Homemade greenhouses from window frames. Instructions with photo examples on how to build a greenhouse from old window frames

Old windows, which today are often replaced with double-glazed windows enclosed in plastic, are usually sent to the scrap later. But they can be given a second life by using greenhouses in the construction. Especially when there is not enough money for a factory product made of polycarbonate, for example, and a profile. And here at hand is solid, safe for plants and, most importantly, free material. Window glass has sufficient strength and perfectly transmits light, which is important for plant life.

Getting old frames is not difficult, especially when you need only a few for a small greenhouse. It is good if they were preserved after the dismantling of the old building or replacement with double-glazed windows. In extreme cases, the required number of old frames can be asked from friends and neighbors who carried out major repairs to their homes, or negotiated with plastic window installers who simply take their dismantling products to a landfill.

From the material obtained, you can assemble the main parts of the greenhouse. This process is creative. You will have to delve into the nuances of the foundation device for the intended design and determine the location of each window frame in it. If there are problems with fitting the constituent elements of the structure, pieces of polycarbonate, mounting foam and screws, sealant and ordinary cement can come to the rescue.

In general, there are three main options for assembling a greenhouse from old windows:

Sheathe the bottom of the frame with wooden boards. This will ensure that when watering plants or digging the soil, the glass of the greenhouse will remain intact.
Glaze the finished frame with material taken from old windows. Then the greenhouse will look full, and the frames can be used at your discretion.
Dock window frames into a single structure. If they are of different sizes, you will have to be creative. To begin with, draw up a plan for placing frames in the structure so that the structure looks harmonious.

Advantages of greenhouses from old windows

Due to the availability of material and simple assembly, even a beginner in this business can make a greenhouse out of window frames with his own hands.

The advantages of such a structure "on the face":

The wood is strong enough, with good care, the frames made from it will last for more than one year. Quality processing wooden products makes them invulnerable to the influence of precipitation and sunlight.
The glass of the windows, in addition to its good ability to transmit light, qualitatively protects the interior of the greenhouse from the outside cold air.
The assembly of the structure from window frames attracts many because in such a greenhouse it is convenient to carry out ventilation through any window.

In addition to all of the above, there are many more positive aspects in the construction and use of such a structure:

Economy and practicality. They are due to the fact that at low costs for the purchase of consumables, you can get a ready-made greenhouse protected from external influences as a result of your work. Most often, old frames are covered with paint and not even one layer.
Environmental Safety. wood like natural material harmoniously fits into the interior of the greenhouse.
Durability. It depends on the type of wood that was used in the manufacture of the frame. The hardiest species are oak and larch. A greenhouse with a wooden frame can last an average of 5 years. However, this period varies depending on the care of the building and climate zone its location.
Heat capacity. Window frames perfectly retain the accumulated heat. The sunlight passing freely through them contributes to the heating of the greenhouse in a natural way.
Quality lighting. Due to the high light transmission of the window glass, the space of the greenhouse is not illuminated worse than beds outdoors. Harmful to some plants, ultraviolet radiation can be eliminated by sticking a tinted film on the glass from the inside of the greenhouse.
High strength wood. This quality is indispensable for the stability of the window frame greenhouse. It can be increased by impregnating products with modern preparations.

Advice! If there are no glasses in the frames assembled for construction, cellular polycarbonate or, in the worst case, plastic film can be successfully used instead.

Technology for mounting a greenhouse from window frames

The structure of the greenhouse from frames includes a support, a frame and a cover. Consider phased production each of these elements.

Preparing to build a greenhouse

This stage of work includes the choice of a place for the structure, its design, preparation of materials and the necessary tools.

Before you make a greenhouse out of window frames, you need to draw up a detailed drawing of it with a frame layout, especially if they different sizes. Each frame will need to be measured first. The total width of all products determines the length of the greenhouse. To make it symmetrical, it is recommended to select frames of the same height.

The width of the building should be chosen in accordance with the planned dimensions of the beds and passages, which are convenient in terms of walking and passing the household cart. The width of the beds in the greenhouse is usually 1 m.

After drawing up a detailed drawing, it will not be difficult to calculate expendable materials necessary for the construction of the greenhouse: fasteners, key parts, fittings, etc.

When the dimensions of the future greenhouse have already been determined, you need to choose a place to place it. The functionality of the structure will depend on how correctly this is done. It needs a flat, well-lit area. There should be no objects near the greenhouse that can shade it: tall trees, a fence, other buildings, etc. In addition, such structures are not recommended to be located in the path of the prevailing winds. In the winter period of the year, this will reduce the heat loss of the greenhouse. Ideally, the longitudinal axis of the greenhouse should be oriented from north to south.

The soil for a structure made of old windows should not be damp and strong, since the mass of such greenhouses is very significant, and excess moisture for wooden structure destructive. A successful soil structure for greenhouse farming should consist of a lower sandy layer and an upper layer of fertile chernozem.

If the soil on the site is clay, the place for the construction of the greenhouse must be covered with gravel, on top of it make a pillow with a thickness of at least 100 mm from sand, tamp it down and ennoble it with fertile soil. For such a “pie”, you first need to remove the top layer of soil from the entire building area to a depth of 30-40 cm.

The level of occurrence is of great importance ground water. For a greenhouse, it must be at least one and a half meters down. Raw soil for the construction of such structures is not suitable.

Treatment of old windows

If you plan to build a greenhouse from old window frames, they should be prepared properly. Previously, the material must be carefully examined for damage. To facilitate this and subsequent work from the frames, it is required to remove the glass and all fittings - latches, handles, etc. After that, the surface of the products must be cleaned from paint to wood. If rotten elements are found, they must be replaced with new ones.

Cleaned frames must be treated with an antiseptic, which will protect the structure from dampness, mice and insects in the future.

The presence of small cracks is easily corrected with a special putty for wood. After it dries, problem areas should be sanded with sandpaper. Then the prepared surface of the frames must be painted with enamel for outdoor use. Such paint is not afraid of moisture and frost.

The height of the walls of the future greenhouse from the frames should be planned at least 1.7-1.8 m. The total height of the structure depends on the slope of the roof slopes. For a film coating, it must be greater than for a polycarbonate or glass coating.

Building a foundation for a greenhouse from windows

A stationary frame structure, which is not dismantled for the winter and can serve 3-5 seasons, has a solid weight and therefore requires a strong foundation. Another need for its construction is the small height of the window frames, it averages 1.5 m. It is not enough for comfortable movement inside the greenhouse. Therefore, two or three dozen centimeters missing to the norm can be built up with foundation walls. Another advantage of this solution is the exclusion of direct contact between the wood of the bottom of the frame and the ground. This means that the window frames of the greenhouse will rot less.

Having decided on the desired height of the structure, it is easy to calculate the vertical size of the above-ground part of its support. The total height of the frames and walls of the foundation should allow you to move around the greenhouse without bending over.

The most reliable is the concrete strip foundation. After choosing a place and laying out a site for construction along its perimeter, you need to dig a trench 50-70 cm deep, depending on the level of soil freezing. The standard trench width is 15-20 cm. The large excavation depth will make the structure frost-proof. This will enable early planting in early spring.

The bottom of the trench must be covered with crushed stone, and a sand cushion 10 cm thick must be created on top of it. Then it must be impregnated with liquid concrete, the trench filled with stones and the remaining mixture poured into it, filling the recess to the level of the soil surface.

The next day, you need to install a panel formwork to raise the walls of the foundation to the required height. Usually it is 15-25 cm. Stones or reinforcement can be laid in the formwork, which will make the above-ground part of the support under the greenhouse stronger. After that, everything should be poured with concrete and left for 28 days for it to completely solidify.

You can ignore the formwork device by making the above-ground part of the support from a wooden beam with a section of 150x150 mm. To obtain an additional 30 cm of greenhouse height, eight bars must be placed in pairs on top of each other. Before installation, they should be impregnated with used car oil. Between themselves, the bars must be connected with brackets, and the end joints of the structure should be strengthened with metal corners. The frame from the foundation must be separated with roofing felt waterproofing.

