Are you considering building a greenhouse? Well, you’re in luck because The North Branch has created a video guide called “The Ultimate Guide to DIY Greenhouses: Pros, Cons, and Everything In Between.” In this video, they discuss the advantages and disadvantages of five different types of DIY greenhouses. The first type they cover is the PVC greenhouse, followed by the metal hoop house, the cattle panel greenhouse, the A-frame greenhouse, and the twinwall greenhouse. Each type has its own set of pros and cons, including factors such as cost, durability, snow load handling, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced builder, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about which greenhouse is right for you. So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of DIY greenhouses, this is the ultimate resource for you.

PVC Greenhouse

If you’re thinking of building a greenhouse, my brother and I have built several over the past few years. Each greenhouse has its own unique shape and style, and we have learned a lot during the construction and use of these structures. In this video, I want to provide an overview of five different types of greenhouses that we have built and discuss the pros and cons of each.

PVC Greenhouse

The PVC greenhouse is the first type we built. It measures 12 by 19 feet and is constructed with PVC and two by six boards for the baseboards. To anchor the greenhouse, we drove some 2×2 boards into the ground and screwed them to the baseboards. One important tip when building this type of greenhouse is to use UV-treated PVC or paint it with latex paint for UV protection.

Some pros of the PVC greenhouse include its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It is a simple build and can be constructed by one person. Additionally, it doesn’t require a lot of materials, making it affordable. Another advantage is that the greenhouse is angled to shed snow and can handle snow loads well. The size of the PVC greenhouse is 12 by 19 feet, providing ample space for your plants.

However, there are some cons to consider. When using six mil plastic, you will need to help with snow removal. After a big snowstorm, you need to remove the snow from the plastic. The angle of the PVC makes this task relatively easy. Additionally, the biggest con of this design is its use of PVC. PVC is not the most long-term building material, and it may not be ideal to have around your food. This greenhouse also requires regular replacement of the plastic every three to five years. Another challenge with the PVC greenhouse is that bugs tend to be more of an issue compared to other greenhouse designs. It is important to come up with a solution to capture bugs and keep the greenhouse clean.

Despite these cons, the PVC greenhouse offers a great deal for its size and winter performance. It is an excellent option for those looking to get started quickly and want a greenhouse that will provide several years of use before needing to replace materials or rebuild.

Metal Hoop House

The metal hoop house is the second type of greenhouse we built. This greenhouse is also 12 by 19 feet and has a similar foundation of cedar baseboards and 2×2 boards driven into the ground. Instead of PVC pipe, we used metal fence conduit that is bent and spaced every four feet apart.

Some pros of the metal hoop house include its affordability and longevity. Like the PVC greenhouse, it is a simple and cost-effective build. However, the price of metal fence conduit has increased in recent years. Nonetheless, it is still an affordable option. Metal also lasts a long time, so the greenhouse will likely remain in good condition for several years.

The metal hoop house is also quite spacious, providing plenty of room for your plants and movement inside the greenhouse.

However, there are some cons to consider. Unlike the PVC greenhouse, the metal hoop house is not angled for snow shedding. While we have not had any issues with snow accumulation so far, removing snow from the metal structure can be a bit more challenging. Additionally, as with the PVC greenhouse, regular maintenance of the six mil plastic is required. The metal hoop house has similar bug issues as the PVC greenhouse. Finally, the use of six mil plastic in the metal hoop house means that temperature regulation is not as efficient as with rigid plastic panels used in other designs.

Overall, the metal hoop house remains a cost-effective option that should last several years. It may require more effort in snow removal, but if properly maintained, it can be a great greenhouse for your plants.

Cattle Panel Greenhouse

Next on our list is the cattle panel greenhouse. This greenhouse is 10 by 16 feet and has a foundation of 4×4 anchors and 2×4 baseboards. We bent four cattle panels to create the structure.

One of the pros of the cattle panel greenhouse is its versatility. It is a simple and flexible build. You can arrange the cattle panels in various ways to suit your needs, providing you with many options. The ability to bend the cattle panels allows you to adjust the width and height of the greenhouse as necessary.

Another advantage of the cattle panel greenhouse is its ability to handle snow load. Unlike the previous designs, the cattle panels provide support throughout the plastic, making it more robust in handling heavy snowfall. We also added a ridge beam and ridge beam support to further reinforce the structure. So far, we have had no issues with snow load, and this greenhouse has performed well during the winter.

