Greenhouse options for suburban areas are diverse. Often, old window frames are used as material for a greenhouse. To use these elements in the construction of a greenhouse, there is a certain technology that is easy to do with your own hands.

A large number of window frames can serve good material to create greenhouses. For this purpose, it is best to use elements of the same size, but you can also combine them. The main feature of this material is the absence of large financial costs for the construction of the greenhouse. Old frames get a new use.

Frame design is simple and convenient

To create a large greenhouse, wooden frames with glass are often used. It is also possible to use plastic products, but in any case, all elements must be carefully fixed. The main structural details are presented in the form of walls, roofs, foundations, doors and vents. When building a structure from any window frames, the presence of these elements must be taken into account, because they make the greenhouse comfortable, reliable and provide good conditions for the development of horticultural crops.

A greenhouse made of frames can look very modern

Such a greenhouse is a structure made of metal profiles or polycarbonate. Compared to other similar materials, frames have several advantages:

• accessibility and variety of elements;
• practicality and ease of installation;
• good heat capacity;
• high quality lighting inside the greenhouse;
• strength and durability.

Such a greenhouse is a reliable design for growing plants, but it also has some disadvantages. Window frames require careful preparation, because the atmosphere inside the greenhouse depends on it. Of particular importance is the material, because each structure has a set of properties. And also window frames need correct installation, require some care during operation. Before creating a greenhouse, it is important to calculate the amount of material and select the elements by size.

Preparation: dimensions and drawings

The construction of a greenhouse involves the creation of a diagram or drawing of a future structure. Universal rectangular design with a gable roof. The doors are located at the end, and there are vents on the roof. On the drawing, you need to display the dimensions of each side, the height, the angle of the roof.

The drawing simplifies the installation of the greenhouse

The drawing should reflect the fastening of the elements and the size of the parts. In the absence of the skills to create such schemes, you can use the finished drawing by changing the dimensions depending on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe place for the greenhouse. To build a simpler structure, you can change the shape of the roof, making it shed.

The scheme of a large greenhouse can be the basis for a small shelter made of frames.

The drawing not only simplifies the installation of the structure, but also allows you to determine the location window openings different sizes. Therefore, the scheme is necessary when combining different elements. It should be noted that the height of the structure must be at least 1.8 m or is selected depending on the height of users. The width of the greenhouse from the frames is often about 3 m, and the length is about 6 m. The dimensions can be any, but are determined depending on the site where the structure will be installed.

Material selection

For a greenhouse you need a large number of window frames. Elements can be plastic, aluminum or wood. The latter option is more in demand, and plastic and metal are durable. Required for wooden frames good foundation and treatment with antiseptics, because the wood will quickly rot from moisture. In any case, the greenhouse needs a foundation, which can be made of brick or a concrete structure.

Concrete base is practical and durable

Glass must be intact, and damaged elements must be replaced. For fastening, you will need self-tapping screws, nails, wooden bars for roof support. All wood elements must be treated with an antiseptic. The roof is best made of polycarbonate or film, as the glass will quickly be damaged under the load of snow or other factors. Polycarbonate sheets or film are easy to mount on a prepared wooden frame.

Bricks or foam blocks are optimal for the foundation

Taking into account the properties of different materials, for a simple greenhouse you will need wooden frames, nails and screws, bricks, polycarbonate or foil for the roof and wooden beams for supports and the roof frame.

Tools and calculation of the amount of materials

The number of frames is determined depending on their size and design parameters. Self-tapping screws and nails must be purchased in large quantities, and their length must be optimal for fastening thick frames. For the foundation, you need bricks that need to be laid in two rows or you can make simple posts for the base. The frame of the structure should be made of timber 50x50 mm or boards with a thickness of 40 mm should be used.

The following tools are required for work:

• wood saw;
• screwdriver, hammer;
• building level and tape measure;
• spatula, sharp knife.

The construction of the greenhouse involves the preparation of the material, that is, the bars and boards for the frame and supports must be sawn to the size of the structural elements. Damaged glasses are replaced with new ones, and polycarbonate sheets are cut according to the area of ​​\u200b\u200ba single-pitched roof. And also to cover the roof, you can use a dense film, the installation of which is easier.

Do-it-yourself greenhouse from window frames: how to build

On suburban area effective shed design of window frames, having a door and vents. At the same time, frames are needed for the construction of walls, and the roof can be easily covered with a film using rails for attaching the canvas. The frame of this design is an upper and lower trim and a set of supports.

