thing is to be able to tinker and be a savvy gardener. Upon completion of all work, from laying the foundation to stretching the film, double-check yourself to see how correctly you did everything.

Video “Answers to questions about building a greenhouse from window frames”

In this video you can see a greenhouse made from window frames and hear answers to many questions about the construction.

Beautiful greenhouse for relaxation and gardening

Few people think that a greenhouse can also be used for recreation. Usually its entire area is saved beyond measure in order to grow more seedlings or tomatoes. We offer an alternative - a principled approach to the dacha not only as a place for growing food and flowers, but also as a paradise for your relaxation and your entire family.


This greenhouse is clear example how such an idea can be realized with the help of several ideas. By placing a chair, candlesticks inside, and placing decorative elements here and there, you can transform the overall image of the greenhouse. Prepare and wooden box, which can be an excellent stand for books, tea and dessert. After all, in such a greenhouse you will probably want to read books for a long time or even take a short nap, taking out soft pillows from a wooden box on the floor.

In addition, the space around the greenhouse can be completely changed even without significant costs. Old small wheelbarrows and shovels, clay pots, albeit slightly beaten, and even an old footrest sewing machine- everything can be used for decoration. The main thing is that such old things are complemented with decorative ones - flowers, an angel on the window frame, twine tied in a bow. Thus, you organize a whole small exhibition in the name of beauty at your dacha.

There should be room inside for both plant decorations and interior items. For example, vases or candlesticks. Flowers alone are not enough to create a bohemian greenhouse environment like winter garden at an old English mansion. But together they will work like a charm.

In fact, no small thing is completely unnecessary. From it you can create beautiful compositions that will decorate a certain area in the country. Look at the old window frame, to which the owners of this greenhouse just nailed an iron rod folded in the shape of a heart. And instantly it became an art object that reminds either of the story of Romeo and Juliet, or of a small French summer cafe.

Decorating a greenhouse with plants is also worth it in a special way. For example, pairs or trios of plants of the same type, displayed in accordance with some idea in identical pots, will look beautiful.

And so, creating one composition after another, you will be able to fully equip the greenhouse and the area around it beautifully and without unnecessary financial costs.

ABOUT stand-alone devices We heard a lot of greenhouses and even saw them. Windows are an excellent material for installing translucent structures. How to build a greenhouse from window frames yourself? We will talk about this in detail, with tips and recommendations.

Let's start with the statement that building a greenhouse from window frames is difficult. There is such a widespread opinion. In fact, this is said by those who are reluctant to move the cerebral gyrus.

Of course, it’s easier to buy a ready-made structure and install it according to the instructions, and even easier - just dream about your own large stationary greenhouse. In fact, everything is limited only by the ability to get material and dream a little.

Since in Russia the complete replacement of old wooden windows with plastic ones will be relevant for many years to come, get required quantity frames are very easy. It is enough to collect them from residential buildings in time. Well, experts in this article will help you with your geometric fantasies.

Greenhouse from window profileperfect solution! Wood is a durable and stable material, not exposed to precipitation and does not soften under the sun. Glass transmits light and ultraviolet rays well and protects against cold air.

In such a structure, any ventilation can be performed, in addition to opening the main large door, since the windows have vents. In other cases we. If you add some nuances, you can build a greenhouse from plastic windows, but it will be a more expensive structure. In any case, this building can be safely left for the winter without disassembling it. And there are many more advantages.

We mean: options

You can consider an infinite number of different options for how to build a greenhouse from window frames, but there will still be only three main ones:

  1. Sheathing boards can be used for the lower part of the main frame. Then, when weeding the beds, you are guaranteed not to damage the glass, just as when digging, watering, and so on.
  2. You can insert glass from the same window frames into the finished frame. Such homemade design will look more elegant and complete.
  3. You can join different existing window frames, and then the view will not be very presentable, and connecting different frames will not be very convenient.

What should we do when the frames are completely different? It is necessary to show miracles of engineering, to measure the parameters of each individual element, and try to draw a diagram on a piece of paper. Very often, home-grown builders begin to assemble greenhouses from window profiles “as needed,” installing everything in order, one frame after another, without worrying about dimensions.

