Greenhouse plans using old windows

In our case, the porch is elevated about 2 feet above ground so the first issue was to build a wood frame skirting around the porch to prevent snow or ice from getting underneath it.

Then, we had to cover the floor with Styrofoam insulation. We placed rubber stall mats on top of that. The mats not only help with insulation but they make it easier to clean any spilled water when tending to the plants. The windows that we traded for were not all the same size, so the building of our greenhouse was similar to building a puzzle; we had to make each piece fit together in order to make a whole room. We started by seeing where certain windows would fit, then built a frame around the windows.

It was a kind of backward way to go about the construction, but in our situation, it made sure we could use each size of window that we had. We purchased clear 2. We built the walls straight because our floor was elevated and our roof at an angle. The roof was angled partly because we had to continue the water flow from the roofline of the house, but also it helped to maximize the solar potential. If you have a stronger foundation option than we did, the wall of your greenhouse room can be built at an angle as well as the roof.

Angled glass is frequently used in passive solar design because it increases the amount of solar energy coming into a greenhouse. Angling the glass can cause overheating in the summertime if other precautions are not taken, but in the winter months, a greenhouse requires as much solar input as possible to work effectively. The clear panels do let a lot of sun in the top, but in our case, we insulated it by placing bubble wrap in between each rafter on the inside and covered the wrap with clear plastic sheeting.

This helps to soften the light coming in the roof but does not deter so much light as to keep the greenhouse from working correctly. This helps us to keep a regular temperature in the greenhouse.

To make sure we had a good seal where the panels met our framework, we used Polyethylene Solid Roof Panel Closure Strips that fit snug to seal out the weather from slipping under the roof panels. Our next step was to make sure that any windowless areas left in our framework were fitted with the same Polycarbonate panels we used for the roof. These were cut to fit the openings with a heavy pair of industrial scissors.

Any small gaps or sealing issues were solved with a simple can of spray foam insulation. In the summer, the temperatures inside the greenhouse can become extremely hot, so we need a way to vent the greenhouse.

The windows that we used were not able to be opened. They were placed solidly within the framework, so there was no way to vent these. Therefore we had to be creative; we built a wooden screen door entryway into the greenhouse from outside and built a matching one on its side acting like a window in the center of the south-facing wall. However, winter was a different story; we needed the sun to come in these two doors for the greenhouse to work correctly.

We decided the best way to accomplish this was to screw the Poly-carbonate panels on the outside of the screen doors in the winter. When it is cold out, the sun still shines through and they can be easily removed again in the summer. When the outside was completed, we began work on fixing the inside to be useful as the space for the plants that we wanted to grow.

We placed some shelving in the room, but if you do the same, you need to make it very open shelving with high clearance between the shelves. This is so the light will still be able to reach all the plants. In our case, we placed benches to have a raised level and then a floor level of plants.

If you plan to grow plants that climb or vine you need to figure out a way to provide support for them. The tomatoes we planted like to vine and climb; we made this easier for them by placing cables tied to hooks in the framework of the walls.

Use a good outdoor caulk and seal all the cracks and holes between windows. Paint the wood to protect it from the weather. The winter this year was especially bad near me. We had several feet of snow weeks on end. Luckily, I had already emptied the greenhouse and removed the roof panels in late November.

I live in a zone 5 area. During the last month I brought out an electric heater to keep the temperature more consistent overnight. This year I was able to obtain a large picture window and decided to install a windowed roof this spring. It will allow much more light in and therefore heat. I used the same deck screws to affix the windows to the roof frame I already had built. For the roof vents, I took two windows and screwed them together. I found old door hinges and used a piece of PVC as a brace.

I added a screw holding it to the frame as a cotter pin. Lastly, In case a huge gust of wind came along and tried to yank open the windows, I nailed a small chain to the frame and window to prevent the window slamming backwards onto the rest of the roof. I also modified the south facing bench. It connects to the frame on one end and still uses cinder blocks on the other. This will hopefully allow me to utilize the space inside better.

It's filling quickly! Now that the roof will allow so much light through, cooling will be a greater issue this summer. I also have obtained some reflecting fabric. Lastly, I think in the future, I will completely rebuild the roof, using the windows for a gable type structure. It will force me to use some sort of poly material to cover up the gable ends.

The current pitch of the roof is not enough to slope water off the windows completely. The frame was already designed to fit the window into it. I decided to have it slide up and be held in place. I started by salvaging some hinges from an old entertainment center.

They are the kind that sit completely outside the door. Plus these had a unique shape that fit around a right angle. This allowed the wooden "stops" to swing in place and hold the window up while I was venting or when the fan is in place.

Across the frame I nailed some boards to hold the fan window against the frame. Lastly, I found an old pulley and fastened it to the window so I can pull it up easily.

Had a major score! A local community greenhouse was torn down and replaced. I was able to get some great parts. Here is a picture of the new window system. It originally opened the windows on the side of the greenhouse. The wheel is turned and rotates the gear attached to the pipe opening the windows.

Makes opening and shutting easy. While every window now must be open at the same time, I can control the angle at which they are open. Also pictured is a gutter claimed from the trash. The hinge side of the roof windows always leaked profusely. The gutter catches the water and stores it in a bucket for easy watering.

Bought secondhand some rolling shades which are working great. They easily roll up and down the south facing wall while not taking up too much room. Here is the greenhouse in a mild winter. I overwinter many potted perennials inside. To insulate the roof, I stretch a sheet of poly across the top to keep out the drafts. Last October, , I repainted both the inside and out. All the wood is doing well.

I hope that, with care, the greenhouse will last over 10 years. Here are 15 fabulous DIY greenhouses made using old windows. This homeowner salvaged old windows and doors from neighbors who were replacing theirs. She built her own trusses and painted the wood and window frames blue before putting everything together. Her husband and son assisted in the framing and window installation, and the result is absolutely beautiful.

Via Fine Homebuilding. One of my favorite greenhouses made from recycled windows is this one, which we featured in an earlier article. This couple used reclaimed windows and wood pallets to build a functional and practical greenhouse. It is the centerpiece in their garden and is used to grow flowers and climbing vegetables, overwinter annuals, and even serves as a shelter for their chickens and quail.

Not too shabby, huh? This greenhouse — built by the husband and wife team at Vaughan House — is the envy of many greenhouse dreamers! It is absolutely beautiful. It is used to house plants, of course, but also for photo shoots and as a rentable wedding and event venue. The frame consists of cedar beams, and old wood-framed windows make up the walls.

Read more about the build process here. Using old windows found on Craigslist, a couple in Tennessee built this beautiful greenhouse that is also used as a potting shed. Since the windows are not all the same size, it took some planning to get the pieces to fit together, much like putting together a puzzle. The greenhouse is finished with a gravel floor, a gas wall heater, and equipped with gutters and a rain barrel. Via Hometalk. After collecting over two dozen antique windows, Christina from After Dinner Design put them together in this chic greenhouse build.