The frame makes it easy to mount frames

Previously, the bars are sawn according to the drawing, and you also need to prepare the site. To do this, the soil is leveled, debris is removed, and then bricks are laid out at the corners of the structure. A foundation is required for a large greenhouse, and a small greenhouse does not require a complex foundation.

The complex of works on the creation of a greenhouse includes the following actions:

Finishing and operation

A wooden frame is convenient for building a greenhouse, but requires proper processing to prevent rotting. Therefore, before installation, it is necessary to clean the elements of old paint, remove all metal parts and treat with an antiseptic. After drying, the surfaces can be painted with a composition intended for wood.

All wooden elements need to be processed

During operation, it is important to promptly replace damaged glass, film in the door and roof area. This allows you to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for plants. Regular airing is a mandatory process when growing horticultural crops.

Video: assembling a greenhouse from frames

Window frames allow you to create good greenhouse with minimal material costs. At the same time, it is possible to build greenhouses of various shapes and sizes. Thanks to this, it is easy to make a design with your own hands, which takes into account the personal preferences of users.

Any summer resident can make a greenhouse with their own hands from old window frames. The main thing is to stock up on old wooden frames and beams for the foundation. Having survived the winter, the human body needs to replenish the reserves used up during the cold weather - vitamins, amino acids and other useful substances. The main suppliers of this valuable raw material are, of course, fresh vegetables. And the sooner they appear in the diet, the better. Without special shelters, greenhouses and greenhouses, it is impossible to grow early products in the middle lane, it is quite expensive to buy on the market or in the supermarket. Yes, and not every summer resident can afford to build a solid greenhouse. How to be in such a situation?

Is it possible when minimal cost to make a small structure that will make it possible to bring the harvest time closer by a few weeks? The best solution to the issue will be the construction of a greenhouse on the plot of land from old window frames, and it is better to build it with your own hands. It's cheaper and more practical.

Old windows - new life

The building raw material market is replete with modern, high-quality, high-tech materials. This also applies to windows. Plastic structures are replacing wood everywhere. You can get old frames without much effort. Overhaul apartments with friends or in your own house is an opportunity to get hold of free material for a future greenhouse. You can negotiate with companies involved in the installation plastic windows, or just run through the yards and porches. Believe me, there are a lot of ownerless wooden frames in your city.

Advantages of window frame greenhouse construction

Comparing different kinds greenhouses for individual farming, we came to the conclusion that a structure built using window frames has a large number of positive factors. "Garden under glass" is popular not only among amateur gardeners, but also among professional farmers:

• Minimum building costs. We use materials that have already served their useful life. Usually they are given away for free, sometimes for a nominal fee.
• We build with our own hands. You do not need to have special skills, the design is so simple that even an inexperienced owner can do it.
• Practicality. Quickly mounted, if necessary - simply disassembled. Convenient to work.
• Strength. The frame structure makes the greenhouse strong enough in adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, strong winds, etc.).
• Environmental friendliness. It is made from the purest material - wood, which, unlike polyethylene film, with proper processing and careful operation, will last for more than one year.
• Glass has better light transmission than other materials.
• Durability. The service life of window modules is many times greater than the duration of use of film and other covering materials.

As practice shows, there are practically no shortcomings in greenhouses of this type.

Stages of construction

Construction of this kind is not particularly difficult. However, there are four main steps that you cannot do without:

1. Design. Any construction begins with a project, even such a small object as a greenhouse. A drawing is made on paper with the display and taking into account the dimensions of the frames used. The place for the greenhouse is chosen in such a way that the slope of the frames falls on the south side. This will provide better heating of the interior space.
2. Foundation. The foundation is laid depending on the type of greenhouse. Usually shallow, more often - tape.
3. Frame installation. At the next stage, a frame is installed, where the front side is lower than the back wall, taking into account the slope of the modules of 20-30 degrees.
4. The final part of the construction is the installation of old frames on the frame. It would be appropriate to mount the frames on the curtains. Thus, in hot weather, it will be possible to open the windows slightly, and the plants inside will have access to fresh air. You can make it even easier - use the vents in the frames as ventilation.