So you will end up with a very clumsy structure, uneven and uncomfortable. Ensuring sealing later will be very problematic. To do the roof - even more so.

"Rapid construction" plan

We list:

  1. Initially, it is necessary to take care of the foundation of the greenhouse, for which a trench is dug along the entire perimeter of the greenhouse with the width and depth of a shovel. The trench is filled with rubble and fragments of old bricks, then cement mortar. Often the foundation dries for a week or more, after which construction work can continue.
  2. The second option for the base could be an ordinary brick stand. This type is simple and does not require lengthy construction.
  3. To keep the latches out of the way, they are torn out. You should definitely leave the window hinges, as they are used to connect the frames to each other. It is very important that the frames must be installed with the windows inward so that they can be easily opened. It is convenient to use automatic windows for greenhouses.

  1. After the greenhouse is assembled, the last of the frames is screwed onto the hinges to the adjacent one on only one side; it will then serve as a door.
  2. All frames must be fastened with metal corners and plates.
  3. In the corners of the greenhouse, metal corners are driven into the ground, and between the greenhouse and the corner there is a timber 50x40 mm, the length of which is 2.5 m at the front edge, and 1.9 m along the rear edge. In this way, a base for the roof is formed, which will be pitched. Vertical bars they are fastened on top with bars, between which a sheathing is made of bars 40x40 mm.
  4. On the front part, two frames are installed horizontally, the gap between which is fastened with a metal plate. Do-it-yourself greenhouses made from window frames are a huge field for creativity. You can even put it at an angle.
  5. The roof sheathing is covered, which is attached using slats and screws. The film is similarly attached to the sides and back of the greenhouse.
  6. The final stage is foaming the cracks polyurethane foam, and the door can be closed with a nail or latch.

And now what is usually the request for “greenhouse from frames” window video" does not show:

Fundamental knowledge

Why is a foundation needed? Because a do-it-yourself greenhouse made from old window frames is a “weighty” structure. Not only does wood have a significant specific gravity, but glass also makes the above-ground structure very heavy. We need to take care of the “underground” construction! So that the structure does not sag, especially with constant watering, when the soil liquefies.

Choose:

  • Brick is an expensive but reliable foundation. If installed correctly it will last a long time and your glass window greenhouse will last a very long time. long term. However, when watering, the brick may become waterlogged, which, coupled with temperature changes, will lead to its rapid destruction. Unless you waterproof it, of course.
  • Stone is an even more expensive, but also more durable, reliable foundation option. It is acceptable if you have unused stone lying around on the site from previous construction. You can install a metal frame on it, and even brick walls. It is more relaxed about external influences and waterlogging. If you use untreated stones, the cost will be seriously reduced.
  • Greenhouse from window glass not so heavy as to make solid foundations. For temporary structures, especially those that will be removed for the winter, a wooden base is also a good idea. Will withstand active use 6-8 years, then it will need to be completely changed.

  • Concrete – a good option, shallow strip foundation Easy to install and lasts a long time. You will use it for a couple of decades without repair.

The most budget-friendly solution, of course, is a do-it-yourself greenhouse wooden base. Although, any of the options for self-construction, is suitable both in terms of labor intensity and cost.

Consolidation

We consolidate everything: both knowledge and frames. The construction of a greenhouse from window frames after the foundation is just beginning. We planned how to install the frames, we even adjusted them to size. All that remains is to fasten them together in place.

We are considering options:

  • Wooden and plastic frames can be attached to the base and to each other using self-tapping screws and metal corners. The process is very simple; homemade greenhouses from window frames are assembled quickly and even by yourself. When working, you must use a building level and maintain vertical alignments (the horizontal alignment itself will align at the top if the frames are the same in size). Corners can be attached both outside and internal corners windows The method is reliable.

