Convert full height greenhouse to dwarf wall

Discussion in 'Greenhouse Growing' started by TMAK, Jul 13, 2018.

  1. TMAK

    TMAK Tommy

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    Hi quick question again.
    I have just got my hands on a new greenhouse. But the problem is I’m short glass.
    I was thinking I really have no need to have glass all the way to the ground. Any ideas what I could use on the bottom half of the greenhouse instead of glass. The existing frame is aluminum. Not sure how I would fix wood to the frame.
    Cheers.
    Tommy
     
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    • sandymac

      sandymac Super Gardener

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      Glass is cheap enough, it fits with original clips, it does not rot, it allows light through, requires no treatment to prolong its life. Why use wood?
       
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      • TMAK

        TMAK Tommy

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        Hi sandymac.
        It’s hard enough to get here. All the local glass suppliers only do 4mm glass and are charging 20 euro a pane. I need 20 of them so it would come in at 400 euro.
         
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        • BigC

          BigC Super Gardener

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          Cheaper if you buy a large piece and cut it yourself...Its really not that hard...I'm a glasscutter...problem today is most replacement windows are tempered which are not cuttable...if you could get some secondhand replacements units from a skip you could save yourself some money...rem to take safety precautions and wear gloves....
           
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          • BigC

            BigC Super Gardener

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            You can attach some wood runners to the bottom of the greenhouse and one about 2 feet above and clad...although mine is wooden (I built myself) the principle would remain the same.
            20160508_163646.jpg
            ghouse.jpg
             
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            • ricky101

              ricky101 Total Gardener

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              Hi,

              Sounds odd that you cannot get 3mm horticultural glass in 2 x 2 ft panes ? they sell for around £5 a piece here, stocked by local glass shops and garden centers .

              Think I would look at all the local free cycle type of places and see if anyone has such glass for free/sale or even buy a complete old greenhouse with glass.

              You might find someone who will supply new glass by carrier ? or look as fitting plastic sheets ?
              I've use 10m twin wall polycarb from the local big diy stores, just fits in the alum profile , though these 4mm ones quiet popular and low cost.

              4mm Polycarbonate Greenhouse Glass Replacement Sheet Glazing 2ft 4ft Gardman | eBay
               
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              • TMAK

                TMAK Tommy

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                Cheers. For the ideas.
                Rickey101 I know it’s crazy. I’ve got as much second hand as I can find. Even drove 3 hours to pick it up!! I’ve had the polycarbonate panels before and they tend to bend in the wind and fly away.
                BigC that looks great I might be able to manage that. Your garden looks great and that greenhouse looks brill.
                 
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                • sandymac

                  sandymac Super Gardener

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                  have a look at this site a two foot x two foot glass replacement plastic sheet £2
                  Greenhouse Windows | Cut My Plastic
                   
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                  • ricky101

                    ricky101 Total Gardener

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                    Hi,

                    Think BigCs idea of wood is ok , as long as you use a full preservative treatment or red cedar etc, otherwise you will be repairing it often, if its something you plan to keep for many years ?

                    More work, but longer lasting would be to build a dwarf wall on a small strip foundations would be my choice for long term use.

                    What is the size of your greenhouse, sounds big if you say you need 20 sheets ?
                     
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                    • TMAK

                      TMAK Tommy

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                      It’s only 6 x 8 but when you start adding the panes up it doesn’t be long adding up. In total it needs about 48 2 Ft by 2 ft panes.

                      I got a few panes recently for free but they were slightly small. 60cm x 60 cm. I need 61 cm wide to fit properly.
                      Could I silicone 2 pieces together a 4 or 5cm strip down the side of one with an overlap.?


                      Thanks sandymac. I had plastic last winter though and they went flying in the wind
                       
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                      • BigC

                        BigC Super Gardener

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                        Have a look for plastic U Channel
                         
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                        • TMAK

                          TMAK Tommy

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                          GENIUS

                          Thank you BigC.
                           
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                          • ricky101

                            ricky101 Total Gardener

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                            Don't think glued together glass is going to look very attractive and if polycarb sheets cannot stand your winds would be concerned glued glass would.

                            Sound like you are really saying you have just got a bare frame and need all the glass ?

                            Have you checked if the 60mm glass is toughened, if so you cannot cut it.
                            Also its an evil stuff to work with, I've done some glass cutting but would not want to mess around with a whole greenhouse.

                            Afraid I know nothing of Irelands greenhouse scene, but seem surprised 2x2ft aka 610x610mm is not readily available, have you actually asked in the garden centers and greenhouse suppliers or tried this place showing e8 per sheet collected.
                            Green House Glass Panels 610x610mm - Coolock Glass & Glazing
                             
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                            • Gail_68

                              Gail_68 Guest

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                              C, i'm no brains in this department...sheds are my other halfs :snorky: but what about planks of decking also stained...at least you can treat that yearly besides blasting it clean :)
                               
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                              • BigC

                                BigC Super Gardener

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                                I like to keep on top of things year on year so the Pergola, Greenhouse, front ranch fence and gates get all the same treatment..
                                CUPGSHSG1L.jpg
                                PS I am a glass cutter by trade..I wouldn't be using glue...Clear Silicone is much better as a sealing mastic...Proper Horticultural Glass (3mm) has become increasingly hard to source....I have to admit I was privy to any amount of (any thickness) glass so my greenhouse only cost me circa £50 to totally glaze and we had a toughening plant on site so it made sense for me to glaze with proper glass...I have nothing against polycarbonate or any other material to make a hot place for plants but my last poly (barn roof style) greenhouse gave way to high winds it cost quite a lot of money and I was pretty angry at having to repair plastic spars etc year on year which I said to myself never again...so I built my own
                                Glass Roof.jpg
                                 
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                                  Last edited: Jul 19, 2018
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