An important point in the process of creating a greenhouse is the treatment of wood with paints and varnishes, which will increase the life of such a mini-greenhouse several times!
That's basically the whole technology. You can make such a warm bed with your own hands in a few days.

What can be grown under glass

What can be grown in greenhouses of this configuration? Yes, almost everything. Usually they are used for growing seedlings of various vegetable crops. But many summer residents use greenhouses for forcing greenery, not only for personal use, but also for sale on the market. Why not a home business? Can be used to produce early strawberries and flowering plants. It is convenient to grow cucumbers in it.
Naturally, it is not necessary to consider the use of greenhouses from window frames as a component for business on an industrial scale. But for personal needs, this is an indispensable thing.

And finally

The design features of such greenhouses largely depend on the availability of material and the fantasies of the gardener. Everyone can do something unusual and creative. However, it should be remembered that the design must be airtight, and if it is planned to use it long time, it is better to make the structure capital.

How many summer residents - so many opinions, design options and methods of using greenhouses. Offer your options for a small operating greenhouse made of window frames, tell us how you built it yourself. Let's together choose the best option for the construction of beds under glass.
All great harvests!

Quite often on suburban area greenhouses are constructed from glass frames. This method of creating a structure is very simple and is distinguished by its economy.

Advantages of a window frame greenhouse

For many years, greenhouses that have been manufactured have been very popular.
They have the following properties:

• Economical, because you do not have to spend on construction material. Frames can be own or purchased.
  If you calculate, then this method of manufacturing a greenhouse will be several times cheaper than a new project.
• Practical. Frames, as a rule, are already covered with paint and thus reliably protected from the effects of external weather and climatic conditions.
  Also, they are not affected by moisture, which is inside the structure.

Advice.
If there are practically no layers of paint left on the window frame, then you can update them without much difficulty. To do this, the old paint is removed, the surface of the wood is treated with sandpaper and only then covered with the product again.

• Eco-friendly, since wood is an environmentally friendly material and is not capable of adversely affecting plants and the environment.
• Durable. This indicator depends on what kind of wood the frame is made of.
  As a rule, the service life is about 5 years. But, this is provided that the surface of the material is reliably protected by a layer of paint or varnish.
• Heat-intensive. Glasses that are already in the frames reliably retain heat inside the structure and allow the sun's rays to penetrate inside without any problems.
  Thus, the structure warms up naturally, saving on heating.
• Well illuminated. Due to the high light transmission rate, the glass contributes to providing the same daylight hours as on the street. They do not muffle it and there is also an opportunity to save on lighting.

Advice. There are plants that do not like the scorching sun.
They get burns from them, which do not allow the culture to develop normally. In order to protect such plants, special tint films are used that are glued to the glass surface from the inside.

• Durable.
  The structure of wood from which window frames are made undergoes a long process of drying and subsequent processing with special means. Due to this, the strength of the tree increases, and the frames can withstand quite significant loads.

Advice. If there are no glasses in the frames, then you can use ordinary polyethylene film instead, which today has a large assortment and is not inferior to glass in terms of properties. The use of cellular polycarbonate is also practiced, see photo.

Stages of building greenhouses from window frames

How to build a greenhouse from frames?
Initially you will need:

• Choose a place for the construction of the greenhouse.
• Draw up a draft of the future design.
• count up required amount materials for its construction.
• Prepare materials for use.
• Consider the basis for the design.

Choosing a place for a greenhouse in a suburban area

In order for plants to develop in a greenhouse, it is necessary to create all conditions for them, not only inside the structure, but also outside.
The choice of a place for a greenhouse is based on:

• The terrain for the greenhouse should be open without high plantings.
• Nearby there should be all communications that are necessary for the normal provision of the structure: water and light.
• There should not be septic tanks and other drain structures nearby.

Drawing up greenhouse projects

This process must be taken very seriously.
It takes into account:

• The size of the free area on the site.
• The amount of ready-made building material.
• Required design parameters.

Advice. The shape and dimensions of the greenhouse are mainly based only on the free area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe suburban area. To the greenhouse it is necessary to carry out lighting, if necessary, and water. It should also be freely accessible.

The greenhouse can be of this form:

• Square.
• Rectangular.

Note. Rounded structures of this type are rare, since they are not simple in their construction, and it is impossible to build this type of greenhouse from window frames.

The roof can be:

• Shed.
• Gable.
• broken line.

