Better Homes And Gardens 10 X 12 Yellow Get-a-way Shed

Constructed of PlexiglasTM and standard lumber using basic tools, this greenhouse is perfect for starting seeds, potting plants, storing tender bulbs and fragile containers during the winter, and performing other garden duties all year long.

Its finished size is compact enough to fit in even small backyards. Its arched roof and sloped sides are handsome and practical, with operable roof panels that can be propped open to let in fresh air.

What You Need:

Handsaw, circular saw, table saw, or miter saw
Carpenter's square
Carpenter's level
Tape measure
Clamps
Handheld jigsaw
Drill
Thin strip of metal or wood
Screwdriver
Posthole digger
Hand plane

Note: Unless otherwise noted, the greenhouse framework is constructed from 1x2 cedar lumber. If you have a table saw, consider ripping the 1x2s from wider material and select stock that is as straight-grained and free from knots as possible. The framework is cut and assembled in panels that are then joined to create the structure. All parts butt together and are fastened with 3-inch deck screws.

For Each Wing Wall:

(Note: These are the materials for one wall. You need to build two.):
Two 1x2s, 81 inches long, for the wall plates (A)
Three 1x2s, 57 inches long, for the wall studs (B)
Two 1x2s, 67 inches long, for the wall corners (C)
Two 1x4s, 81 inches long, for the bottom plates (D)
Four 1x2s, 19-1/8 inches long, for the wall braces (E)

For each Sloped End Panel (build four):

One 1x2, 68 inches long, for the corner stile (F)
One 1x2, 80 inches long, for the inner stile (G)
Two 1x2s, 27 inches long, for the end braces (H)
Two 1 x 4s, 27 inches long, for the bottom plates (I)
One 1x2, 29-1/2 inches long, for the top plate (J)

This greenhouse requires only basic skills and tools. Build the components, then assemble and screw them together.

For each Wing Roof Panel (build four):

Three 1x2s, 28-5/8 inches long, for the roof stiles (K)
Two 1x2s, 42 inches long, for the roof rails (L)

For the Front and Back Panels and Door:

Four 1x2s, 80 inches long, for the panel stiles (M)
Five 1x2s, 36 inches long, for the panel rails (N)
Three 1x4s, 36 inches long, for the bottom plates (O)
Two 1x2s, 75 inches long, for the door stiles (P)
Four 1x2s, 33 inches long, for the door rails (Q)
One 1x4, 33 inches long, for the door base (R)

wings pop open for fresh air

The roof panels of the two wings prop open.

Three 1x10s, 37-1/2 inches long, for the roof arches (S)
Two 2x4s, 97-1/2 inches long, for the base ends (T)
Two 2x4s, 79-1/2 inches long, for the base sides (U)
Four 1x2s, 75-1/4 inches long, for the posts (V)
Two 1x4s, 82-1/2 inches long, for the beams (W)
One 1x2, 77-1/4 inches long, for the door stop (X)
Two 1x2s, 84 inches long, for the roof stringers (Y)
Two 1x2s, 84 inches long, for the hinge mounts (Z)
Four 1x2s, 38 inches long, for the braces (AA)
Four 4-inch galvanized T-hinges (for door)
One strap gate/door handle
One galvanized sliding barrel latch (for door)
3-inch deck screws
1-inch deck screws
Four curved lid supports
No. 8 x 3/4-inch brass panhead wood screws
Eight 1/8-inch acrylic panels, about 19 x 34 inches, for wing walls (cut size will be determined after frame assembly)
Eight 1/8-inch acrylic panels, about 19 x 22 inches, for wing walls
Eight 1/8-inch acrylic panels, about 27 x 34 inches, for sloped end panels
Four 1/8-inch acrylic panels, about 29 x 39 inches, for wing roof assemblies
One 1/8-inch acrylic panel, about 42 x 84 inches, for center roof
Four 1/8-inch acrylic panels, about 20-1/2 x 33 inches, for front door and back panel
Two 1/8-inch acrylic panels, about 25 x 33 inches, for front door and back panel
Two bags of crushed rock
4-8 bags of concrete mix
Four galvanized tie-down straps/ties
Galvanized 4d finishing nails
3/8 x 3/8-inch square molding for acrylic stops
1/2 x 1-inch acrylic retainer strips

