Greenhouses come in a
variety of framing materials. Once
you’ve decided on your panel material you’ll have a good idea of what type
of framing you’ll need to support your glazing.
The climate, site and local building codes may also play a part in what
material you ultimately decide to use. Greenhouse
can be made of wood, extruded aluminum, composite materials, and galvanized
steel…almost any conventional building material.
Choose one that will compliment your home and enhance your outdoor living
space.
The make, model,
manufacturer and site of your hobby greenhouse will determine whether or not you
need a base. The base serves to
elevate your greenhouse off the ground, gives you room to put down your choice
of flooring and provides a structure for you to attach your nursery.
Most greenhouses come with hardware and are predrilled to fit its
proprietary base. For nurseries
that don’t require a base, they can be attached directly to the ground with
anchors often provided by the manufacturer.
Your hobby greenhouse must be secure enough to stand the test of time and
the elements and protect your investment. The
greenhouse can be secured in your site by digging a 4” to 6” trench
consistent with the base dimensions of your structure, placing your greenhouse
in the trench and back-filling with the removed dirt, gravel or the flooring of
your choice. For a more permanent
structure, forgo using the included base and mount the frame, using the
pre-drilled holes, to pressure treated 6”x6” or use railroad ties for a more
aesthetic look. (Again, use board footage consistent with the diameter of your
greenhouse.)
Attached greenhouses and those covered
with glass should have a strong concrete or concrete block foundation that
extends below the frost line according to local building codes. A 2- to
3-foot-high sidewall can add considerably to the appearance of a greenhouse.
Concrete block, stone, or brick are the most popular materials used, but
shingle, clapboard, and asbestos rock have also been used.
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