To build the foundation of a miniature greenhouse, it will be enough to dig a trench 30 cm deep, fill it first with rubble, then sand, and then immediately mount the support frame from the bar from above. The downside of this solution is that such a greenhouse can freeze in winter.

Installation of a frame for a greenhouse from window frames

It consists of racks and two harnesses - upper and lower. For strapping, you can use metal corners or timber and boards. Horizontal bottom trim of steel angles should be performed when pouring the upper part of the foundation for a strong connection metal parts with support. The side racks of the structure in this case must be made from the same corners, then welded or fixed bolted connections on the bottom harness. The height of the top trim must be determined with great care. It is important to wooden frames suddenly were not behind her line - above or below.

For the manufacture of a wooden frame for a greenhouse, you will need a beam with a section of 100x100 mm, eight boards 40 mm thick, four side racks and several intermediate ones. Their number depends on the number of windows that need to be installed. For example, if the frame consists of four frames in length and two frames in width, three racks will be needed on each of its sides and one on the end.

The size of the cross-section of the beam for the racks must be at least 50x50 mm. All connections of the wooden parts of the frame must be made with metal corners, pre-drilling seats for screws in the wood. It is desirable to protect steel parts from rust with anti-corrosion enamel.

The frame assembly should be carried out in the following order:

Attach to foundation anchor bolts timber 100x100 mm. It will serve as the basis for the further installation of the frame.
Install the side racks, checking their verticality with a building level.
Performing a half-tree cut at the junctions, use nails to fix the boards that form the lower trim of the greenhouse frame.
Install intermediate posts. The distance between them should correspond to the width of the window.
Run the top strapping with boards on the racks.
To protect against rot and insect invasion, the frame racks must be treated with an antiseptic.

gable roof frame it is convenient to shoot down below on the ground, and then install it on the walls of the structure. The central risers, which serve as a support for the roof, are recommended to be made of a more powerful beam than the one that will be used for the rest of the roof elements. For rafters and ridge, you can use a beam with a section of 50x50 mm. Intermediate rafters of the roof frame can be made from a thick board instead of timber. The distance between them usually corresponds to the width of the frames.

Greenhouse cover device

The coating of such a greenhouse is recommended to be made of polycarbonate or polyethylene film. Frames are less suitable for this. The fact is that they greatly increase the weight of the structure, and it is inconvenient to fix glass on the roof slopes. Another thing is plastic or film. They can be easily removed for the winter. And the glazed frames, which are difficult to disassemble, will accumulate snow caps in winter, creating an additional load and thereby shortening the life of the wooden frame of the greenhouse.

For a film coating of a window frame structure, the slope of the roof slopes must be large. This is useful so that rain water does not linger on the film when it is deflected and flows down well. Polycarbonate sheets are more rigid than film. Therefore, when they are used for covering, the slope of the roof of the greenhouse may be less than in the previous case.

Sheets of cellular polycarbonate must be fixed to the rafters and gables using bolts with wide washers. To protect the walls of the greenhouse from rainwater, it is necessary to leave roof overhangs, which should protrude beyond the side enclosing structures by 150-200 mm.

It is convenient to mount the film on the frame simultaneously with different sides. Therefore, this operation is best performed by two people, easily controlling the amount of material tension. For its fastening, thin wooden slats are suitable, which, after pressing the film, must be fixed with nails on the roof frame.

In order to minimize the sagging of the film on the greenhouse, it is recommended to lay the cover on a wire mesh frame stretched between the roof rafters.

Fastening window frames to the frame

After making the roof of the greenhouse, window frames can be installed in its frame. The fixation of these elements of the structure should be carried out from its outer side with the help of screws. The gaps between the frames must be filled mounting foam, and then close with thin strips for maximum tightness.

Glasses in frames must be laid on a sealing compound, and then fixed with glazing beads. In this case, the movement of air through the closed frame will be excluded.

When mounting the frames, it is necessary to check the condition of the vents. They must not be skewed. If necessary, they must be corrected. To hold the vents in the closed position, hooks must be nailed. In addition, you should come up with a latch that holds them open.

Greenhouse doors should be installed at the end of the structure. If it is narrow, then its end can be left without frames at all - they will not fit there. It will be easier if in this case the entire end, except for the doorway, is sheathed with a film.

The door frame must be made of timber. The door leaf can be hung on it using the hinges taken out of the window frames. After that, it remains to fill the fertile layer of earth into the greenhouse, make beds and start planting.

How to make a greenhouse from window frames - look at the video:

As you can see, an environmentally friendly and convenient greenhouse from window frames can be built independently for mere pennies. Think about this opportunity when you are going to change the old windows in your home for new modern double-glazed windows. Good luck!

Do not puzzle over where to dispose of old wooden or plastic windows after repair. Using this guide and helpful tips from summer residents, build a greenhouse or a full-fledged greenhouse from window frames with your own hands - and treat yourself to early vegetables, and among your neighbors you will be known as a master. Thoroughly study how to make the structure reliable and airtight so that it solves the assigned tasks, withstands bad weather and stands on the site for several seasons.

Neat greenhouse from window frames

Pros and cons of greenhouses from old window frames

Does the prospect of getting a practically free greenhouse warm your soul? Do not rush to rub your hands in anticipation of future profits from greenhouse farming - a cheap greenhouse has both advantages and disadvantages. For example, you cannot make such a greenhouse yourself in a jiffy, and even live, and in the photo the structures are significantly inferior in appearance to polycarbonate ones. Whether such a solution suits you, you will understand when you study other nuances.

Mini greenhouse from an old window

Features of frame greenhouses

A greenhouse made of window frames, in addition to cost, has other advantages:

windows, if they have retained their integrity, keep heat well;
in the presence of glasses, it is not necessary to spend money on covering material;
the design is quite light, and the soil warms up quickly;
there are already vents in the window frames, which means that the ventilation issue has been resolved;
a leaky element can always be replaced with a similar one.

Greenhouse from window second-hand

On the other hand, a do-it-yourself greenhouse made of window frames, even in the photo, looks, to put it mildly, unpresentable. If you approach the matter responsibly, then its installation will take at least a week. Therefore, those who value their own time are worth their weight in gold or worry about landscape design of their site, they do not undertake the construction of a frame greenhouse.

The disadvantages should also include a large number of joints and connections between often different-sized frames. They all need to be sealed with sealant so that precious heat does not leak into the cracks. It will be necessary to grease, tint, repair such a greenhouse during the entire period of operation. Besides:

a greenhouse assembled from “pieces” is difficult to dismantle and move to another place;
glass breaks easily and, working near the walls of the greenhouse, care must be taken;
the greenhouse turns out to be heavy - you can’t do without a foundation.

Window frames shade the greenhouse by 30%

We must not forget that under glass, which retains UV B and C spectrum useful for plants, crops grow more slowly than under a light-transmitting film. Is it worth abandoning the idea altogether because of these features? Of course not, they just need to be taken into account in the design of a home-made greenhouse and responsibly approach the choice of a place for it.

Choice of location and design

Before you make a greenhouse out of window frames, decide where it will be located. The question is far from being idle: not only its size and shape, but also the internal microclimate and productivity directly depend on the location of the structure. Of course, these recommendations are not feasible for every site, but if possible, try to comply with them at least partially:

so that the greenhouse is well lit and protected from the north winds, install it in front of tall structures or plantings;
build a structure on the southeast, southwest or south side site;
it’s good if there is a hill in this place, otherwise you will have to equip the drainage layer;
analyze the condition of the soil in the selected plot - if the soil is clayey, cover it with gravel and fill it with black soil;
place the greenhouse for tomatoes as far as possible from the plantation with potatoes - this is important for preventing the spread of late blight;
keep in mind that the south-north direction is considered the most successful direction for the roof ridge - this is how cultivated crops receive the maximum amount of sunlight from the east and south.

The location of the greenhouse on the site

If you want to extend the growing season, consider also the communications system - you will need to provide heating, lighting and watering. To make it all easier to do it yourself, it is important that the window frame greenhouse is located as close as possible to the energy source.