However, there is a con to consider. The installation of a ridge beam and support is necessary for areas with heavy snowfall. Without these additions, the cattle panel greenhouse may collapse. Additionally, the sharp and jagged edges of the cattle panels can rip holes in the six mil plastic, so caution should be exercised.

Despite this con, the cattle panel greenhouse offers a simple and versatile solution. With proper maintenance and reinforcement, it should last for many years and withstand winter conditions.

A-Frame Greenhouse

The A-frame greenhouse is the fourth type we built. While we don’t have the exact dimensions for this greenhouse, we have a mini A-frame build that provides a good representation. We also have a video showing the rebuild of the A-frame greenhouse.

One of the pros of the A-frame greenhouse is its durability. The A-frame design provides a sturdy structure that can withstand different weather conditions. Another advantage is its excellent temperature regulation. The design allows for effective airflow, preventing excessive heat buildup and promoting a healthy environment for your plants. Additionally, the A-frame greenhouse has excellent snow-shedding capabilities, reducing the need for frequent snow removal.

Another pro of the A-frame greenhouse is its ability to collect rainwater. The design facilitates water collection, which can be used to irrigate your plants and reduce water waste.

Like the previous greenhouses, the A-frame greenhouse requires regular maintenance and may encounter bug issues. It is also important to note that, like the PVC and metal hoop house designs, using six mil plastic can limit temperature regulation compared to rigid plastic panels.

Despite these considerations, the A-frame greenhouse remains a durable and efficient option for gardening enthusiasts. It offers excellent temperature regulation, snow shedding capabilities, and the added bonus of rainwater collection.

Twinwall Panel Greenhouse

The final type of greenhouse we built is the twinwall panel greenhouse. Unfortunately, we don’t have the exact dimensions for this greenhouse, but we have a video showing its construction.

One of the main pros of the twinwall panel greenhouse is its long lifespan and warranty. This type of greenhouse is built using rigid twinwall plastic panels, which are known for their durability. With proper maintenance, this greenhouse can last for many years without the need for frequent material replacement.

However, there is a con to consider. The twinwall panel greenhouse is more expensive compared to the other types we have discussed. The cost mostly lies in the materials needed to construct the rigid panels. Additionally, building this greenhouse may require more advanced skills compared to the simpler designs.

As with the other greenhouses, regular maintenance is necessary, and bug issues should be expected. The use of six mil plastic can also impact temperature regulation, although the rigid twinwall panels offer better insulation.

Though it may require a larger investment and more construction skills, the twinwall panel greenhouse offers a long-lasting and durable solution. With its extended lifespan and warranty, this greenhouse is an excellent option for those willing to invest in a higher-quality structure.

Summary of Pros and Cons

Now that we have discussed each type of greenhouse individually, let’s summarize the pros and cons of each design.

PVC Greenhouse Pros:

• Simplicity and cost-effectiveness
• Able to handle snow load
• Large size

Cons:

• Requires regular replacement of the plastic
• PVC may not be the most long-term building material
• Bug issues

Metal Hoop House Pros:

• Affordability and longevity
• Spacious design

Cons:

• Harder to remove snow
• Regular maintenance required
• Bug issues
• Limited temperature regulation with six mil plastic

Cattle Panel Greenhouse Pros:

• Versatility in design
• Ability to handle snow load

Cons:

• Installation of a ridge beam required for heavy snowfall
• Regular maintenance needed
• Bug issues
• Limitations of using six mil plastic

A-Frame Greenhouse Pros:

• Durability and temperature regulation
• Snow-shedding capability
• Ability to collect rainwater

Cons:

• Regular maintenance required
• Bug issues
• Limitations of using six mil plastic

Twinwall Panel Greenhouse Pros:

• Long lifespan and warranty

Cons:

• More expensive compared to other designs
• Requires more advanced skills to build
• Regular maintenance needed
• Bug issues
• Limitations of using six mil plastic

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right type of greenhouse depends on your specific needs and preferences. Each type has its pros and cons, from the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the PVC greenhouse to the long lifespan and warranty of the twinwall panel greenhouse.

When building any greenhouse, it is important to consider regular maintenance requirements, potential bug issues, and the limitations of using six mil plastic. Additionally, factors such as affordability, snow load handling, durability, and temperature regulation should be taken into account.

If you’re unsure which type of greenhouse would be best for you, I recommend watching the build videos and tutorials provided by The North Branch. These resources offer valuable information and visual demonstrations to help you make an informed decision.

Happy greenhouse building!