Arch-top of Greenhouse Plan

Instructions:

assemble one wing wall

2. To assemble one wing wall, cut 1x2 wall plates (A) and wall studs (B) to length. Lay out the pieces on a flat surface, square them up, clamp, and screw the studs between the plates 19-1/8 inches apart. Cut wall corners (C) and bottom plates (D) to length, then screw the corners to the wall assembly and to bottom plates (D) (photo 1). Leave a 1/4-inch gap between the two bottom plates and between the upper bottom plate and the lower wall plate (A). Cut and install the wall braces (E). Repeat for second wing wall; set the two assembled walls aside.

cut corner stile to length

3. To assemble one sloped end panel, cut corner stile (F) to length; cut inner stile (G) a few inches longer than listed. Miter top ends of corner stile (F) and top plate (J) at 20 degrees; screw together. Cut end braces (H) and bottom plates (I) and drive screws to mount them between the stiles. Insert top plate (J) between stiles; clamp. Mark extra-long inner stile (G) for proper length, screw to top plate, then cut to fit (photo 2). Repeat for other sloped end panels (photo 2). Set aside.

4. To assemble one wing roof panel, cut the roof stiles (K) and roof rails (L) to length and screw panels together, checking them for square. Repeat for other three roof panels. Cut the hinge mounts (Z) to length and set assembled roof panels aside.

5. To assemble front and back panels, use the same procedure as for roof panels. Screw panel stiles (M) to the panel rails (N) and bottom plates (O). Do the same for the door stiles (P), door rails (Q), and base (R). Mount T-hinges and handle on the door.

6. To form roof arches (S) for center roof, lay out the curve on a 37-1/2-inch-long 1x10, as shown in the detail drawing. Bend a thin strip of metal or wood along the three nails to form the curve; mark with pencil. Cut curve with jigsaw. Mark a matching curve (parallel to the first) and the arch base to create the open space in arch as shown, then drill a pilot hole and cut out the waste with the jigsaw. Use this arch as a pattern to cut two more.

Instructions:

7. Dig postholes 30 inches deep or below your region's frost line. Place 6 inches of crushed rock in each hole, then fill with concrete. Insert galvanized tie-down straps while concrete is wet.

make sure base is level

8. To make base frame, let concrete cure for several days, then cut 2/4 base frame pieces (T and U) to length and screw together, checking for square. Mount the base on the footings, making sure base is level.

mount wing to base

9. Clamp one sloped end panel to the base so the top of inner stile (G) is flush with the top of panel stile (M). Check for level, then screw panel to the base. Set a wing wall in position and drive screws to mount it to the base and to sloped end panel (photo 4). Install other adjacent sloped end panel, making sure it's level. Repeat, installing the other wing wall and sloped end panels.

install panels and doors

10. Cut posts (V) to length, position them plumb and screw in place against inner stiles (G) of the sloped end panels. Cut beams (W) to fit, then drive screws through inner stiles to hold beams on top of posts. With posts and beams in place, install front and back panel, door, and door stop (X).

bevel one edge of roof stringer

11. Bevel one edge of each roof stringer (Y) on the table saw or with a hand plane.

add roof panels

Screw the arches (S) to the stringers; set the assembly on top of the beams and attach it with screws. Screw hinge mounts (Z) to the sloped end panels and beams. Screw two roof panel assemblies (K and L) to the hinge mounts (Z) of each wing.

square structure

Cut braces (AA) to length and miter the ends; check the structure for square, then screw braces in place.

Installing Curved Acrylic to Roof of Greenhouse

12. To install the curved acrylic on center roof, drill pilot holes spaced 8 inches on center and 3/8 inches in from one long edge of the 42 x 84-inch acrylic panel. Temporarily use three screws to hold acrylic in place on one roof stringer (Y), then bend acrylic over arches to check it for proper width. Trim acrylic, if necessary; drive all screws along the first edge, then drill pilot holes at top of each arch. Drive screws through acrylic into arch tops before fastening down the other edge.

13. Screw acrylic pieces for wing roof panels to the roof stiles (K) and rails (L) as for the center roof panel. Screw two hinges to each upper roof rail (L). Position roof panels and fasten hinges to the hinge mounts (Z). Then install the lid supports to allow the panels to be raised for ventilation.

acrylic stops around each opening

14. The acrylic for the walls, end panels, door, and back panel should be cut slightly (1/8 inch) smaller than the size of openings for ease in installation. Cut 3/8 x 3/8-inch square molding for acrylic stops to fit around each opening, and nail the pieces in place, using a scrap of acrylic to position them.

screw in acrylic retainer strips

Place acrylic panels against square molding, then screw in acrylic retainer strips to hold panels in place (photo 11).