As for the shape of the greenhouse, then choose it based on your goals:

For a hotbed greenhouse, a box-shaped structure inclined to one side is suitable. It is also convenient to organize temporary storage of root crops in it in the fall.
It is convenient to grow greens and grown seedlings in a gable mini-greenhouse.
To get a crop of cucumbers or tomatoes, you need a greenhouse-house with a height of at least 1.8 m with doors and vents.

The simplest greenhouse

Do-it-yourself construction stages

To figure out how to build a small but functional greenhouse from old window frames, check out step by step master class, provided by an experienced vegetable grower, and a video describing the process. First, determine the dimensions by the number of frames, and then draw a sketch of the greenhouse on a scale and decide on the type of foundation.

Which is better - foundation or foundation

For the sake of maximum simplification and reduction in the cost of construction, another summer resident plans to do without a foundation and install the greenhouse simply on the ground. In professional construction, there is the concept of a base - an array of soil that can perceive the load from the structure without deformation. But for this it is strengthened in various ways:

pneumatic rammer;
silicification (introduction of liquid glass solution into the soil layer);
cementation (injection of liquid cement mortar).

It is unrealistic and unprofitable to create a base strong enough for a heavy greenhouse on your own and without equipment. Therefore, based on your own considerations and financial capabilities, you need to choose the material for the foundation. Usually consider the following options:

wooden beam;
bricks or blocks;
reinforced concrete.

Shell block construction

The beam is quickly installed, but it also rots quickly. It can and should be impregnated with resin or wrapped in roofing felt, but these activities only slow down the process for a short time. A plinth made of silicate or hollow brick will not last long, and well-fired clinker is expensive. The purchase of foundation blocks will not be much cheaper, since according to the technology they need to be insulated and insulated with high quality, and this will also cost a pretty penny.

The bar is enough for 3-4 years

Some craftsmen manage to adapt railway sleepers for greenhouses, car tires, iron pipes. But the most predictable and relatively cheap is a shallow concrete strip support - the service life at right approach exceeds decades. To understand how justified such a structure is for a homemade greenhouse from old frames, study the installation technology.

Tire base

How to fill in concrete foundation

Determine the width of the foundation tape according to the type of soil: 20 cm (for loams) or 25 cm (for sandy soils). At the previously selected place, remove the site and mark up:

Choose the location of the first corner and in its place, using a plumb line, vertically install a peg or piece of reinforcement.
Pull the string from it at a right angle and determine the second and third corners at the required distance - also mark them with pegs.
From the second and third corners towards the fourth, stretch the twine and, setting the corner, set the last mark.
Check the resulting rectangle diagonally: they should be equal.
In a similar way, mark the inner contour of the foundation.

Finished trench

Calculate the required height of the foundation from the ground as the difference between the height of the window frames and the height of the greenhouse under construction along the floor beams. Mark the calculated size on the pegs and stretch the string horizontally.

Now comes the turn earthworks. According to the marking, dig a trench 30 cm deep. The walls should be vertical; when the soil is shedding, install temporary supports. Check the bottom with a level and, at the slightest slope, level it to the horizontal. Pour sand into the finished trench in layers, spilling and tamping each layer. The thickness of the pillow is 15 cm.

From edged board and timber, assemble the formwork.
With outside install supports to prevent its deformation.
Attach reinforcing bars with a diameter of 8–12 mm to the formwork walls and tie them together with wire.
Mix cement grade 200 with sifted river sand in a ratio of 1:2 or 1:2.5 and dilute with water to a state of liquid sour cream.
Pour crushed stone with the resulting solution - its amount is the same as sand.
Mix the concrete and pour it into the formwork, compacting it with improvised means, a perforator or a construction mixer in the process.
Level the top layer with a rule or trowel and sprinkle it with concrete sifted through a sieve.

Pouring concrete

The resulting foundation can be used subsequently for more than one greenhouse.

Finished base

Installation of windows and frames

Dismantled windows should be prepared before reuse. Check their condition - dried wood cannot be restored and is not suitable for a greenhouse. Carefully remove old hinges, nails, latches from the frames - everything that is outdated or may interfere with installation. To avoid damaging the glass, temporarily remove:

Remove the glazing beads from the window frame, pull out all the glass, marking them in accordance with each opening.
Wash the glass sheets with warm soapy water.
Replace cracked glass and add new ones to replace missing ones.
Remove the layer of old coating with a blowtorch or paint stripper.
Fill in any irregularities if necessary.
Apply several layers of antiseptic, let the surface dry.
Paint the frames with a light-colored exterior paint.

Repaired window frame

The most time-consuming operation in the construction of a greenhouse from old window frames with your own hands is the construction of a frame. It is optimal if, after replacing the windows with metal-plastic double-glazed windows, frames of the same size remain. In this case, lay a sheet of roofing material on a concrete foundation, on it - a beam of the lower trim. Then, one by one, use dowels to screw the frames to the foundation and tie them with racks and jumpers for rigidity.

Scheme of the frame from the boards

When installing oversized frames with a frame structure, you will have to tinker a little more:

At the corners of the foundation, place vertical posts of the same height, equal to the height of the largest frame and the width of the lower trim beam.
Firmly install the top trim around the entire perimeter.
Attach the first frame to it with three dowels, and leave its lower edge free.
Install the second frame in the same way, but on the other side.
Bring the lower beam into the gap between the frames and the foundation and attach it to the foundation and pillars.
Lay the remaining open space with a board according to its size - due to the location at the bottom, such inserts will not obscure the greenhouse.

Holes covered with plastic wrap

Alternatively, the playing height of the frames can be compensated with polycarbonate inserts, installing them in any place.

wooden and plastic frames- advantages and disadvantages

The nuances of building a greenhouse from wooden windows, positive and not so, are discussed above. But more and more often it happens that pioneer homeowners, who once were the first to replace wooden frames with metal-plastic double-glazed windows, already have to change them too. This means that such material can also fall into the hands. Upon closer examination, metal-plastic has its advantages and disadvantages in the new "role".

At first glance, a metal-plastic greenhouse is impeccable:

the design looks modern;
keeps heat superbly;
equipped with ready-made vents;
resistant to wind and snow;
durable and environmentally friendly.

Factory greenhouse made of metal-plastic

Having seen enough of the new windows of the house, someone will even want to invest a sum of money in a capital greenhouse made of metal-plastic frames. However, not everything is so rosy - windows are still intended for other purposes and have not been tested in greenhouse conditions. Especially many questions arise regarding restoration:

depressurized frames (one of common causes replacements) are also unsuitable for greenhouses;
during installation, it is impossible to pull the glass out of the frames - there is a high risk of damage;
if the upper trim and the roof of the greenhouse are incorrectly installed, an uneven load acts on the window frame, and the double-glazed window bursts;
it is impossible to replace broken glass "on the knee" - specialists and equipment are needed.

Drawing of a homemade greenhouse

The greenhouse itself turns out to be non-separable and heavy - it will be extremely problematic to move it to a new place with your own hands. If you have free plastic windows, then why not build a greenhouse out of them. But do not be tempted to buy specifically for this purpose: for the money you can find better specialized solutions.

If you still decide to use double-glazed windows, remember: their installation is carried out on the lower trim simultaneously with the installation of frame racks made of wooden beams or steel profiles ( last option more reliable). In the process, plastic frames can be drilled with self-tapping screws or screws, the main thing is to know where to do it so as not to damage the valuable material.

Video: where you can drill window plastic

Greenhouse made of frames with a polycarbonate roof

So, the task of how to make a greenhouse with your own hands from old window frames is almost solved. It remains to cover the structure and thereby protect the plantings from precipitation. There are three ways to do this:

Using the same frames as for walls is only acceptable for box greenhouses, since placing a heavy structure with glass over someone's head is unsafe.
Covering with a film or spunbond is a simple and affordable solution. True, you will have to build a roof frame, and remove the material for the winter.
Install polycarbonate sheets - if there are no stocks. This option requires material costs, but no hail is terrible for the greenhouse, and it will be possible to operate it indefinitely.

