Anybody have any experience with PVC framed greenhouse?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Countryside : One Thread

Does anybody have any experience with PVC framed greenhouses? How well do they hold up, etc? I looked at a used one last night, and am seriously tempted. It needs new film, but it's $300 obo, and I do have to dismantle - it's not glued together, everything's just held in place by the tension from the guy wires.

Here's the link to the manufacturers website - it's the LGR110

http://www.granitehydro.com/greenhouses/meas.html

I've also been considering building my own PVC greenhouse, based on the info I've found at:

http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/bae/programs/extension/publicat/postharv/green/green.html

Thanks in advance to all!

-- Eric in TN (ems@nac.net), July 25, 2000

Answers

Eric, when my Dad died, my brother came up from AR for the funeral. I'd mentioned wanting to build a greenhouse out of PVC. He already had one where he was living and said instead of using the plastic from the hardware stores, go to Walmart and buy the clear vinyl they sell for furniture coverings, as it's more durable for the weather. I plan on doing that when I start my greenhouse. But, haven't decided if I'm going to use pvc or wood...But, have decided to use the clear vinyl.

-- Louise Whitley (whitley@terraworld.net), July 25, 2000.

Eric, I built the greenhouse you note in the web address given last year. Made it 12'x16" Went up very easy looks and works good Cost: Lunber $80.00-$90.00 PVC/Cement - $40.00 (Home Depot)Used schedule 40 PVC Plastic - Double layer $75.00 4 year Green House film look on the web and you can find a supplier that will sell it to you to fit not in 100 yard rolls.

Total less than $200.00

Todd

-- Todd Leeman (todd.leeman@colehaan.com), July 25, 2000.


Thanks for the replies! Todd, have you had any problems with the PVC sagging in the heat? That's one of my major concerns...

-- Eric in TN (ems@nac.net), July 26, 2000.

How about winds? Can it withstand winds up to 78-90 mph? We have some nasty little storms here. Hail? Is the sheeting strong enough to withstand hail? Durability is a question, I just don't want to rebuild it every other year. (I don't think my brother was growing the veggies I was interested in growing in his... So, I just listened to his ideas.)

-- Louise Whitley (whitley@terraworld.net), July 27, 2000.

I would think the commercial greenhouses wouldn't use the film if it didn't hold up too well.

-- Eric in TN (ems@nac.net), July 27, 2000.


Hey Guys,

I have had a PVC shadehouse for almost 5 yrs now and it still works wonderfully!!! The key to it not sagging is to make sure there are cross sections, not just long lengths of pvc.

The heat is not the main concern with pvc shade/greenhouses, but extreme cold temperatures. PVC will shatter.

During hurricane season we simply place cinder blocks on each side and toss ropes over the top and tie the ends down. Since I use shadecloth without the plastic I have no idea how the plastic holds up but there has been no problems at all with the PVC.

-- Stephanie Nosacek (possumliving@go.com), August 01, 2000.


Thanks for the info Stephanie. I just aquired a BUNCH of free PVC and am going to try to build a 10' X 12' or a 10' X 16' greenhouse this fall.

-- Eric in TN (ems@nac.net), August 01, 2000.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