The Right Greenhouse Frame Can Do Wonders

By Dave Pierson

Whether you are an expert or budding gardener, the fact of the matter is that most climates do not allow you to practice your hobby year-round: at least outdoors. And most of us do not have the requisite space to garden extensively indoors. That is why more people than ever before are turning to their own small greenhouse in order to expand their gardening experience from seasonal to virtually year round.

There is a vast array of greenhouse types available for the home gardener, from small and portable to larger models that have their own foundations and even heating and cooling systems and/or automated watering and misting devices. Regardless of the type of greenhouse you choose to utilize, however, it is a given that you will need to decide which type greenhouse frame is most appropriate for your needs.

There are a variety of materials used to construct frames for these types of structures. Among the most commonly utilized for stationary, permanently structured greenhouses is galvanized steel. There are a variety of reasons for this, but the main one is that it is durable and resists rust, which is a big plus when you consider the amount of humidity that the average greenhouse is exposed to (however, while galvanized steel is rust resistant, it is not totally rust proof).

One of the biggest drawbacks of using galvanized steel is that it is heavy, which means that it can make construction more difficult; additionally, if you are purchasing your building supplies by mail, the increased weight can increase your shipping costs exponentially.

Another common metal that is commonly utilized in the construction of these types of frames is aluminum. While not as heavy-duty as galvanized steel, aluminum is much lighter weight, inexpensive and totally resistant to rust. It is much more economical, as well. Of course, if you opt for lighter weight frames, you may find yourself more limited when it comes to the types of building materials that you are able to incorporate into the design.

Some of the most attractive types of greenhouse frames are those that are made out of redwood. This is generally they type of frame that you see in images of greenhouse kits, and is often preferred by homeowners simply for its aesthetic value alone. In addition to being attractive, redwood is durable and is strong enough to support greenhouses constructed of virtually any material imaginable, from glass to mesh and everything in between.

While redwood is arguably the most attractive wood, it tends to be quite expensive. For this reason, many do-it-yourselfers opt for less attractive, less expensive lumber. Another reason that wood is such a popular building material is that any leftovers can easily be used to construct durable and versatile tables to furnish the finished greenhouse.

If you're really looking to make your own hobby greenhouse as inexpensively as possible then PVC tubing might be the right fit for you. It has the advantage of not only savings, but it's incredibly easy to work with as well. Of course, there are numerous other building materials that are suitable for the building of a greenhouse frame. The most critical thing to keep in mind when choosing the best material for your project is whether or not it is sturdy enough to support the greenhouse design you have in mind.