Arched greenhouse under polycarbonate

Decide on the shape of the roof - will it be arched or gable. Arched allows more sunlight to pass through, covering it with film or polycarbonate is a pleasure, but you need to stock up on a metal profile bent on a pipe bender. If you or someone you know doesn't have this feature, switch to a gable roof, especially since it almost never needs snow removal.

To build a load-bearing roofing system with your own hands, you will need:

ridge beam 5x5 cm of the same length as the built greenhouse;
timber 15x5 for rafters;
fasteners and consumables;
from tools - a hammer, saw, electric drill, tape measure, ax, plumb line.

Gable greenhouse

The algorithm of work looks like this:

Treat lumber for roofing with impregnation. Dry.
Based on the dimensions of the greenhouse and the step between the rafters (60–80 cm), calculate the required amount roof trusses. The angle of inclination of the roof is 25–30 degrees.
According to the dimensions, make the first truss from two rafter legs and a bottom tie. Make all the other farms according to the template.
Install the trusses in turn on the upper trim of the frame and firmly fix them on both sides with corners and self-tapping screws.

wooden farm

Now cut the polycarbonate and, having correctly oriented the canvases (with stiffening ribs vertically and the UV-protected side up), fix them on the rafter system.

Rafter fastening

Video: do-it-yourself greenhouse construction

In conclusion, ensure the tightness of the greenhouse built by yourself:

Install window panes and secure them with glazing beads (if the old ones don't work, you can buy new ones or replace them with a colorless sealant).
Hang doors - use balcony doors, just pre-cut them in height.
Seal large holes with polycarbonate residues, and small gaps with mounting foam.
Check how the windows open and close, install loops and hooks to fix them.

Perhaps some points remained unclear - look in the selection of videos on how to get out of various situations homemade gardeners. If you make a greenhouse out of window frames, as shown in the instructions, it will serve faithfully for many years.

Video 1: Building a greenhouse from different frames

Video 2: Homemade greenhouse on a brick base

Video 3: Greenhouse under polycarbonate

With the advent of spring, each owner of a summer cottage is faced with the choice of buying or building a greenhouse for seedlings. Shops offer a wide variety of options, ranging from simple arched structures made of arcs with agrofibre coating to complex structures made of polycarbonate. But the goal of any summer resident is to grow crops at the lowest cost, so in the areas 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.

A small greenhouse can be built from old window frames

Advantages of window frames

This material has the following advantages:

Availability of 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.
The possibility of building a greenhouse in a relatively short time. Frames are easily mounted on a pre-prepared foundation.
Long service life. At proper preparation frames and constant care for them, a greenhouse can last about 10 years.
No special tools or fixtures are required. To install a greenhouse, a hammer, a screwdriver and a building level are enough.
Installation on various types of 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.
Glasses keep optimum temperature for plants and pass the maximum amount of light. In case of damage, glass can be replaced with polyethylene film.
Possibility of combination with other materials. A frame greenhouse can have a roof made of polycarbonate, film or other suitable coating.

A greenhouse made of old frames will last long enough

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

The cost of construction will be significantly higher than that of a wooden frame greenhouse.

Material disadvantages

The disadvantages include:

Difficulty in preparing frames for installation. A thorough cleaning of old paint, antiseptic treatment and fine painting will be required.
Requires constant care. During operation, gaps may appear between the frames that will need to be sealed.
Brittleness of glass. If the foundation sinks or is hit, the glass may crack and need to be replaced.
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.

The greenhouse is installed away from the house and tall trees

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.

Indicate on the drawing required dimensions and frame arrangement

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.

The height of the walls is increased due to the vents located horizontally 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 engage in gardening for quite a long time, it is better to install a greenhouse on strip or columnar 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.

A frame greenhouse can be installed on a columnar foundation

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. This can be an arched roof made of polycarbonate or a structure made of frames covered with plastic wrap.

For fixing polycarbonate, a metal profile and screws with thermal washers are used.

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.

Frames without vents are selected for the roof

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

Tips for choosing window frames and preparing them for installation

In the construction of greenhouses, wooden frames are most often used. 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 damage should not be used for installation.

You need to choose frames based on their size and the condition of the wooden frame

Frames with minor 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.

Due to the subsidence of the foundation, the glass in the greenhouse can crack

In preparation for installation, you must:

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

Before installation, the frames are freed from unnecessary parts and cleaned of old paint.

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. Given that the optimal width of the beds is 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.

The length of the greenhouse is a multiple of the number of frames

Swing windows are large and will require a much smaller number.

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

In addition to the required number of frames, you will need:

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.
Bars for building a frame. For a small greenhouse, you will need 4 bars with a length equal to the height of the building. If a long structure is planned, support beams can be used to strengthen it.
Foundation materials. For tape, formwork material is required - posts and boards, a mixture of concrete, crushed stone and cement, reinforcement or large stones. For normal wooden foundation you will need a beam 15X15 cm long, equal to the perimeter of the greenhouse, and roofing material for waterproofing.
Anchor bolts, screws.
Wooden bars for rafters. Depending on the type of roof, their number will vary significantly. The largest amount will be required for a gable roof.
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;
a hammer;
screwdriver;
a circular saw;
building level;
drills of various diameters;
square;
roulette;
shovel;
assembly foam.

In the process of working, it is convenient to use a tool with a rechargeable battery or a power tool

Detailed instructions for making a greenhouse

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

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
Building a foundation. For the 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
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 with 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.
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. An alternative option is a sand and gravel backfill path.

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, we mount bars for the lower strapping on top of the roofing material. 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 of vertical lines through a level, we fasten 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. As racks, you can use 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 sealed with 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

11. If the greenhouse from the frames is long, then we put additional ones between the main rafters. The frame is mounted using steel corners and self-tapping screws. To finished frame fastened roofing material. If it is polycarbonate, then we put it with the help of a special profile and self-tapping screws with thermal washers, if it is a plastic film - through wooden slats.

The film is attached to the rafters with wooden battens.

12. Lastly, we install the door and sew up the gables.

Various types of greenhouse foundations

For the construction of a greenhouse, depending on the weight of the frames, you can choose several options for the foundation. Some of them are easy to install and do not require much time, the construction of others may take several days.

Photo gallery: foundation options

Typical greenhouses from window frames

Greenhouses from window frames most often have rectangular shape which greatly simplifies the work.

Photo gallery: design options for greenhouses from old window frames

Video: greenhouse-greenhouse from window frames

With properly planned work, you can build a greenhouse out of window frames quickly enough. It is not necessary to have special skills - you need to carefully study the various options and choose the right one, and then carefully consider and complete each stage of construction. The result will please you and your loved ones with a good harvest.

Hello! My name is Inna. I'm 43 years old. By education - a philologist. Rate this article:

Ready-made greenhouses from stores, made of cellular polycarbonate and aluminum profile, very beautiful. It's hard to argue with this, but, unfortunately, you have to pay a lot for such beauty. The cost of finished greenhouses is too high, so not every gardener, even a very avid one, can afford to make such a purchase. There is a way out - to make a greenhouse yourself. This will require ingenuity, desire and skillful hands.

Consider a method for manufacturing a greenhouse from window frames. For work, you will need whole wooden frames, without broken glass.

Do-it-yourself greenhouse from window frames

Advantages of window frame greenhouses

The presence of a greenhouse will improve the yield. The greenhouse is especially helpful in the cold spring, when it is still impossible to plant plants in open land. When planting seedlings in a greenhouse, the plants will begin to grow and develop rapidly, and with the advent of the first heat they will bloom.

Homemade greenhouse from window frames photo

Most citizens are replacing old wooden window frames with modern plastic windows. After replacement, old frames are usually disposed of. And in vain, because not everyone knows how to use this spent material. If you have old window frames, you can build a good greenhouse. Glasses in this design contribute to maintaining the optimal temperature regime for growing various kinds vegetable crops. The use of wooden frames will make it possible to produce strong frame, which will support the design for many years.

Greenhouse from wooden window frames

Window vents can be used to provide ventilation in the greenhouse. They can also be used to regulate the temperature. The construction of the greenhouse will not take you too much time. This is a simple process, the main condition for success in which is compliance with step-by-step instructions.

