My Greenhouse Construction Thread (picture heavy)

[MoonShadows]

Thanks, Joel and Mini Horses.....but, no rest for the weary...just yet!

This morning we started off by driving 8 pieces of rebar at 45 degree angles at the ends of each beam to anchor the whole structure to the ground. We also decided to hold off on the slate floor for now and try to get the structure up and enclosed between today and tomorrow since they are predicting bad weather for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Next, we started erecting the front and back walls and doors, something that became somewhat of a real challenge as it got quite windy out. As the afternoon wore on, we got the top wall supports and roof ridge support put on, and then with one roof truss in place and one side wall panel in place on each side for some greater stability, we decided to call it a day. I am aching from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet! Pics below, and we hope to have the structure finished tomorrow. We will still need to add the redwood benches and slate floor.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

You do good work - it looks great!

 

[MoonShadows]

You do good work - it looks great!

Well, thank you! We try.

 

[sumi]

It looks great!

 

[Denim Deb]

Yep, looks nice.

 

[MoonShadows]

Thank you Sumi & Deb.

Well, today we finished the complete frame of the greenhouse. We still need to put down the slate on the floor and assemble the 2 redwood benches that span both of the 16' sides, but that can be done in the rain they are predicting the next few days. Tomorrow will be an off day on the project as we have to get 45 cases of product labeled and packed for orders we received the past few days.

Here are today's pics!

The roof rafters, trusses and side walls finished.

The completed basic greenhouse...a few views.

There will be more pics as we put down the slate, build the benches, and begin seeds.

Hope you are enjoying our project. I know we are! , but we both have aches on top of our aches!

 

[Denim Deb]

I'm curious, how are you going to heat it? For now, I'm still having to bring my plants in some nights because it's just too cold out in my greenhouse for them.

 

[MoonShadows]

I'm curious, how are you going to heat it? For now, I'm still having to bring my plants in some nights because it's just too cold out in my greenhouse for them.

I am hoping to use as much thermal mass as possible. That is one reason I am putting down slate for the floor. It, and the gravel underneath, should absorb a good amount of heat during the day that will radiate out at night and help to keep temperatures up longer on cooler nights. Another method for thermal mass radiant heat will be to use 5 gallon pails with lids, painted black and filled with water.

I am also toying with the idea of making a Swedish Skirt using foam board in a 4 foot perimeter around the greenhouse. This method would keep the ground under the green house from getting too cold and would allow thermal mass from the earth to help keep the greenhouse warmer too.

One heater I have my eye on is the Dr. Infrared Greenhouse Heater
Two models available 1500 and 3000 watts
https://www.greenhousemegastore.com/product/dr-infrared-heater-115v/heating

Another heater people have used for years in home greenhouses is the "traditional" Patton Milk-House Utility Heater
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000BYC61/ref=psdc_510182_t1_B00J6B2F1Q

A third model for consideration might be an "radiator type" oil heater

 

[sumi]

It looks fantastic!

 

[MoonShadows]

Last night we had a wet slushy snow of about 1". I was pleasantly surprised when the temps this morning stayed in the low 30's while the interior greenhouse temps were in the 70's and the snow was still on the roof. It didn't fully melt until about 1pm when the temps hit the upper 30's and the greenhouse interior temp was almost 80. It seems the double-walled polycarbonate acts as a good insulator.