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Home » DIY Projects » How to Build a Lean-to Greenhouse for Under $100

How to Build a Lean-to ADVERTISEMENT

Greenhouse for Under $100

 Feb 8, 2019  28 comments  The links in the post below may be
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How to Build a Lean-to

Greenhouse Under $100
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This winter, I decided that I wanted to try to build a greenhouse for
Sign (Picture
our garden. The growing season here in central Oregon is very
Tutorial)
short (we generally get our last freeze in mid-June) and I wanted
somewhere other than my bedroom window to start plants from
seed.

Since I am frugally minded and like to upcycle as much as I can, I

decided that we (my husband and I) would attempt to build a
greenhouse using as many on-hand materials as possible, for less
than $100. One. Hundred. Bucks.

So I went on over to Pinterest and found this little build that spoke
 Inside The
to me: I love how this builder used what he had on hand to make House , Decoration
something he wanted…and that’s precisely what I specialize in. 20 Easy String
That’s weird to say…I rarely feel like I specialize in anything. Art Projects &
Ideas
But, regardless, I identi ed with this guy because I had a lot of what
he had: old windows, extra lumber, and creativity. So I want to share
with you, step by step, how my husband and I successfully built our
own greenhouse for less than $100, and encourage you to try to do
the same. This is what we started with:
DIY Greenhouse Materials
A bunch of old windows. Pre-kids, my husband and I were
avid garage sale shoppers. Now, our window collection is
pretty extensive, and we even had quite a few that come in
perfect sets of two, excellent for making matching side
walls. You may not have access to this kind of collection,
but keep in mind that there are other ways you can make
your walls (think greenhouse plastic and some 2x4s). We
also had a considerably large window, 5 feet tall and 5 feet
wide that made our rooftop.

A bunch of spare lumber. We had about seven 8 foot

2×4′s from a prior project that we got started with. The
2×4′s, both on hand and then purchased, were used to
make the majority of the framework. We also had a lot of
hemlock wall trim from a house we used to live in, and used
nearly all of that to frame out windows in the walls (more
on that later).

A box of 3ʺ exterior decking screws and a box of exterior

framing nails. The Hubs likes screws with a Torx
bit because they are great if you don’t want to predrill. The
screws and nails together cost about $20.

So, now onto the build…and instructions for you.

Step 1: Determine the design.

I didn’t draw it out, but I knew that the plan was to build a “lean-to”
greenhouse design. This worked best with the materials we had on
hand, especially the large roof-top window.

Step 2: Build the walls.

We knew that the best way to build the greenhouse using our
materials was to build the frame around the windows we had on
hand. For each wall, we set the windows or doors on the ground and
tted 2×4′s around them until we had the shape that we wanted.

Here’s what the back wall and two identical side walls looked like:
We had to make sure that the height of the back wall matched the
highest part of the side wall, as well as the front wall matched the
lowest part of the sidewalls. This was tricky using old windows, but
we kept the design uid and exible and were able to gure it out.

To keep it together, we used a combination of screws and nails (nails

were cheaper, but screws were stronger). I will say this… It helps to
have someone who has done some framing before. Had I been on
my own, I would have been lost. My husband knows his way around
a hammer and a box of nails, that’s for sure.

Step 3: Secure the 4 walls together.

We used our Torx screws to secure the walls together and came up
with this basic framework. I love this lean-to shape because it
allows me to stand up straight inside and have plenty of space for
shelves.
Step 4: Insert the windows.
Our design incorporated some xed windows and some hinged
windows (to allow proper ventilation). I used our pin nailer and air
compressor, as well as the old fashioned hammer and nails to do
most of the work on this step.

Each opening needed to have a frame built into it to tack the

antique window in place (kind of like a window sill or a door jamb).
Yeah, like a jamb. That’s what I’ll call it.

So I measured each opening and cut 4 pieces of scrap hemlock to

use as a jamb in each space. However, they did need to be ripped
down to approximately ¾”x ¾” strips. So, once the length for each
piece was cut, I ripped them down on the table saw.

I framed out each opening, using my hammer and nails. I set the
jams far enough back in each opening to ensure that the window’s
depth would t onto the 2”x4” framing it. Basically, I made sure the
window didn’t stick out but was encased.

Once the jamb was in place, I tacked each window to the jamb using
my pin nailer and 2” nails.

We decided to have 2 side windows that open for venting, as well as

the back door and the roof. And that meant that each of those
windows or doors needed to be set on hinges instead of nailed into
place. To do this, I created the same kind of jamb for the opening
but set it back just enough for the front of the window (when hung)
to be ush with the outside wall of the greenhouse.
The jamb allowed the door to open outward but not inward. This is
good because we have built-in shelving inside the greenhouse and I
don’t want that window to bang into shelving and potentially break
the glass.

Once I placed the jamb, I pre-drilled holes for the reclaimed hinges I
had on hand and then screwed the hinges into place.