Preparation of materials

You will need only a few window frames to work, so finding materials should not be too difficult. If you don’t have old products lying around in the garage or on the balcony since the windows were replaced, then contact your neighbors or friends. Some of them definitely have the necessary frames at home. At worst, you can contact representatives of the company that installs plastic windows. After the repair is completed, they throw the old window frames into the landfill. By agreeing with them, you will solve the problem with the preparation of the material.

Finding old wooden windows shouldn't be a problem.

Having collected a sufficient number of products, it is necessary to estimate the location of each frame in the design of the future greenhouse. After that, you can start the creative process. If the dimensions of the frames are not the same, then they can be adjusted using sealant, mounting foam, and self-tapping screws.

Construction stages

Before starting construction work, it is necessary to consider the optimal location of the window frames so that the installation of the greenhouse turns out to be even and symmetrical. It is advisable to use frames of the same height, because this will simplify preparatory work(no need to resize).

Do-it-yourself greenhouse from old windows

Next, you need to calculate the width of the greenhouse. To do this, you need to draw up a drawing of the future design. When creating a drawing, do not forget to take into account the number of beds and their location. The standard width of the beds in greenhouses is 100 centimeters, and the width of the passage is 50. The width between the beds should be selected so that a person can easily move between them with a small wheelbarrow.

Video - The simplest greenhouse from window frames

Foundation construction

This process does not begin with digging a pit, but with finding suitable place.

When choosing a place for the foundation, you must adhere to the following requirements:

protection from strong winds;
good site lighting;
lack of shading due to tall trees or buildings;
location (it is desirable that the greenhouse is located from north to south).

Important! The soil also plays important role when choosing a location. Wet or swampy ground will cause the building to sag, so dense and dry ground is needed for construction.

Concrete with brick foundation for a greenhouse

Well, if there is a sandy layer under the earthen layer. If it is missing, you can independently make a pillow under the foundation. To do this, it is necessary to evenly cover the clay soil with a layer of gravel. After that, apply a layer of sand on top - no more than 20 centimeters. Before construction, it will not be superfluous to check the location of groundwater. If they are at a depth of one and a half meters or less, find another place to build a greenhouse.

Step-by-step construction of a strip foundation

Step 1. Dig a shallow trench according to the drawing. Its depth should be about 40 centimeters.

Foundation trench

Step 2 Make formwork. To do this, you need to arrange the boards along the edges of the dug trench, fixing them with wooden pegs. You can also fix it using conventional electrodes bent in two. It is advisable to cover the boards with a film so that they do not stick to the cement.

wooden formwork

Step 3 If possible, lay reinforcement along all dug channels. If there is no suitable wire, lay large stones at the bottom of the trench.

Laying the armored belt in the formwork of the strip foundation for the greenhouse

Step 4 Fill the trenches with the prepared cement mortar, adding some crushed stone to it. Make sure that there are no voids in the foundation. For the solution, the brand of cement M-200 or M-300 is suitable.

Foundation pouring

Important! It will take you about 14-20 days to build the foundation for the greenhouse, so you need to calculate the time before starting work.

Step 5 After the cement has hardened, the formwork can be removed. Then, using roofing material, perform waterproofing.

Step 6 If small sinuses have formed along the edges, they must be filled with wet sand and well tamped.

Rammer - tool

Homemade wooden rammer

Foundation construction completed. Now it remains only to wait two weeks until it dries completely.

Point version of the foundation. Metal pipes are placed in the ground, and bars are hammered into them to fix the beam

The lower crown of timber, assembled on a point foundation

Preparation of building material

The implementation of preparatory work will strengthen the frame of the future greenhouse and facilitate further design. It is likely that in the process of preparing the material you will have to remove some parts of the frames if they are broken or rotten.

Preparing old wooden windows

To give unattractive window frames a “fresh” look, you must:

get rid of handles and loops that you do not need;
remove old layers of paint; to do this, use a grinder or a regular scraper;
treat the structure with an antiseptic (this will protect the wood from rot, mold or small pests);
remove all glass for safety;
fix the vents with adhesive tape or self-tapping screws.

It is necessary to carry out the preparation of window frames, taking into account the fact that the height of the walls of the planned greenhouse will reach 1.7 meters.

flooring

Before laying the floor, it is necessary to solve the issue of drainage. Otherwise, there is a risk of water accumulation in the structure, which can lead to decay. To perform drainage, you need to dig a trench no more than 15 centimeters deep, then fill it with crushed stone or gravel. applied over gravel dense layer sand.

Formation of beds in the greenhouse

We equip the beds

Neat and well-designed inner space greenhouses will improve its appearance. When creating passages, it is advisable to enclose them with low plastic curbs. This will prevent the fertile layer of soil from entering the track.

For the design of the floor of greenhouse paths, in addition to concrete, the following materials are used:

sawdust;
wooden planks;
porcelain stoneware;
brick.

Such a variety will allow you to design the interior of the greenhouse for every taste.

Sawdust paths

Porcelain stoneware walkways in a greenhouse

Boardwalk

Let's consider each material separately.

Table. Materials for the design of greenhouse paths.

	Perfectly absorb moisture. Pleasant to the touch. Wood sawdust is a very cheap material.	It is difficult to move dimensional things along the paths of sawdust. The material quickly spreads throughout the greenhouse. Needs regular cleaning.
Porcelain stoneware	A wide variety of shapes and shades, easy care.	Laying takes a long time. The material is rather fragile. High price.
	The material can last for a long time. Ease of installation.	Additional treatment with antiseptic agents and varnish is required. The material is dimensional, so when working with it there are additional difficulties.
	The material is very strong and durable. Beautiful appearance of the finished track. Ease of installation.	The bricks are quite heavy, so you need a special vehicle for transportation. High cost compared to sawdust or bars. Only solid bricks will do, broken pieces will spoil the appearance of the greenhouse path.

What exactly to use as the main material for laying the floor is up to you. After selection, the material is laid on a pre-prepared pillow consisting of sand and gravel.

Frame erection

For this purpose it is recommended to use boards. This is an excellent material huge amount benefits. The thickness of the boards used should not exceed 5 centimeters. Of these, a harness is erected (its upper and lower parts).

Making the foundation

When creating the lower perimeter of the structure, it is advisable to draw two rows of boards - this will increase the height of the future greenhouse.

Frame for a greenhouse from window frames

For vertical racks, you also need to use 5 cm boards. Window frames are attached to them, located vertically to the ground. Self-tapping screws are used for fixing. Mounting foam is suitable for processing the cracks formed at the joints of structural elements. For reliability, window frames can be strengthened from the inside with support beams installed additionally (their thickness may be less than 5 cm).

To make the structure more stable, you need to make vertical supports. They are fixed in cement mortar, and attached to the racks with nails or self-tapping screws.

Vertical posts attached to the base

All holes and cracks formed during operation must be treated with mounting foam. Pay special attention to this, since it should not be drafty in the finished greenhouse. The only entrance for the outside wind is the windows that you left for ventilation.

Finished wood frame

Top harness

Overlappings

Fixing old window frames

Roof erection

Initially, you need to decide what type of roof you prefer - a gable or single-pitched. It is worth noting that for the construction of a gable roof, much more prepared parts will be needed.

Construction of a gable roof

Options for connecting rafter legs in a greenhouse

Roof covered with plastic wrap

This type is considered the most suitable for all types of structures. Moreover, the material for the roof does not play a big role. Installation of a gable roof is quite simple: pin the frame blanks and close them on top with a plastic or wooden ridge. At the same time, watch for the appearance of cracks. They will provoke the formation of an unhealthy microclimate inside the constructed greenhouse, so all of them need to be repaired. Polycarbonate or greenhouse film is used as a coating material. The leader in quality and properties is glass, but it is very expensive. In addition, during installation, you can easily break everything.