  • Nails and beams- the “old-fashioned” method, effective, angry and not entirely beautiful. But simple, even simpler than self-tapping screws. How to build a greenhouse from old windows with one hammer - ask your neighbor who is a carpenter. It will be enough to use 30x30 mm bars, no more. WITH inside a block or several are simply laid on the base, at any joint, to which the frames are nailed. You can repeat the process on top. As a result, the frames do not collide directly with each other.
  • Fastening with wire or clamps. The method is the most economical, but the most unreliable. It’s reminiscent of the purely Russian rollicking approach, as they say, “where it hangs, we’ll tie it there.” Nevertheless, it has a right to exist and is often used in garden construction. With the note “I’ll redo it later.”

Covering

A greenhouse made of plastic windows is more complicated in this regard - keep this in mind right away. She has a profile profiled from above, such a tautology. It is uneven, so it will be difficult to attach to it. Unless, of course, we are talking about simply stretching a greenhouse film over the entire structure.

In general, the structure is already quite heavy, so it’s not worth aggravating the situation with glass on top. Just stretching the greenhouse film is a normal option. But the roof will be “flimsy”... Therefore, it is still advisable to put the frames on top.

Then let an apple fall on it from your sinful tree from the Garden of Eden, the film will not break through. You can also use a mounting aluminum profile.

How to stretch the film - the imagination is limitless. If you figured out how to make a greenhouse from old window frames, and successfully secured everything, then you can also fix the film. Even ordinary wire twists will do, not to mention clamps.

Also important!

After all the work done, after covering the greenhouse, you need to check how correctly you built everything. And don’t forget that you not only need to know how to make a greenhouse from window frames, but also remember that you need to take care of it. This means washing, cleaning, maintaining the foundation, strengthening connections, and so on. Maintain stability, ensure light transmittance, monitor tightness and constantly ventilate.

Plastic products have replaced the old ones wooden windows, which may be useful in the country.

For example, if there is no finance to purchase a new greenhouse from modern materials, you can use old frames.

Greenhouses are small structures no more than 1.5 meters high, while the height of a greenhouse can reach 3 m. Compared to greenhouses, artificial heating is almost never used in such structures.

They are heated solar energy and natural biological heating (heat released during the decomposition of humus and manure). There are no doors in greenhouses, so to gain normal access to the crops being grown, you need to remove or open the side or top of the structure.

Greenhouses can be portable or stationary, but they are rarely used when growing adult crops (mainly seedlings).

Another difference between a greenhouse and a greenhouse is the ease of production.

Self-construction of a greenhouse requires financial costs and certain experience. The greenhouse covering can be polyethylene film or non-woven material.

Sometimes cellular polycarbonate is used. In greenhouse designs made from do-it-yourself window frames, glass is mainly installed.

The frame can have different shapes (“house”, triangular, arched, etc.).

The material can be used:

  • fiberglass and metal reinforcement;
  • window frames;
  • wooden blocks;
  • polypropylene pipes.

Choosing a location for a greenhouse

The greenhouse assembly procedure takes little time.

First, you need to thoroughly select and prepare the site for its construction and select the necessary building materials.

The land plot on which the construction of the protective structure will be carried out must meet the following requirements:

  1. The area should be flat and dry. Stagnation of moisture is not allowed; the greenhouse cannot be placed in swampy areas, on slopes and in lowlands. If a greenhouse is built in a place where water stagnates, then drainage is required.
  2. Plants in a greenhouse require good lighting . Therefore, you should not place the structure near tall bushes, trees or objects. The optimal direction for placing the structure is west-east, but one of the sides should be facing south.
  3. The place should be protected from winds.
  4. It also provides availability of a water source. The frame should be protected from rotting by laying roofing material under the bottom. The boards can be tarred.

If you are thinking about it, you should know about choosing a place for construction and study our instructions.

A barbecue made from a gas cylinder - how to create a beautiful and functional barbecue design? The material contains photos and video instructions.

Form factor

The greenhouse can have any shape. It is easy to build such a structure in the form of a pyramid, a stationary type with a foundation, or in the form of a mobile structure that can be moved to another location.