Advice. The choice of a roof for a greenhouse should be based on what angle the sun's rays have in a given area so that the roof can protect the plants from burns.

All this is taken into account and a design project is drawn up.

Counting materials for the manufacture of greenhouses

Before making a greenhouse out of frames, it is initially calculated, thanks to the project, the required amount of material, based only on the design parameters.
So:

• Ready-made frames for the greenhouse are immediately measured.
• Then compare the measurements with the existing project.
• Calculate their required number.
• If there is not enough material, then they buy more or make it on their own (frames).

Advice. If it is not possible to make full glazing in the greenhouse, then a film can be used.
Only it can be either on the roof of the structure, since it does not have a lot of weight, or in the missing cells of the window frame. Some take out the glass and completely cover the structure with plastic wrap.

Conclusion: thanks to the drafted project, it is possible to draw up an estimate for the construction of the greenhouse structure.

Procurement of material for the construction of a greenhouse

On a suburban area, a do-it-yourself greenhouse from frames is installed quickly and easily if the material for such work is well prepared.
So:

• If there are ready-made window frames, then it is necessary to check them for strength and wear. They should not be with visible and rather large defects.
• The paint on the frames that has come off is removed, and the surface of the wood is treated with antiseptics.
• After that, to protect the surface of the material, you can cover it with paint or varnish.

Advice. Such work is carried out from two sides, since from the inside there will be high humidity in the structure, and from the outside - climatic and weather conditions affect the surface of the wood.

• Further, all the glasses that are in the frames are checked for integrity. If they are not there, then after assembling the frame, you can install them or use a film.

Advice. If there are not enough ready-made frames for the greenhouse and there is no way to purchase them from anyone, then you need to make them yourself.

• It is not necessary to carry out the manufacture of frames for the greenhouse exactly with the analogue.
• It will be enough to make them the same size.
• Only here it is worth considering the material for covering the frames.
• If the choice stops on the film, then there will be no problems with fixing it on the tree.
• If glass is used, then you need to make recesses on the frames for its installation.

Advice. The thickness of wood for homemade frames should correspond to the thickness already finished structures ram.

The choice of the basis for the construction of the greenhouse from the frames

The manufacture of a greenhouse from frames is characterized by the use of several types of foundations.
So:

• First of all, they use wooden base. It is knocked together from boards of great thickness.
  You can also use bars and other wooden sticks. Most importantly, they must be durable.
• The second most popular is the concrete foundation. Initially, for its manufacture, formwork is made of wooden boards.
  Then a concrete mortar is mixed from sand, cement and water in proportions of 3 to 1 (sand / cement). This solution is poured into the formwork and you need to give it time to dry. Generally, it will take about 15-20 days.
• The third type of foundation is a brick foundation. It is made of bricks, which are fastened together with concrete mortar.
  The first layer is half dug into the ground so that it can be fixed on it.

Advice. If there are no bricks, then foam blocks are used, which are also durable and weather resistant.

The process of making a greenhouse from frames

To make a greenhouse from frames you will need:

• Roulette and pencil.
• Electric jigsaw.
• Building level.
• Self-tapping screws and dowels with large legs.
• Screwdriver.
• Perforator.
• Hammer and other hand tools.

On the video you can see the whole process of building a greenhouse on your own from window frames.

Advice. Most importantly, it is necessary to securely fasten the frame of the frames at the base. If the greenhouse has big size, then the structure is reinforced with supports that are inserted in the center of the frame and deepen into the ground.

Such supports can be:

• From metal - in the form of metal pipes.
• From wood - in the form of beams and planks of great thickness.

Covering for a greenhouse from window frames

Make your own quickly and easily. You also need to choose the best coating option for it if you can’t leave the glass.
So:

• The main options are polyethylene film and polycarbonate.
• When choosing them, you should focus on the quality and strength of window frames.

Advice. If the frames are new and no deformations are visible on them, then polycarbonate can be used. If the frames are quite old and have been in operation for a long time, then it is recommended to use plastic wrap.

• The main difference between such materials is the price.
• It is several times lower for polyethylene film than for polycarbonate.
• Only here it is worth considering that the period of use of polycarbonate is longer than that of a simple polyethylene film.

Advice. For this reason, it is necessary to choose a reinforced polyethylene film, which is not inferior to polycarbonate in terms of practicality and durability.

