Americans are increasingly constructing backyard items such as sheds, gazebos, and decks. This is likely due to the increase in home prices; many people are finding ways to increase property value to be competitive in the market. Additionally, many Americans enjoy having a space to relax and entertain guests without leaving their property. These backyard features can often be built relatively quickly and cheaply, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious homeowners.
It’s not a big deal to build something in an American household backyard either, considering their size. The average size of an American backyard is about a quarter of an acre or 10,000 square feet! That’s a lot of space!
Sheds, gazebos, and decks are all popular choices for backyard features, but one backyard feature shines among all of them: a greenhouse.
Why Build a Greenhouse?
There are many benefits to having a greenhouse in your backyard. A greenhouse allows you to enjoy year-round gardening and gives you control over growing conditions, from the temperature and humidity levels to the amount of sunlight that reaches plants.
Greenhouses can also be used for other purposes, such as a home office or playroom! They’re versatile options that can suit any homeowner’s needs.
If you’re thinking about building a backyard greenhouse, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Here’s how you can build one in your backyard.
Choose a Desirable Place
The first step to building a greenhouse is deciding where in your backyard it should go. Ideally, you want the location to be somewhere that receives plenty of sunlight during the day and has good drainage so excess water can easily flow away from the structure.
It’s best to place your greenhouse near your home so you won’t have to carry heavy gardening equipment too far. Additionally, placing it by your house will make it easier for you to keep an eye on things when you’re not outside tending to plants.
Plan for Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential when constructing a greenhouse since many plants require excellent air circulation to thrive and grow properly. Some greenhouses are built with oversized doors or windows on all sides, but even if your greenhouse has a more solid structure, you’ll need to make sure there are vents near the top so hot air can escape.
You should also consider installing an exhaust fan to help with air circulation. Good air circulation will ensure that your plants always have access to fresh air and prevent them from becoming too humid inside the greenhouse.
Decide on a Material
The next step is to decide what material you want to use for your greenhouse. The most common materials are wood, metal, or plastic. Wood is the most traditional option and can give your greenhouse a rustic look. However, it’s important to note that wood is not as durable as other materials and will require more maintenance.
Metal is a more durable option but can be less attractive than wood. Plastic is another highly durable option, but it can often look unattractive compared to other materials.
However, steel is the best when it comes to greenhouses. They can practically last forever. You need to get a decent amount of steel supply to make it happen. But it’s certainly worth it if you want your greenhouse to last forever.
When deciding on a material for your greenhouse, it’s important to consider the size and style of your backyard. If you want something that is simple and traditional, wood may be the best option for you. But if you’re looking for a more modern look, plastic or metal would probably be better choices.
Build Your Greenhouse Frame
Once you’ve decided on your material and where in your backyard your greenhouse will be placed, it’s time to start building the frame! Begin by measuring out where all the walls should go, making sure they are level and straight. Then use this as a guide to constructing vertical beams around the perimeter of where they’ll be placed.
Attach horizontal pieces between these vertical beams with screws or nails so that they are securely in place. If you’re using wood, make sure the beams are made of pressure-treated lumber so they will be able to withstand moisture from the soil and plants.
Now that your frame is complete, it’s time to add the walls! For this step, you can either use clear plastic sheets or glazing panels. Glazing panels are made of glass or polycarbonate material and will let in more light than plastic sheets. However, they are also more expensive.
Install the doors and windows of your greenhouse according to your chosen design. You may want to consider adding a Dutch door to efficiently ventilate the space when necessary. Finally, attach any additional features like shelves or benches inside your greenhouse.
Now all that’s left to do is fill your greenhouse with plants and work on creating a beautiful garden you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come!