Do-it-yourself greenhouse from old frames and a wooden frame

Another option for arranging the roof (Mitlider's greenhouse)

The complete process of building a greenhouse from wooden windows

If you do not have enough material to build a roof, you can choose a shed type. The procedure is practically the same as the previous one, with the exception of one thing - the roof will not rise in the center, but only on one side.

The construction of a greenhouse does not require large investments, for this you just need to approach the matter wisely. And you will definitely succeed!

Greenhouse made of window frames and polycarbonate

Below is another option for building a greenhouse from old wooden windows.

Building a greenhouse from old windows. Part 1

Building a greenhouse from old windows. Part 2

Greenhouse from PVC pipes do it yourself

In this article you will find detailed step-by-step instructions for building a PVC pipe greenhouse! In addition, we recommend reading the material about the dimensions of the polycarbonate greenhouse (with drawings).

Construction of a mini-greenhouse

Having completed the construction of the "frame" greenhouse, you can practice a little by creating a mini version.

Preparatory stage

If, when creating a regular greenhouse, you use window frames as walls, then for mini-greenhouses, the frame plays the role of a roof. Wooden boards are used to build the walls. During the day, the roof is opened to ventilate the planted plants. When calculating the dimensions of a future building, consider the width of the window frame. It must match the size of the greenhouse. In shape, a mini-greenhouse is usually made in the form of a rectangle, not a square. To do this, the roof is laid out from several windows.

Greenhouse from window frames in the country

To build a frame, you will need boards. For racks, use wooden bars (4 pieces). Dig prepared beams in the corners, and special shields need to be built from the boards. The height of the shields must be different so that precipitation can roll off sloping roof. To do this, on one side, nail on one board more than on the second. Make sure that the roof fits snugly against the shields. Cut off the excess edge of the board. Fix the shields on the beams with nails.

Old windows are very practical in the household

Roof erection

The procedure for assembling a mini-greenhouse is simple, so you do not need to remove the glass from the window frames.

Greenhouse from window frames

Roof installation can begin immediately.

Step 1. Position the window frames perpendicular to the long side of the greenhouse.

Step 2 Attach them to a high wall with window hinges.

Scheme of a greenhouse from window frames

Step 3 Frames do not need to be connected to each other. This will allow you to ventilate the greenhouse by opening one of the parts of the roof. All parts of the roof must fit snugly together.

Step 4 Screw special handles to each frame so that they (frames) can be easily opened.

Step 5 Install the latch on the short shield.

Step 6 Cut out a special bar with which you will prop up the open frame.

This completes the construction of the mini-greenhouse. You can plant seedlings there and pamper your family with fresh vegetables.

Frame from old windows and straw bales. At the bottom lies manure or compost under a layer of fertile soil, this will help to keep warm

Video - The simplest mini-greenhouse made of window frames

To equip your summer cottage and build a greenhouse, you can use ready-made solutions, which are in sufficient assortment on the market, expensive materials can be used. True craftsmanship economical host consists in the ability to use available resources and to carry out most of the work on their own, spending a minimum of funds.

An inexpensive example of using improvised materials is a greenhouse made from old window frames. Successful construction will require the remaining glass frames that were left after home repairs, some knowledge and enthusiasm.

Construction stages

To fully realize your idea, you need to understand what you have to do. The order of work in most cases is as follows:

preparatory stage;
foundation device;
floor arrangement;
the construction of the frame;
building walls;
roof device.

Having gone all the way, you will become the proud owner of a greenhouse made by yourself and will be able to independently give advice to those who want to know how to build a greenhouse from window frames on their own.

Preparatory stage

Any construction begins with a project and calculations. Before getting down to work, it is worth considering photos of the most successful models of greenhouses, find finished project or make your own, draw up a drawing, calculate the amount of material required, decide on the location of the future greenhouse.

These preparatory work will facilitate the task and save time in the future. The greenhouses from window frames shown in the photo will help you make the right choice.

Foundation device

Glass frames are quite heavy, so a solid foundation is indispensable if you want the greenhouse to last for a long time. The area must be cleared of debris, remove stumps, stones.

Mark the perimeter with pegs in the corners and, for convenience, pull the rope. Then you need to prepare the location of the supports. In the corners and along the perimeter, pits are dug every 2-3 meters, their bottom is covered with rubble and compacted tightly.

The depth will depend on the degree of winter freezing of the soil. These holes are needed for installation support pillars formwork.

One option is to install hollow reinforcement with wooden bars driven into it, to which the bar will then be attached with anchors.

The supports are poured with cement mortar and aged for 1-2 weeks until full setting. The final stage of the foundation device will be the installation of a beam, which is attached to the supports and fastened at the corners in any suitable way.

Floor arrangement

During the construction of any greenhouse, you need to take care of the microclimate, so the manufacture of greenhouses from window frames requires the arrangement of a drainage system.

At the construction stage, it is necessary to mark the places of future beds, paths and, depending on their location, dig drainage trench, which will ensure the removal of excess moisture.

The bottom of the trench is covered with gravel, then with sand and poured with cement. You can read about the options for the arrangement of tracks and the use of material for their design in one of the articles in the section.

Frame construction and wall construction

The old window frames that will make up the walls of the greenhouse must first be prepared. Remove old paint, sand, remove fittings and impregnate with antiseptic solutions and varnish to maintain strength and extend service life.

Check the glass for cracks and replace if necessary, and remove for the period of construction work. It is quite possible to leave the vents, this will solve the problem of ventilation in the future greenhouse.

Depending on the size of the structure and the availability of building material, the frame can be made of wood or metal. wooden frame for the greenhouse will be much cheaper and easier when working with fasteners.

Corner posts are best made from timber, and jumpers and vertical racks from the board, in size according to the thickness of the window frames.

We fasten the frames to the base and vertical posts with self-tapping screws, and then the upper trim, which will form the basis of the roof. All cracks, gaps and gaps are filled with construction foam.

Roof device

The last stage remains, and the greenhouse made of window frames with your own hands is almost ready. The roof of the greenhouse can be made from the same window frames or using polycarbonate film.

The main condition for construction is to provide a slope for running off water and snow.

When making a roof from a film, a frequent crate is installed and polycarbonate is tightly stretched.

If window frames are used in construction, you can make a roof with two slopes or a single slope.

Further arrangement of the greenhouse may include various options for equipping with drainage systems, drip irrigation and air conditioning, lighting and heating.

To give a finished appearance, the greenhouse can be painted and decorated to your taste.

Photo of a greenhouse from window frames

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

The reasonableness of having a greenhouse for vegetables on the site is clear to many. The short summer season is sometimes accompanied by cool weather and prolonged rains. However, the desire to good harvest, regardless climatic conditions, is retained by all summer residents. In addition, the effort that you spend on caring for plants must be justified by an effective result. A properly organized greenhouse is able to accumulate heat and maintain the desired microclimate inside the space.

Some people turn to specialists in this matter to create a greenhouse, the rest boldly get down to business and build a structure with their own hands. At self-fulfillment works, other technologies are also used. However, such a greenhouse from old frames is considered the most simple option, it is quite simple to build. Glass, by its properties, is better suited than film for a greenhouse with vegetable crops. It not only allows the rays of the sun to penetrate better into the greenhouse, but also keeps it inside longer.