There are also these types of films:

• Light-repellent - used for those crops in the greenhouse that do not like the sun's rays.
• Multilayer - used in order to be able to operate the greenhouse in the cold season.
• With a protective coating - used to protect plants from the scorching sun.

Polycarbonate for greenhouses is used only cellular, which has:

• Small weight.
• Practicality.
• heat capacity.
• Durability.
• Moisture resistance.

In order to fix it on any surface there is a special instruction.
For work you will need:

• Screwdriver.
• Riveter.
• Perforator.
• Rubber dowels.
• Hand tool.

Polycarbonate can also be mounted on building glue or a special adhesive tape. Thus, if necessary, it is possible to dismantle the material.

How economic the owner of the cottage depends not only on how savvy he is and his budget, but also on his ability to make things with his own hands. A greenhouse made of window frames is quite practical, and the most minimal investments will be needed, since 2 issues are solved at once: replacing frames in a city apartment and building a greenhouse in a suburban area. Consider a step-by-step algorithm for building such a device in our own lands.

1. Making the foundation

The base of the greenhouse must be made, since the wooden frames weigh decently, plus it is necessary to cover the structure, other materials will be added, due to which the weight will be even greater. Accordingly, so that your greenhouse from window frames is not damaged and does not sag over time, you need to install it with your own hands reliably and stably, for which you will need to equip the foundation. Materials for laying are different:

■ Brick - very reliable, but not very cheap. If properly installed, it will last a long time. But it can also be damaged by constant temperature changes or excessive humidity. At the same time, it is absolutely stable and strong enough, wooden structure he will calmly stand the greenhouse.

■ Stone It is a durable material, but very expensive. You can even install a polycarbonate greenhouse with a metal case on it. Its base is durable and it copes with the impact of different weather conditions. If you take a raw stone, the price of the material will be much less.

■ wooden foundationdistinguished by its strength, it is also stable, but will not last too long. Literally up to eight years and it will have to be replaced. But it is perfect for greenhouses that are made by hand.

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



Based on the foregoing, it is up to you to decide which material for laying the foundation for a greenhouse is acceptable to you. For the construction of the foundation, the soil should not be swampy or too wet, otherwise the greenhouse will sag in a very short time. Ideal when there is a layer of sand under the soil layer. If there is none, then do the following:

■ Cover the clay with gravel, spread it well, then fill in the sand with a layer height of 15 cm.

■ Check that there is at least one and a half meters of ground water.

■ For furnishing strip foundation you will need to dig a trench up to 50 cm deep. Make formwork. The boards can be wrapped with foil so that they do not "join" the cement. At the bottom, put wire reinforcement or just stones of sufficiently large sizes to reinforce. Next, pour a mixture made of: cement, crushed stone, concrete.



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

How to install the frame?

A greenhouse made of old frames is a completely self-sufficient frame that requires correct installation do-it-yourself, fastenings and coverings (including battens). To build a reliable greenhouse, the frame must be installed securely. Window frames need to be installed on the foundation and properly fixed with corners, screws, wooden blocks, nails or clamps. Building a greenhouse from old frames with your own hands is generally not difficult at all. The main thing is to keep important rules the simplest construction. Make the planning of all work in advance, think over and paint everything in stages.

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

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

Video "How to build a greenhouse from what is at hand"

This video tells and shows how to make a greenhouse from what is at hand. Window frames act as walls.

Installation of windows and frames

Since the structure itself will turn out to be quite light in weight, it is not worth additionally making it heavier with windows. However, some reproduce their greenhouses in this way, but this is mainly for small structures. The best shelter option is a polyethylene film.

To equip it, you need to make an easy version of the crate around the perimeter of the upper part of the greenhouse. Use steel wire, laths or mounting profile. When the crate is installed, you can stretch the film. To fasten it, use clamps and clamps, and you can also make ordinary holes for fasteners.

Roof installation

When you are only planning the construction of a greenhouse with your own hands, consider what kind of roof it will have: one or gable. For example, if there are not enough details, then, of course, it will be possible to make only a single-sided version. It is arranged in the simplest way, the main thing is that the slope is sufficient, and the water can drain without difficulty during and after the rain.