Step 5: Fill in the gaps.

As you can see in the picture above, there are spaces in the wall
where there are no windows. There are also a few window frames
that were broken out that my husband replaced. He used to be a
window glazer and we had some extra glass on hand, so we didn’t
need to pay anyone money to replace anything. Score!

If you are using windows and don’t have the manpower to cut and
replace glass, you can simply use greenhouse plas c and a staple
gun and get the same effect. For our holes, we created jambs in the
openings, cut some plastic, and then stapled it into place, making
sure it was nice and tight in the process.

And because the force of the staple gun would have torn through
the plastic, we cut and measured the 2nd jamb for each opening and
stapled the plastic in between the 2. Worked perfectly.

Using greenhouse plas c is a very cost-effective way of building

your entire greenhouse quite honestly. The whole roll was only
$8.00 and there is a TON of it in each package.

Step 6: Build the roof.

The roof was a little tricky. For ours, we wanted to use the large
5’x5’ antique window we had on hand, so my husband built a xed
frame around it and securely attached it to the structure.

Then, he added the window, using hinges, so we could open it for

ventilation. The hinges used to keep the window popped up were
salvaged from one of the windows in the greenhouse. They work
perfectly!

You can probably see in the picture above the fact that 3 of the
panels had glass in them and the one on the far left has plastic. See,
this right here proves the point that the greenhouse wasn’t all
about looking good. It was more about functionality and using what
we had on hand. We just couldn’t nd another piece of glass large
enough to nish the roof, so we used plastic. No big dealie-o.
So, with that, the greenhouse was actually built, fully enclosed and
ready to go.

Step 7: Build some shelving.

During the greenhouse project, my gardening friend, Jobey, gave
me 12 cedar crates that she wasn’t using anymore for her own
greenhouse. I decided to use the cedar crates as shelving inside my
greenhouse.

My husband installed 2 supports at about 36 inches high, one

against the front wall, and one about 18″ from the wall for the
boxes to rest on.

I was able to t 5 across, nice and snug. I like this system because
when it’s time to transplant, I can simply take the crate out with all
of the plants, rather than nd something to hold them all later.

If you are building, you might want solid shelves…go for it! And
instead of building a oor-level shelf, I am happy if plants sit in the
other crates right on the ground, since our gravel drains well.

On the outside, we installed some leftover gutters we had on hand

to the exterior front wall of the ‘house:
Gutter gardening is a great way to garden if you don’t have a lot of
space on the ground and are growing shallow rooted veggies. We
are planting the cutest little round Parisian carrots in the gutters
for our daughter. I can’t wait until they grow. And talk about a way
to increase your space to grow!!! We’re goin’ vertical, baby!

Then, I batted my eyelashes, and my husband scavenged up some

scrap lumber and built me an actual work table, which was really
nice.
Yes, I’m spoiled, this I know. But I don’t get shiny jewelry or pretty
perfume from my man…I get a workbench. And much preferred
too!

That’s How to Build a

Greenhouse for Cheap!
I hope to paint the ‘house one day, but maybe next year…

At the beginning of the process, I told you all that we were going to
do this for under $100. And while I completely failed at keeping
actual cost records, I can ballpark it for you.

2×4′s for framing                         $20

screws and nails                          $20

glass for windows                       $3

greenhouse plastic                    $7.50

thermometer                               $3

hasp for 1 venting window     $1.50

misc hardware                            $5

caulking & glazing materials $7

Grand total: approximately $67.00!

There’s still time to build your own greenhouse, you know…so get
your creative thinking hat on, gure out what you have on hand and
what you need to buy, and get to work!

My work here is done…

 Types: Woodworking, Adult
Categories: Frugal, Gardening, Outside The House, Fall, Spring,
Summer

Comments
Melanie
April 27, 2012 at 2:23 pm
R E P LY

I have about 30 old wooden windows saved up for this

same project. It’s great to the actual process that you
went through too. I love the idea of using greenhouse
plastic for the odd shapes because mine will also be a
lean-to. Can’t wait to get started!

Dana
April 27, 2012 at 2:28 pm
R E P LY

Melanie, you will have to share some pictures! I love

spending an hour in the ‘house every day, just breathing
in dirt-air and “watching” my plants grow. It’s my time
out. Have lots of fun and good luck!

LubbyGirl
April 27, 2012 at 7:22 pm
R E P LY

I love this! And since I’m so into making new things out of
old stuff, I had to show this to my husband. He’s the
gardener, and he was quite interested too. We’ve built a
sort of temporary greenhouse from pvc pipe and plastic,
but this is more permanent. Thank you for sharing!!

