How to Build a Greenhouse Using Plastic Pipe

Build your own greenhouse with PVC plastic pipe. A design resembling a metal Quonset hut is sturdy, allows for efficient use of materials and takes advantage of PVC's ability to bend without losing strength. With several lengths of PVC pipe and a collection of connectors you can snap this frame together in very little time.

2 lengths 1 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe, 11 1/2 feet
2 lengths 1 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe, 12 feet 10 inches
5 lengths 1 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe, 19 feet
4 lengths 1 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe, 3 feet
Snap Clamps, 1 1/4 inch
16 slip Ts, 1 inch
4 connectors (3-way), 1 inch
10 wood or metal ground stakes, 12 inch
1 sheet of clear vinyl, 20 feet by 13 feet 4 inches
2 sheets of clear vinyl, 6 1/2 feet by 7 feet
1 sheet of clear vinyl, 12 1/2 feet by 7 feet
100 self-tapping screws, 3/4 inch long
Screw driver
PVC glue
String or rope
Hammer
Screwdriver
Scissors or knife

Instructions

- 1
  Lay out the base of the frame on smooth level ground, using the 12 foot 10 inch pipes as the sides and the 11 1/2 foot pipes as the front and back.
- 2
  Slide 3 slip Ts onto each of the side pipes, spacing them three feet from each end and three feet apart.
- 3
  Connect the corners of the base with the 3-way connectors, making sure the third opening is pointing up.
- 4
  Drive 5 stakes into the ground along the two sides of the frame, one next to each connector. Leave about 2 inches of the stake above ground.
- 5
  Slide two slip Ts onto the centers of three of the 19 foot pipes, which will serve as the middle arches of the frame.
- 6
  Slide a slip T onto the centers of the remaining two 19 foot pipes, which will be the end arches.
- 7
  Place the ends of the two end arches into the openings of the 3-way connectors at the front and back of the frame, bending them upward so they fit.
- 8
  Install the ends of the three center arches into the slip Ts on either of the sides.
- 9
  Connect the front arch to the second arch by inserting a 3 foot length of pipe in the slip T at the center of the front arch. Connect the other end of the 3 foot pipe to one of the slip Ts in the second arch. Connect the rest of the arches in the same way.
- 10
  Drape the large vinyl sheet over the top of the frame so that it hangs over equally on each side.
- 11
  Secure the large vinyl sheet to the arches using Snap Clamps placed 8 to 10 inches apart.
- 12
  Cover the front end with the two 6 1/2 foot 6 by 7 foot vinyl sheets, overlapping them by about 6 inches. Attach with Snap Clamps.
- 13
  Cover the back end with the 12 1/2 foot by 7 foot vinyl sheet. Attach with Snap Clamps.
- 14
  Glue any fittings that are loose, or secure them with a self-tapping screw.
- 15
  Tie the frame securely to the stakes with rope.

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