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

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





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

Video "Answers to questions about the construction of a greenhouse from window frames"

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

Beautiful greenhouse for recreation and gardening

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

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

In addition, the space around the greenhouse can be completely changed even at no significant cost. Old small wheelbarrows and shovels, earthenware pots, albeit slightly battered, and even an old cabinet for a foot sewing machine - everything can be used for decoration. The main thing is that such old things should be complemented with decorative ones - flowers, an angel on a window frame, twine tied with a bow. Thus, you organize a whole small exhibition in the name of beauty in your country house.

Inside there should be a place for both floral decor and interior gizmos. For example, vases or candlesticks. Flowers alone are not enough to create the bohemian setting of a greenhouse like a winter garden in an old English mansion. But together they work "with a bang."

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

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

And so, creating one composition after another, you can fully equip the greenhouse and the area with it beautifully and without unnecessary financial costs.

The construction of even the simplest greenhouse structure costs a decent amount. However, summer residents with experience have long learned to use old wooden frames for this purpose, which were left unnecessarily after they were replaced with metal-plastic bags. And if they were no longer suitable for windows, then a self-built greenhouse made of window frames is not only a budgetary, but also quite a functional option for increasing productivity. How should the frames be prepared and how can they be installed?

Preparing old frames for new features

To make the recycled material more suitable, remove all unnecessary fittings: latches, hooks, handles, hinges. To avoid damage during operation, the glass is also removed, having previously marked the places in the frame with numbers. Cracked glazing beads and slats are replaced with new ones, and vents that will not be used are carefully clogged or, if desired, replaced with ordinary glass. Several vents must be left for ventilation of the internal space.

After that, the old paint or varnish is removed and the bare wood is carefully treated with an antiseptic in several layers. This will significantly extend the life of the entire structure. Additional protection against high humidity is created by painting the frames with white paint, which also contributes to less heating of the structure from sunlight and, consequently, to optimizing the microclimate. When the layers of impregnation and paint are completely dry, the windows are ready for the installation of the greenhouse.

Greenhouse building from old windows

Greenhouse or greenhouse - what to choose

Before a greenhouse is built from old window frames with their own hands, the goal is determined - whether a stationary greenhouse is needed or a small greenhouse is suitable as a temporary shelter. If warm weather prevails in the region, and all plants take root well in open ground, design a collapsible mini-greenhouse, necessary only for the early planting of seedlings and its protection from spring frosts. For the summer, such structures are removed and stored until next year.

This option is lightweight, which means that it does not require the arrangement of a foundation and a solid foundation. The frame is knocked down from boards and beams in such a way that its upper contour serves as the base for the sloping roof. The dimensions and height of the greenhouse depend primarily on the dimensions of the available frames, as well as on the planned height of the plants.

If the area is swampy, one row of red bricks is placed under the frame with a ribbon. The repaired frames are laid across the greenhouse and fixed with hinges to the back wall. For ease of opening, handles are attached to the edge of the frames with self-tapping screws, after which fertile soil is covered.

Wall (Dutch) mini-greenhouse

Capital construction - technology for assembling a stationary greenhouse

The height of this structure is about 2.5 m, which allows you to walk and work in it without bending over. Here, the frames serve not only as roofing, but also as wall material, so the weight of the structure becomes very impressive. To build a greenhouse from window frames in this form with your own hands, a very reliable foundation is laid.

The costs and labor costs for it are fully justified, since a stationary greenhouse can last 5–7 years, and by organizing artificial heating, it becomes possible to grow plants in it all year round.

Laying the foundation - possible options and algorithm of work

Due to a well-chosen base, you can get the desired height of the greenhouse structure with a fairly small size of the base material - window frames. In addition, the elimination of direct contact with moisture and earth leads to an increase in the operating life of the greenhouse as a whole. To achieve this result, lay out a concrete mortar tape or columnar foundation or build a wooden base of beams.

Wooden formwork device

The technology for arranging a strip foundation for a greenhouse from window frames is standard and includes several steps:

1. They mark up and dig trenches 20 cm wide and 50–70 cm deep.
2. A sand and gravel pillow 20–30 cm thick is covered.
3. A wooden formwork is mounted above ground level.
4. Concrete is poured in layers, reinforcing it with reinforcement.

The settling time of a rigid concrete frame depends on weather conditions - in changeable weather, at least a month should pass.

A frame made of beams can serve as a more economical base - it is less stable and short-lived, but it is quite applicable for a temporary structure with a guaranteed service life of 2-3 years. A beam measuring 10x10 cm is treated with bitumen mastic and placed in a shallow (about 15 cm) trench filled with moistened rubble and covered with two layers of roofing material. The corners of the bars are connected by corners. For better protection against an aggressive environment, each beam is individually wrapped in roofing material.