After the material for the greenhouse has been prepared, it is necessary to determine its dimensions. There is no optimal length for such an object, so it will depend on the number and size of frames. But a very long greenhouse will not be convenient to use.

Also, the height and width of the greenhouse will depend on the size of the frames used.

The essence of the design of window frames

In essence, when constructing a greenhouse from window frames, products are used that are suitable for use, but must be disposed of from residential premises.

It will be easier to build such a greenhouse from old proportionate and identical frames, which can be found for free.

The video shows the design of a greenhouse made from window frames and other arrangement options.

Construction works

To ensure the necessary durability and strength of the greenhouse, a foundation is built, which can be columnar, strip, ready-made ( metal frame and lumber).

When building a foundation, you should follow general rules, if necessary, waterproof or insulate necessary materials. The main difference is the width of the foundation, which for a strip base should exceed 10-15 cm.

To carry out further work, you will need long boards and bars, self-tapping screws for fastening frames, and bricks for building a foundation.

After building the foundation, the following steps are performed:

  1. . For a tight fit, it is advisable to remove the paint from the frames and cover them with drying oil; it is better to first remove the glass and remove the metal fittings.
  2. Frame assembly. The standard frame consists of a stand, lower and upper trim. The frame is assembled, and the window frames are fastened with nails, self-tapping screws, and screws. For better reliability, it is better to secure the frames on the outside and inside.
  3. Floor arrangement. The floor serves as protection against heat loss and dampness. It can be made by pouring concrete onto gravel using bricks. For dense and smooth surfaces Rolled waterproofing material is suitable.
  4. Roof installation and shape. The best option is a gable roof, but you can also make a lean-to structure.

Assembling the greenhouse frame

In the photo, a mini greenhouse made from window frames, made by yourself

Temperature in the building

It is advisable to maintain a constant temperature inside the greenhouse.

The following methods are used for this:

  1. Solar heating. This is the cheapest and most popular method, so for good heating of the structure, the film or glass should be kept clean.
  2. Biofuel. This biological method heating the greenhouse becomes the most effective, it is economical and affordable, since heat is released during the decomposition of manure.

Application of biofuels

Earthen side walls the structures should be finished with insulating material (foam plastic), the bottom should be laid with a layer of leaves, straw or peat chips.

The stuffing is done with layer-by-layer alternation of layers of foliage and manure. The larger the volume of the leaves, the lower the temperature will be inside the greenhouse. Such simple methods will help on long time retain the heat that is released during fermentation.

Gradually the substrate will settle, so you should make a high layer. Then soil is poured onto the organic matter.

When using biofuels, it should be taken into account that manure can be different types and the ways to bookmark it are different:

This should be remembered

When constructing a greenhouse, you should be guided not only by the availability of free space on the site, but also by the parameters of the frames. You can order a frame made of plastic, but its installation will require special fasteners.

If the frame is long, it can be used as a single upper sash. Short frames can be placed across the frame to create several opening lids.

If the greenhouse will be used for a long time, then it is better to make it permanent. To do this, its body is laid out of brick.

The top cover of the frames can be removable so that it can be removed for the winter. If it is difficult to make a stone body, then you can use boards.

Particular attention is paid to the tightness of the structure, for which all parts are firmly attached, cracks and grooves are sealed to completely isolate the internal space from the natural environment. Care should be taken to provide supports for the upper doors, which should secure the frames in the open position.

Greetings to all. If you don’t have the money to buy materials to build a greenhouse yourself, you can use old window frames. Today, almost all apartments are replacing windows with plastic analogues, so finding such material will not be a problem.

In most cases, old frames are simply thrown away, so you can negotiate with institutions that install en masse plastic windows or with your neighbors.

All that remains is to learn the nuances of construction, and then begin the creative process. If not all frames fit in size, then you can use small sheets of polycarbonate, polyurethane foam or plastic film.

Despite the fact that this option for constructing a greenhouse is economical, you can create a beautiful and functional structure for growing plants and fruits all year round.

