Greenhouse Foundations

[Ian_5]

Hi would be grateful if anyone could clear something up for me:

i've recently bought a 6x6 alluminium frame, polycarbonate greenhouse. the greehouse comes with a steel base - do i need to put this onto paving slabs or similar as a foundation or can it go straight onto the ground?

probably a stupid question but i've read differing guides, some saying the steel base is all i need but the majority recommending foundations. the instructions that come with the greenhouse are sparse to say the least and don't state that it needs any further foundations...

thanks for any help.

[binley100]

You need to put it on something firm so it doesn't warp ......

[Bigmallly]

As bin said, anchor it to something solid, mines on breeze blocks as I needed the extra height.............another point worth mentioning, if it's polycarb, either seal the panels in or find some other means of securing the panels as there is a good chance of them blowing out. I put 3 horizontal canes per panel (top, bottom & middle) and it's holding up.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Ian I have an 8 x 6 polycarbonate. Unless you are going to lay it on a concrete base and bolt it down then my advice would be to use either wood but preferably steel stakes at each corner and concrete those stakes into the ground. Unless they are 3ft long then you might get away with just hammering them in.

When fully assembled and glazed the first thing I noticed was exactly how light the structure is. Two of us easily picked mine up and walked it onto its base.

Another point if you haven't thought of it is that dependent on how it is glazed you may think of securing the glazing panels with silicone.

Colin

[hollychap]

my first greenhouse was a polycarb woke up one morning and it was nowhere to be seen (thought it had been stolen) about a week later a neighbour 5 doors away came and asked if i could take back my greenhouse which had taken off over the dividing side road over 4 high hedges and flat packed on landing

[Ian_5]

thanks guys, looks like foundations it is then... if a jobs worth doing and all that.

[RedThorn]

and as BM said, if you're not vertically challenged, breeze block it up for extra noggin clearance makes a world of difference. Also place the greenhouse on a timber frame to help reduce condensation

[The Large One]

i just sited my greenhouse (not poly) on 4x4 fenceposts, also drilled through them and staked them down using 8mm rebar
the wood alone should be heavy enough to stop yours taking off but as above stake each corner with metal, something like the old wire fence angle iron should do

[chris]

I sunk my metal base rods into plant pots filled with concrete..

[Ian_5]

Reckon i'll go for breeze blocks for the extra head room, it'll come in handy. like the plant pot idea though, that'd definately be the easiest on my site.

Probably a stupid question but curious - how does the timber frame reduce condensation? because it can take up water?

cheers

ian

[Bigmallly]

Reckon i'll go for breeze blocks for the extra head room, it'll come in handy. like the plant pot idea though, that'd definately be the easiest on my site.

Probably a stupid question but curious - how does the timber frame reduce condensation? because it can take up water?

cheers

ian

I don't know the answer but reading your post it seems you may have answered your own question, it would seem that the wood absorbs the moisture thereby reducing it inside the GH, only a gusesstimate.

[Chocolate8me]

Ian the instructions are really pathetic, I sympathise.

We half erected my Polycarb greenhouse on Boxing Day (it was a Christmas present from my boyf.) and that night it blew over bendingand breaking a few pieces. When we get round to fixing those pieces, we are going to strengthen it & somehow attach it to the wooden fence on two sides so it can't blow away.

If anyone has any ideas on how best to do that I would greatly appreciate it?

[Bigmallly]

What's it stood on?

[RedThorn]

Probably a stupid question but curious - how does the timber frame reduce condensation? because it can take up water?

It helps with the thermal differences between the breeze blocks and the glass and frame. I was advised to do this and although it did not stop it, it did reduce it. I had 2 to compare, one greenhouse I did this and the other I did not. There's an old thread here somewhere where NicktheGrief advices me a few years ago...

I also found that seeing as I aint a professional bricklayer, the wood also helped me get a really nice level true surface to mount the greenhouse frame to.

That's a great idea Chris

EDIT :Found that thread for ya

[ann-the-nan]

Greenhouse Founations

Fascinating thread. I was going to have a polycarbonate GH but the thought of all those exrta supports etc. to stop it blowing away fair frightens me. Yes, I know, I am a wuzz.