Important points during construction

Let's dwell on some details that are important to know in order to build a greenhouse from old wooden beams right:

In addition to a suitable site for building on suburban area, the dimensions of the greenhouse also determine the dimensions of the existing old window frames;
If you need a reliable design that is designed for long-term operation, it is better to make the frame of the greenhouse capital. Great option for creating solid foundation, will become brickwork. The roof for the greenhouse can be made a separate removable element, which is dismantled for the period of winter and snow loads. If the brick version for the frame does not suit you, you can build a base using boards;
When building a greenhouse from unnecessary old windows, upper part the frame can be made with one or two slopes. To tilt the roof in both directions, you must first lay a ridge beam in the middle. If a shed greenhouse is planned, its location should contribute to maximum sun exposure during the day. Such a condition will favorably affect the condition of the plants;
If there are a lot of old windows, it is better to make the entire frame completely from them, because such greenhouses from frames let in much more light, contributing to the active development of vegetable crops during the growth period. However, you need to be careful not to damage the integrity of the mounted glass in the side part;
Do not forget that your building must be airtight. In addition to the fact that the assembly of the greenhouse requires accuracy and precision, care must also be taken to eliminate gaps between the elements. Do-it-yourself filling of seams can be done with the help of sealants and special putties. The better the space is isolated from the inside, the better for the plants;
Provide a few props that can support window frames at a time when you need to work in the greenhouse, caring for vegetables;
Choose a place for a greenhouse from old window elements as calm as possible. It is desirable that a water supply to the building be provided for convenient irrigation. A great option is to build a greenhouse by connecting it to another existing capital structure;
If the frame is made of wood, take care to protect the structure from the rotting process. Before you mount the frame, you must first distribute the roofing material around the perimeter, and the lower part supporting structure soak from the boards with resin. Subject to these measures, the base of the greenhouse from window elements will serve long time;
In order for the life of a greenhouse made of old wooden beams to be obviously impressive, it is better to build a brick base to support the frame.

Sequential steps in the construction of the structure

Preparatory stage:

Measure all window frames you have. Most often, the elements of old frames differ from each other in size;
Knowing the dimensions, you can understand which option for the distribution of elements along the frame is the most optimal. If all the elements for the greenhouse are the same, the difficulties in their distribution will be minimal;
Fix your solution after the calculations on the drawing, at least schematically. Thus, you do not have to do the same work several times, remembering the final version. Record on the drawing front door and the places reserved for the beds, mark the distances between them. Don't forget to make handles later. Most often, the passage is 800-1000 mm.

Next, consider the main stages of building a greenhouse with your own hands.

Determine the optimal location

The choice of location must be approached very carefully, since the competent placement of a greenhouse on the site is one of the main components of a successful harvest. In order for the sun to warm up the soil of the greenhouse from the window frames for as long as possible, choose a site next to which there will be no tall shrubs and trees. It is also desirable to move away from the buildings on the site, which cast an impressive shadow. The area under the greenhouse must be protected from drafts caused by the wind.

The plot of land under the greenhouse should be flat. The orientation for the placement of the structure is from north to south. Choose loose soil for greenhouse installation. Avoid the proximity of groundwater when placing the structure, it is better that the soil is moderately dry.

We mount the base with our own hands

It is quite simple to build a foundation for a greenhouse from old frames, since this structure does not create much pressure on the base. The foundation can be tape, for this, along the perimeter of the greenhouse, they make a recess in the ground and fill it concrete mix. Also, the base is made of brick and wood. Brick and concrete options are more durable.

There is a base made of metal, it is also used for the greenhouse frame of window elements. Such a foundation is mounted strictly under the supporting pillars.

The main requirement when organizing a foundation for a greenhouse from window frames with your own hands is to match the level. Control this parameter with a special device.

Preparing window frames

This stage implies the dismantling of unnecessary parts from frame elements: fasteners, hinges, window handles, etc. Next, sand the surface of the frames, removing the old layer of paint. Subject to these conditions, new paint will be distributed evenly and forms a reliable protective layer that prevents the process of decay. Additional processing of wood from rodents will not be a superfluous event.

We mount the frame with our own hands

Before installing window frames made of wood, it is necessary to build a frame for the future greenhouse. Its construction is not particularly difficult, it is necessary to be guided by the dimensions of the drawing, when preparing bars of the desired size. The assembly of elements among themselves is carried out by means of special screws and nails.

Fastening elements to the frame structure

In order for the structure to turn out to be stable and last for many years, it is better to mount the frames with the help of screws and self-tapping screws. These fasteners are not more reliable than nails, however, they can reduce the likelihood of glass damage. The space between the elements is sealed with sealants or mounting foam, depending on the size of the gaps. Thus, in the greenhouse will be observed the necessary conditions space tightness.

roof structure

The best option is a gable roof with a ridge beam arranged along the greenhouse. So you properly organize the removal of rain and melt water into the sewer. It is better not to use the material for the greenhouse roof, choose a lighter material. An excellent solution would be a polycarbonate roof, its cost per footage of the upper part of the greenhouse structure is quite acceptable.

For any avid summer resident or suburban resident, a greenhouse is a necessary thing. The modern market offers a huge variety of materials for its construction. But by choosing inexpensive option, you will have to collect a new greenhouse for the next season, because it is short-lived. And high-quality raw materials, for example, polycarbonate or metal-plastic, are not always affordable. But there is a way to solve this problem. Modern lovers of garden beds build greenhouses from old double-glazed windows. It turns out cheap and reliable. Mounting a greenhouse from window frames with your own hands is not difficult at all. Minimum carpentry skills will be enough.

Pros and cons of greenhouses from window frames

The undoubted advantage of such a material is that it can be built very quickly. Almost anyone can do the job. Another advantage of a window greenhouse is that it is budget-friendly, but not inferior in quality to greenhouses made of expensive materials. It is airtight and transmits light well, the windows can be opened for ventilation.

The disadvantages are inherent in those greenhouses that are made of wooden frames with glass. Every year such a structure requires repair, due to the fact that the tree is drying out. In addition, you need to be very careful with this design. Glass is a fragile material that loses its aesthetic appearance over time. It is necessary to constantly wash the windows so that the light easily penetrates into the room. Moreover, such a design requires the presence of concrete base.

The foundation is needed for several reasons:

wooden frames in contact with the ground can quickly rot;
the soil tends to "move", which can damage fragile glass.

In addition, the base will slightly raise the ceiling of the future greenhouse, and it will be much more convenient to be in it.

Photo gallery: homemade double-glazed greenhouses

Greenhouse from old windows looks very aesthetically pleasing
A greenhouse made of metal-plastic windows allows you to create optimal conditions for plants
Greenhouse from old windows is inexpensive
You can always further decorate the greenhouse
Greenhouse from old windows can be small and large
Installation of a greenhouse from window frames will not take much time

Step-by-step instructions for installing a greenhouse from window frames

All work on the installation of a greenhouse from window frames with your own hands consists of several stages. It is very important to follow their order.

Design

Most likely, all greenhouse frames will be of different sizes, so standard design does not apply in this case. In order for the walls to turn out to be even, you will first have to assemble a mosaic of window frames on the ground. After that, you need to measure the resulting modules and write them down. Make a diagram on paper where you mark the location of all the frames. Design the foundation, frame and roof of the greenhouse separately.

Foundation

The design itself is not at all heavy, so a strip base will be enough for it. For its installation you need:

Drive pegs around the perimeter of the greenhouse and stretch a rope between them.
Dig a trench 35–40 cm wide and deep.
Level the bottom, compact it, cover it with waterproofing, for example, roofing material.
Pour a 5-7 cm layer of sand, moisten it, level it and compact it.
Lay a layer of medium fraction gravel.
Mount the formwork so that the height of the concrete base above the ground rises at least 40 cm.
Lay a reinforcing net (with a reinforcement cross section of 8 mm or more).
Do cement-sand mixture in a ratio of 1: 3 and pour it.
In order to avoid the formation of air pockets, compact the cement with a metal bar.
Check foundation level.
Wait until the concrete hardens. In this case, the first few days it needs to be moistened and covered with polyethylene. When everything is set, you can dismantle the formwork.

Important! You can start building the foundation knowing the exact dimensions of the future greenhouse, otherwise you risk making the base too small or large.

For the construction of a greenhouse, you can also make a columnar foundation.

Preparatory work

First of all, you need to get enough frames. The windows of your apartment alone are definitely not enough. Alternatively, you can contact a window replacement company. For a symbolic price, they will sell the number of frames that you need.

Calculating the required amount of material is quite simple. By simple mathematical operations of addition and subtraction, you can find out the missing amount. Subtract the material you already have from the total perimeter of the greenhouse, and there will be an area that is missing. Future greenhouse walls need pre-treatment:

Remove all fittings from the frames (hinges, handles, etc.).
Remove a layer of old paint from them. It can be done grinder, scraper or other similar tool.
Treat the wood with an anti-rot compound and paint.
In order not to damage the glass when working with a hammer, dismantle them for a while.
Treat all holes (windows) as much as possible silicone sealant. Leave a few for ventilation.