Before construction work you need to dismantle all the fittings. For convenient fastening, the glass needs to be removed for a while. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to mark them with a regular marker. Plus, this way you can avoid cracks in the glass.

Paint and varnish with wooden frames it is necessary to clean it and then treat it with a special antiseptic to increase the service life of the future greenhouse.

Before you start building a greenhouse with a large area, it is recommended to first make a mini-greenhouse, this will allow you to understand the entire process of constructing the structure.

Frames are used as a roof, which are fixed to a wooden base. To be able to ventilate the greenhouse space, its width must correspond to the width old frame. In this case, the roof can be opened during the day. The length can be 2-3 frames.

To make the frame you need to prepare 4 beams and boards. Beams are dug into the corners, after which boards are nailed. To make a slope for the slope of natural precipitation, the front shield should consist of three boards, and the side and rear of four. The top board will need to be cut to the right angle. After which the shields are attached using self-tapping screws to the dug-in beams.


Since the future structure will be small, it is not necessary to remove the glass.

Installation process:

  • Old frames must be laid across the frame and attached to the high (back) wall using hinges.
  • There is no need to fasten the frames together; this will allow you to open them at any time for ventilation.
  • For reliability, you can install a hook on one side.

Stationary greenhouse


Building a durable structure will require more effort and time. Such a greenhouse has a large mass, so it is necessary to prepare the foundation.

  • First you need to drive pegs in all corners, and then pull the twine. It is important that the structure faces south so that the sun's rays always fall on the plants.
  • Make a trench no more than 0.5 m deep and 20 cm wide. In the northern regions, the depth can be 0.7 m. As a result, the greenhouse will not freeze.
  • The base is covered with gravel and sand in a layer of 10 cm.
  • Concrete is poured on top.
  • To raise the foundation a little, you need to make the formwork the next day.
  • Leave until dry.

Frame installation

Approximately two weeks after pouring the strip foundation, you can begin installing the frame (rack with strapping). For this, beams and boards or metal corners are used. In the latter case, the piping must be done while pouring the foundation. The side posts are connected at the bottom using bolts.

If they will be used for strapping wooden materials, then you need to prepare a 10X10 beam for tying 8 boards, 4 5X5 beams for the side and intermediate posts. Self-tapping screws and metal corners are used as fasteners.

  • Secure the 10X10 timber with anchor bolts.
  • Using vertical building level set the side racks.
  • The bottom trim is attached using nails. For reliability, you can use furniture corners.
  • The distance between the intermediate posts must correspond to the width of the frame.
  • Secure the top trim.

If you intend to do gable roof, then it is recommended to make the frame on the ground, and then place it on the structure. The central risers are made of thick wood, and rafter legs and a ridge made from a 5X5 block.

Roof material

Since the structure made from old windows is quite heavy, it is recommended to cover the roof with polycarbonate or film. In this case, the roof can be removed in winter to avoid stress on the roof. Both materials attach easily and simply.

Securing window frames

  • The material is secured from the outside with self-tapping screws.
  • To ensure tightness, close the gaps with foam and lath.
  • At the next stage, insert the glass into the frame, lubricate the edges with sealant.
  • Check the structure according to the building level.
  • Secure the hooks on the windows.

Door installation

A door is mounted at the end of the greenhouse structure. The box is made of high-quality timber. As door leaf you can use any available material.

Now you can fill the floor with soil and start gardening.

Do you have old window frames? Make a greenhouse with your own hands (video)


If you don’t understand all the nuances of building a greenhouse from old frames, then you can read one more instruction.

As noted above, the structure of window frames is quite heavy, so you need to prepare a strip foundation. You can use one of the possible options:

  • Stone. One of the most expensive materials. However, this allows you to build a reliable and durable foundation.
  • Brick. It is also not a budget option. If installed correctly it can last for a long time. Withstands wooden construction.
  • Concrete. Such a foundation is the most durable and reliable. The service life can be several decades.
  • Tree. This is a strong material, however, not durable. It will need replacement after a few years.

