How to Build a Wooden Base for Your Greenhouse (2024)

FAQs

How to build a wooden base for a greenhouse? ›

Use 6x6 timbers preferably. You can start by laying out the frame on the floor before attaching the ends. Use a carpenter's square to make sure you have the right 45 degrees angle in each corner and intersection, and level it both vertically and horizontally. The wooden frame must be fixed to the ground.

Integral Base

This is by far the easiest option, as it does not require any further building or construction, as it forms part of the frame itself.

Cedar timbers are popular choice for greenhouse foundations.

Concrete Pad

A good option for large greenhouses and can be set above ground level quite easily. It can be very easily maintained and kept clean and tidy with a broom, washed down when needed with detergent to prevent any unwanted diseases. Rodents will not be able to tunnel inside the greenhouse either.

Concrete. A concrete base, also known as a concrete slab is a solid and durable option for supporting a greenhouse.

A concrete slab base is the most durable foundation for a greenhouse.

Dig out a spade's width to a depth of 5-6ins around the edge. Fill the bottom 3-4ins with rubble, hardcore, stones etc. and crush it in. Either add 2-3ins of concrete mix on top or add a few smaller stones, firm down and top with 1 in sand, onto which you can lay slabs (maybe 18ins x 9ins).

The most inexpensive way to build a greenhouse is to purchase a standard greenhouse-building kit from a hardware store.

Wood flooring also provides excellent insulation that's very beneficial to your plants. Wood flooring would be great if you want to add a touch of organic elegance to your herb greenhouse! Unfortunately, wood needs regular maintenance to fend off decay and insects. It's a commitment, but it's well worth it.

Disadvantages: Maintenance - Wooden frames, depending on the timber species and original treatment may require regular maintenance, such as applying a yearly preservative, painting, or staining, in order to protect them from rot, decay, and insect damage.

What should the floor of a greenhouse be made of? ›

What to Use for Greenhouse Floors. There are several options for greenhouse flooring materials. The most ideal is a poured concrete floor, especially if it's insulated. A concrete floor is easy to clean and walk on, and if poured correctly, should drain away any excess water.

All you have to do is fix the base of the greenhouse to the ground using anchor bolts or fixing plugs with a diameter of at least 8 mm. Quick tip: if your greenhouse does not have any anchor points for hard ground, get yourself some galvanised bolt-down post supports which should ideally feature a fixing plate.

Ideally, greenhouses should be sited where they can receive uninterrupted sun throughout the day. Provide screening or shelter from cold northerly or easterly winds, which can keep temperatures low in spring and slow the growth of seedlings and young plants.

A greenhouse foundation can be made of wood and filled with crushed stone or gravel and overlaid with weed cloth. This floor is well-draining and easy to clean, easy to install, and fairly inexpensive. Lava and landscape rock are an attractive greenhouse flooring idea.

At least 4 inches of compacted gravel or stone should be placed on top of the subsoil to provide drainage. Also, placing a 6 mil polyethylene moisture barrier on top of the gravel or stone will keep the slab dry. Build a form out of lumber around the perimeter. The top of the form should be at the finish floor height.