Path between beds and fence

In greenhouses, it is advisable to build a good path between the beds. To create it, materials such as brick, paving slabs, paving stones are suitable. They need to be laid on a sand cushion in a small trench. You can use sand and gravel flooring as a path.

Often used as guardrails polymer tapes, in which there are plastic rods dug into the ground. They will last a long time, are easy to install, do not rot, and are easy to clean. But you can use bricks, slate or wooden boards.

Installing the frame is very easy:

To the roofing material laid on the foundation, it is necessary to attach a strapping of beams with anchors. Fasten all elements with steel corners.
Install vertical supports (corner and intermediate).
Mount temporary fixation until the top trim is made.
Make the top harness and remove the temporary elements.
Build a gable roof frame. To do this, you need to install 2 vertical racks, a ridge and rafter legs. Fix all elements with self-tapping screws and steel corners.
Attach the frames to the frame through the holes that were used when installing the windows in the apartment.

If the roof is made of window frames, then you need to start laying it first to avoid damage. glass walls, in case the tool is dropped.

Can be done and combined option greenhouses. For example, to drive the walls out of the window frames, and cover the roof with other material (polycarbonate, polyethylene).

Video: do-it-yourself greenhouse construction

If you correctly plan and build such a greenhouse, then you will get a durable, good, bright and spacious place for growing vegetables. Without spending a lot of money and effort, your greenhouse will look no worse than expensive finished structures.

How pleasing to the eye is a greenhouse built with your own hands, and built from old window frames, it will tell about the frugality, prudence and common sense of its owner.

It would seem that nobody needs discarded old window frames. But a practical and savvy person, whose hands grow from where they need to, will always find use for seemingly unnecessary things.

In addition, the construction of such a building will cost quite cheaply, which will save money.

But here the question arises: where to get these very old window frames? Maybe you still have them after replacing windows or making repairs. And they can also be obtained from neighbors who are replacing their old wooden windows with new double-glazed windows.

Few frames are required to build our structure. Balcony blanks are also suitable for these purposes.

If you can’t get the materials in such ways, then you can contact a company that replaces plastic windows. In the end, you can hang an advertisement for their purchase. Getting old wooden frames is not a problem, there would be a desire.

Where to place and how to dig? You can study the details in our material.

If you decide to build a gazebo with a barbecue, you will probably be interested in studying the material on this topic. you will find step-by-step instructions, photo and video materials and much more.

Features of greenhouses from frames

Greenhouses made of window blocks, like everything in the world, have their pros and cons.

The advantages of such structures are:

Low construction cost.
Quick build. Construction will take a couple of days, no more.
No need for an expensive tool. You can do with a simple hammer and screwdriver.

The disadvantages include:

Permanent care wooden products. After all, the tree dries out and cracks over time. Because of this, the microclimate in the greenhouse deteriorates. To restore it, it needs repair and restoration.
fragility. The service life of such a structure is limited, but with constant care, such a greenhouse will stand for 5-7 years.

Choice of location and design

When building a greenhouse, it is necessary to take into account that it must have an appropriate microclimate for planted plants, that is, tightness is necessary.

In addition, it must have the appropriate light transmission.

And for this, before building a greenhouse from window frames with your own hands, you should pay attention to such nuances as:

The place where the construction will be carried out must be adequately lit.. If there are any obstacles on the site that will interfere with the penetration of light into the future greenhouse, then they must either be removed or the construction should be carried out elsewhere. After all, plants without sunlight will not grow;
On the site where the future greenhouse will stand should not be "wind blower". The greenhouse itself, of course, will protect the plantings, but it is a weak design and strong wind nevertheless, it will penetrate inside and disrupt the favorable microclimate. The structure will also be subjected to heavy load, which is undesirable for him;
The soil at the construction site must be dense and dry.. If it is swampy and wet, the structure will simply sag and deform.

The place was chosen in compliance with all the conditions? If yes, then you can start building.

But before starting it, it is necessary to clean the old frames from dirt and paint, remove all metal or plastic fittings from them. If there are glasses, then be sure to remove them.

The gaps that are present in the frame must be sealed. For this, mounting foam is suitable.

foundation or foundation

You can make a greenhouse from window frames and without a base or foundation.

But both wooden frames, and covering, and consumables have some amount of weight, which will certainly load the structure and it will simply sag.

Therefore, the construction of the foundation when building a greenhouse is mandatory. This will prevent sagging and increase the life of this structure. A greenhouse built on a foundation will have such qualities as reliability, stability and durability.

If the construction is guided building regulations and norms, then it will not be difficult to build such a structure.

Foundations are different:

from brick. The strongest and most durable foundation, has stability and reliability. It can easily carry a greenhouse built on it. The disadvantages of this material include poor moisture resistance and sensitivity to temperature extremes;
From stone. Expensive, but with high strength characteristics of the material. It can be installed on it and weighing much more metal constructions. It will support their weight. Very reliable and durable. Not subject to atmospheric influences. The disadvantage of such material is its price, which, however, can be reduced by taking raw material;
from wood. Possesses high strength but short lived. Pretty stable. Service life is about 8 years. But we must keep in mind that the old window frames themselves will not last longer, so this will be a suitable foundation for them.
Concrete. Inexpensive and strong foundation. Can last for a long time. Reliable and resistant to atmospheric and physical influences. This is one of the most suitable bases for a greenhouse, in our opinion, as it has all the necessary characteristics and qualities.

In the photo, a variant of the foundation of the greenhouse from window frames

All these types of foundations can be considered during the construction of this structure. If you need a budget option, then preference should be given to a wooden foundation.

For the construction of a greenhouse, this will be optimal. Wood has long been famous for its strength and ease of processing.

Frame construction

The frame must first of all be stable. This will ensure its reliable and long-term use. The greenhouse itself is already a frame.

It only needs to be placed on the foundation, fixed and made a light crate in order to cover the building.

Window blocks are installed on the foundation or foundation. After their installation, they are fastened using wooden beams, self-tapping screws, corners, clamps, wire and nails. Mounting methods can be determined independently, based on their capabilities and abilities.

If you have collected few window frames, then you should not despair. Instead of window blocks, you can install wooden boards that provide the building with reliability and strength. They are placed at the junction of the base with the base, at the bottom of the structure.

To attach our structure to the base, it is preferable to use metal corners. They are inexpensive and at the same time give the building strength.

It should be noted that making a greenhouse from window frames with your own hands is quite simple task. Any owner of a personal plot can handle it.

But during construction, carelessness and negligence should not be allowed. First you need to make a plan for your work and step by step to implement it. The frames must be fastened carefully, slowly, so that it doesn’t turn out like in that old saying - hurry up - you make people laugh.

By following these simple rules, you can build a beautiful and durable greenhouse that will delight its owner for a long time.

Greenhouse cover

When choosing a coating for our building, preference should be given to a polyethylene film. It is attached to the crate with clamps and clamps. You can just make holes and stretch the polyethylene.

The crate is made from:

mounting profile;
steel wire;
wooden slats.

The choice of material for the crate depends only on the preferences of a novice or experienced builder.

Making ventilation

Sufficient ventilation of the greenhouse will be provided by the vents already existing at the window blocks. But it is worth paying attention to the fact that with their high location, heat will be lost.

Therefore, they must be installed at a height of 50 cm from the floor level, which will prevent the penetration of insects and therefore there will be no need to destroy them.

The video clearly shows how to build a greenhouse with an oval roof from window frames.

Above, the construction of a greenhouse from old window frames and the construction of a foundation for it were considered. You can mount such a structure without a foundation (stand-alone ones simply dig into the ground). But this is possible only if a small greenhouse is built for 1-2 seasons.

Finally, let's say that having built a greenhouse, you do not need to relax, because it requires constant care. That is, it must be constantly ventilated, washed, cleaned, painted frames and monitored for the foundation.

Only with such caring care it will serve the maximum amount of time and will please its owner, who was not too lazy to build it.

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