Frame

A structure made from old frames already forms a reliable frame. The main thing is to stick simple rules installations. To ensure stability, you need to secure the old frames to the base, and then fasten them together; for this you can use one of the fastening options:

  • Self-tapping screws and metal corners. This method is the simplest. During installation it is necessary to maintain the level. The corner is attached to the inside and outside of the corner using self-tapping screws. This mount is very reliable.
  • Nails and timber. A simpler method. The frame is knocked down from the inside with small bars.
  • Wire and clamp. Most a budget option. In this case, you need to make turns of wire at the fastening points. Clamps are used whenever possible.

Installation

Before work, it is advisable to develop step by step plan to make a greenhouse with your own hands in a short time. The important step is to install the structure on the foundation. It is necessary to fix all components to the foundation with fasteners.

You need to secure the metal corner to the foundation with anchor bolts or using welding machine. Then attach the old frames to it. In addition, the frames need to be connected to each other. Work must be completed without haste and consistently.

Greenhouse cover

Since a greenhouse made from window frames is heavy, it is not recommended to cover it with glass. But if the design has small area, then an exception can be made.

It is best to use plastic film. To do this, make a simple sheathing of slats or steel wire. Then the film is covered. It is secured using clamps or clamps.

Video 1. An example of a homemade greenhouse made from window frames (glass)

Video 2. Greenhouse 5 meters by 3 meters with an oval roof (frames + polycarbonate). The most budget option

Despite the fact that the greenhouse was made on its own, it must be checked for tightness, reliability, stability, light transmission, ventilation and other parameters.

Now you know how you can use old window frames. After erecting the structure, you can proceed directly to planting crops.

Greenhouse on personal plot- not a luxury, but a necessity. But what if the budget is extremely limited? Even in this case, a greenhouse can be built - with your own hands: it will not be difficult to build from old frames.

Nowadays, a lot of people are replacing old wooden windows with new plastic ones. In the vast majority of cases, old windows and glass are sent to a landfill. This junk is great construction material for building a greenhouse from frames with your own hands.

If you choose windows of the same size, then construction will not be difficult at all. If they are of different sizes, then you will have to try a little.

From old window frames you can build both a permanent and temporary greenhouse.

Temporary structure

Old window frames are wooden, so they will not last very long - 6-8 years. In order to build a temporary greenhouse from them, you do not need a special foundation.

It is enough to place a brick or wooden beam so as not to rot too quickly. Our step-by-step instructions will help you assemble a temporary shelter.

Procedure

  1. We take out all the glass from the windows and clean them of rags. old paint . We block all the windows that we don’t plan to use.

Advice!
To slow down the decay process, it is worth drying the wood or painting it with oil paint.

  1. Unscrew all metal parts(latches, hinges, etc.).
  2. We calculate the dimensions of the future building based on the available number of frames.
  3. We mark the boundaries of the future building using pegs and twine..

Advice!
Don't forget to check the markup.
The diagonals of the rectangle must be equal.

  1. We dig in bricks along the string so that the top edge of the brick is raised above ground level by 2-3 cm. We choose the digging step so that each frame rests on three bricks.
  2. We assemble the frame of the building from 50x50 mm timber. The height of the frame must be at least 170 cm. To reduce the cost of the structure, you can use a dry board with a thickness of at least 30 mm. The supporting pillars of the frame should be positioned so that the joints of the windows fall on them.

  1. We fix the perimeter windows. They need to be nailed to the frame as often as possible to increase the strength of the structure.

Note!
We install the frames with the windows facing outwards, so that they do not open in the wind.

  1. Making the roof frame. Since we have a greenhouse without a cushion, it is not recommended to cover it with the same glass windows, so as not to increase the weight of the structure. There can be two roofing options - film or polycarbonate. Our structure is as budget-friendly as possible, so we are not considering the option of polycarbonate.
    The roof can be either single-pitched or double-pitched.
  • Single-pitch. To install it, we increase one side row of frames upward by 60-100 cm, depending on the width of the building. To do this, you may have to cut the frames and knock together windows of the required size.