Timber base for greenhouse

A compromise in terms of cost and solidity is the columnar type of foundation. The algorithm for creating this modification is as follows:

1. They dig holes with a depth of more than 50 cm at the corners of the future greenhouse, as well as every 3 m along its length.
2. Crushed stone is poured into each, moistened and tightly rammed.
3. Knock down wooden formwork and fill them with a liquid concrete solution.
4. Pieces of timber are laid on the pillars, after which they are connected to each other and attached to concrete base anchor bolts.

In the process, the horizontal levels of all pillars must be controlled.

Scheme of frame greenhouse

How to build a frame for walls and roofs - inexpensive and quick ways

Using the existing dimensions of the base and old windows, they draw an installation diagram or drawing - in this case, it is much easier to build a greenhouse from window frames with your own hands. The drawing indicates the mounting distance of the corner and intermediate racks, the installation location of the doors, ventilation holes and the height of the upper trim. This approach allows you to plan the length of the wooden beams, at which a minimum of waste will be generated, as well as their total amount.

The frame is usually made of wood, but metal corners can also be used. The lower harness is built at the stage of pouring the upper part of the foundation so that the metal adheres to the concrete. The top rail and cross posts are connected by welding or bolting, and the wooden frames are attached to the frame with galvanized self-tapping screws. To protect against corrosion, metal parts are painted, like frames, in White color.

At the same stage, the roof frame is mounted. The most affordable, and therefore the most common roofing material is film. Polycarbonate is much more reliable, but its purchase leads to significant costs. Window frames are rarely used for this purpose, since such a roof is unlikely to withstand winter conditions.

Device gable roof from farms

On the ground, truss legs are assembled into farms, after which they are installed at the top, secured with temporary jibs. The crate is made in increments of 40 cm, which is enough if the roof is covered with polycarbonate 6 mm thick. For film roofing, the lathing step is usually increased to 60–70 cm.

A fully functional form is the arched roof, the arched rafters of which can be ordered from a company engaged in the production of metal structures. They are also made independently from rods or rectangular pipes on special pipe benders.

Such roofs do not have butt joints at the top of the structure, and their streamlined shape is more resistant to snowfalls and gusts of wind. With the same dimensions, the height of the greenhouse with an arched roof from the inside is greater, which greatly facilitates the work of caring for plants for a person.

Arched roof frame drawing

Installation of frames and fastening of covering material to the roof

Previously repaired and painted frames are attached to the racks of the finished frame using corners, plates and self-tapping screws; doors are installed on hinges. The resulting gaps are filled with mounting foam, and wooden planks are stuffed on top of it. Glasses are fixed with glazing beads and sealant to prevent the appearance of micro drafts. Frames with vents are mounted on both sides of the greenhouse, thus providing the possibility of air exchange. Doors and vents in the closed state should be tightly adjacent to the frame and fixed with hooks.

The final step in creating a greenhouse from window frames with your own hands is covering the roof of the greenhouse with the selected material. It is difficult to close the frame with a film alone, so an assistant is usually invited to create a uniform tightness. You can not nail the film just with nails - this significantly damages the material.

To extend its service life, wooden slats are used, which are fastened with nails, screws or staples using a construction stapler. Cellular polycarbonate panels are cut in the right places with a hacksaw and installed taking into account the vertical arrangement of the stiffeners.

Spandbond roof covering

Caring for such a greenhouse is simple, but requires attention to detail. Every spring, before starting work, all the main parts are checked - the foundation, racks, ceilings. If cracks appear, they are eliminated with a mortar (foundation) or part of the structure is replaced with a new one (racks). Contaminated glasses are washed with rags, preventing abundant water from flowing into the frames.

Polycarbonate roofing is also cleaned with warm water and laundry soap. In no case do not use products containing ammonia, acetone and other solvents. By competently designing and carefully operating the greenhouse, you can be sure of its reliability and the maximum possible durability.

Inspired by the ideas and photos of greenhouses from window frames, built by enterprising summer residents with their own hands, you can get down to business. If you do not have your own frames, then it will not be difficult to purchase them at a low price by agreeing with companies to install new windows - they will tell you where repairs are expected.