Dawn
April 27, 2012 at 8:27 pm
R E P LY

Dana, this is awesome! You should come make one for

me…;) Seriously I have been trying to think of something
to keep deer out of a garden, this just might be it.

carolyn cotner
April 29, 2012 at 7:27 pm
R E P LY

i JUST LOVED THIS STORY OF THE $100 OR LESS

GREENHOUSE. WHAT A VERY SMART WOMAN YOU
ARE. JUST WISHED I LIVED CLOSE TO YOU. JUST A
GREAT IDEA YOU HAD AND LOOKS PRETTY GOOD
TOO. KEEP UP THE GREAT IDEAS AND SHARE THEM
TOO. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR GARDENING.
CAROLYN COTNER
 Dana
April 29, 2012 at 11:57 pm
R E P LY

thanks carolyn! we had a lot of fun doing it and are

now reaping the bene ts of having it. I have
cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, herbs, beans, peas,
and pumpkins all growing in the ‘house now, just
waiting for mid-june to plant outside. Happy
gardening!

Dunia
R E P LY
May 19, 2013 at 9:27 pm

Love love love it! What size is it? It’s exactly what I have
in mind.

dana
May 19, 2013 at 11:02 pm
R E P LY

It’s apapproximately 6×6 at the oor and its

highest point is about 8 feet. Glad you like it!

Donna
May 20, 2013 at 4:05 pm
R E P LY

thank you so much, your blog is just what ive been

searching for, i had the plan of a recycled lean to
greenhouse in my head but needed to know how to put it
all together. My plan is to add a 12 x 5 deck at the side of
my existing deck and build my greenhouse on it, so i can
walk straight out the house and walk a few steps into my
greenhouse. I am an avid freecycler and was lucky to be
given several full length shower doors. I will have to buy
the wood which will cost a little but nothing compared to
buying a brand new greenhouse. once again, very
grateful for your blog.
 Cathy of Fabulessly Frugal
May 20, 2013 at 4:34 pm
R E P LY

You’re welcome!

Auntie Jojo
October 20, 2013 at 11:45 pm
R E P LY

AWESOME! I had the same idea after I replaced a bunch

of wood windows and now they won’t go to waste.
Cool!!! I like your “design.” Thank you! A similar
structure is in progress now in NE PDX.

Dacia
March 20, 2015 at 10:31 pm
R E P LY

We have wanted a greenhouse for years! I never thought

of nding old windows to use. Great idea

Melanie
March 21, 2015 at 9:38 pm
R E P LY

Go for it! Thanks for your comment, Dacia.

Bonnie Goodrich-Wilcoxson
April 9, 2016 at 11:00 pm
R E P LY

Thank you for such simple but complete instructions! I

do have one question: it doesn’t appear that you dug a
foundation for your greenhouse. Living in Oregon, has
your g-house had any trouble with frost heaving? I’m in
northern Idaho. Some folks tell me I need a foundation
below the frostline, others say I don’t. Wondering what
your experience has been.
 Becky
April 11, 2016 at 6:03 am
R E P LY

We didn’t dig a foundation… but with as much

snow as you get, it’s probably wise!

Ellie
May 16, 2016 at 9:00 pm
R E P LY

I just had 19 Windows replaced in my house and asked

the window guys to pile up my old windows with this
very idea in mind. Thanks for sharing, I am building mine
in a few weeks.

Becky
May 17, 2016 at 7:15 am
R E P LY

Brilliant!

Janice
March 22, 2017 at 8:05 pm
R E P LY

You are awesome! Wonderful story. You and your

husband Rock! $100.00 and looks like that. Great Job!
Guess if you want something bad enough you’ll make it
happen. Some day I will have one too. Just hope it looks
like yours. Pretty cool thanks for sharing your story it
helps by seeing pics. & gets me motivated to know
anything is possible. Thanks again

Becky
March 23, 2017 at 7:32 am
R E P LY

So glad you like it!

Mi h L A Ri ht
 MicheLe Ann Richter R E P LY
April 5, 2017 at 5:22 pm

Nice story. I am always looking for ideas on making a

small but stand alone greenhouse. My dad has saved up
windows from when he bought some new high-end
replacement windows from his farmhouse. I was thinking
something like this… And I have also used gutters for
gardening. I love them for growing strawberries and
herbs…. except that is horizontal growing… not vertical!
Horizontal is left to right and vertical is up and down.

Melissa
April 16, 2017 at 8:44 am
R E P LY

We live on the Oregon coast and have a similar weather

problem- this is a great inspiration! Thanks

Becky
April 17, 2017 at 6:48 am
R E P LY

Yay! I’m so glad it’s helpful. When you do it, share

the pictures with us!

Jay
February 3, 2018 at 11:35 am
R E P LY

Did you hinge windows or the roof for ventilation?

Cindy
R E P LY
May 19, 2019 at 6:16 am

Love that this is made from mismatched windows.

Function over appearance is a great way to go but this
really looks ok, too!
 Cathy Yoder
R E P LY
May 20, 2019 at 10:25 am

Right on Cindy!

ramona
September 28, 2019 at 11:23 pm
R E P LY

thanks. i want to build a cat enclosure- so i would use ur

frame and add some fencing or wire and sheet metal or
wire roof.

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