Note!
The height difference for a film greenhouse should be approximately 25-30 cm for each meter of run length.

After this you can lay cross beams. They can be made from solid timber with a section of 50x50 mm. You can also splice disassembled parts of windows, but then you will need to install supports.

Note!
The installation pitch of the rafters should be such that it is convenient to tension.
For example, if the film is a meter wide, then the rafter installation step is 90 cm.

  • Gable. We lay crossbars made of 50x50 mm timber on top of the finished frame frame. From the same timber we make roof rafters, which we nail to the crossbars. The height difference from the roof ridge to the walls should be 50-70 cm. Along the top of the rafters, the rafters can be connected to each other with window trims.

Note!
To prevent the frame from moving apart under the weight of the roof and precipitation on it, it may be necessary to install supports under the cross beams.

  1. Hanging entrance doors , fortunately there remains a sufficient number of various loops and latches.
  2. Carefully seal all cracks. It will be used construction foam, silicone sealant and even ordinary clay. In the latter case, the clay should be mixed with fluffy tow as a binding filler.
  3. Inserting glass into the side walls. If there is not enough glass, then these places can be filled with polyethylene or polycarbonate residues.
  4. We stretch the film onto the roof.
    In order for the film to sag as little as possible, the order of its tension should be as follows:
  • We cut pieces of film along the length of the roof with a margin of 40 cm;
  • If necessary, cut the pieces lengthwise;
  • We roll out the first piece over the roof so that the film hangs equally on both sides;
  • We nail one edge through the slats (glazing beads, shingles);
  • We stretch the film from the middle to the edges with a fold around the next rafter and fix it with nails or a stapler;
  • We repeat the operation with the following pieces.
  1. We fix the side edges of the roofing film through the slats.

The temporary greenhouse made from old frames is ready. This design is unsuitable for use in winter, so the film must be removed from the roof in winter. Otherwise, not only the film may break, but the entire structure may collapse.

In order for a building to successfully withstand winter, a more serious approach is needed. The price of a capital structure is higher, however, the strength and reliability are several times higher.

Capital building

In order to build a permanent greenhouse from old window frames, you already need a foundation. A greenhouse made of frames standing on a concrete pad will last much longer, especially if you take care of the wood. Such a structure can already be covered with polycarbonate, or a roof can be made from the same window frames.

Sequence of work

There is nothing special about pouring the foundation for such a structure, so we will not dwell on it in detail. For a small greenhouse, a concrete pad the width and depth of a shovel will be sufficient. For the greenhouse bigger size, for example, 3x6m foundation depth - 45-50 cm, width 25-40 cm.

The edge needs to be raised above the ground by 10-15 cm. Pieces of corners along the long sides should be immediately concreted into it for subsequent fastening of the frames.

The corners should protrude from the concrete by 5-10 cm.

The foundation hardens in about a week or two.

After this, you can proceed directly to construction:

  1. We lay out square columns 170-180 cm high from brick at the corners of the foundation. The same columns can be laid along the long sides of the building so that 2-3 frames are placed between them.
  2. We prepare the frames for construction in the same way as in the case of a temporary structure.
  3. In the middle of the brick columns we make the upper and lower frame frames from 50x50 mm timber or boards at least 30 mm thick. Bottom harness screw it to the foundation corners.

Note!
The timber of the upper frame should lie on top of the posts, and the bottom – directly on the foundation.

  1. We assemble the side and end walls of the greenhouse in the same way as in the temporary shelter version.

  1. The roof is arranged in the same way. When lean-to greenhouse the side posts should be increased to the required height.
  2. If the roof is made from old windows, then the distance between the roof rafters should be such that the glazing frames fit between them with a slight interference fit.
  3. Next, we hang the door and seal all the cracks.
  4. In order to make it convenient to walk, the central passage in the greenhouse can be deepened by 15-20 cm.

Summary

Thus, if you have the skill and minimum quantity money, a greenhouse of this kind can be built. To begin with, you can try to build a temporary structure, and then think about a more permanent one.

You can find out even more information by watching the video in this article.