Lean-to without a "to"

Hi all,

I've been offered a fantastic free greenhouse, 8*8.

Sadly, it's a lean-to.

My allotment is open, thus i don't have a "to" to lean against. But, i'm quite prepared to build something, i'm just not sure what!!

I would welcome ideas and suggestions as to what i could do to make the most of this most exciting opportunity.

cheers,

Big Mick

 

I understand it's a combination of both, but, most likely to have polycarbonate roof lights

(as the previous owner's cat used to use it as a rapid exit from the house. numerous such occasions resulted in the purchase of polycarbonate!)

The struts are aluminium.

Big Mick

 

Mick
If it was me,i`d build a pent roofed shed (perhaps just 8` x 4`)on the "to" side.
Perhaps with door access via the shed part for added security.
That way you`d have combined storage/greenhouse with a wall to hang stuff on
...assuming your allotment association wouldn`t object to a 12` x 8` structure

 

If you just want a 'to' the quickest would be sheets of exterior grade plywood or blockboard as finances permit, on a 2x2 frame. Could be insulated with polystyrene and roofing felt when you found any! It would be easy to fix staging etc to as well.
Positioning will be important, best would be North at the back [plywood].

 

I would go with Liz on that Mick,and add that you will need a good solid base to fix it down to or the thing will end up in the next plot after a good blow. Slabs or even a concrete plinth would hold it.

 

Yes if finances permit attach it to a shed or alternatively as Liz says a panel of wood doubling as a perimeter boundary fence maybe?
It will also be a valuable source of rain water for an allotment so don't forget the downpipe and tub

 

or lay it on ground and now its a cold frame!

 

I wonder just how much strength/rigidity is gained from the wall/building this lean-to was designed to be fixed to.

Making it freestanding by simply adding a wall may be sufficient, but i`m concerned if the wall can twist..so will the aluminium lean-to frame.

If you go for the single wall approach perhaps a very rigid wall made from 2x4 studs sheathed with plywood/T&G planks etc would be the safer option.

 

Thanks to everyone for all your responses and great ideas!!

Both the shed and the rigid wall suggestions are worth further consideration.

I'll ensure that I keep everyone up-to-date with progress.

Thanks again,

Big Mick