How to Make a Greenhouse from Old Windows

How to Make a Greenhouse from Old Windows

Can you turn something old into something new?

Yes, you can and here is a great way to recycle old windows.

What You Will Need

How to Make a Greenhouse from Old Windows what you will need

1- Collect Old Windows

Look around for some old windows. Collect and save as many as you can. Once you have collected quite a few, lay them down and then try to match both sides with the same size windows. If you have holes or gaps of about 2 or 3 inches, don’t worry. You can easily cover them with some wood. If you have smaller holes they can easily be replaced with smaller cuts of glass or other recyclable items. Make to leave space on one side for a door, and on another side for a fan.
Look around for some old windows. Collect and save as many as you can. Once you have collected quite a few, lay them down and then try to match both sides with the same size windows. If you have holes or gaps of about 2 or 3 inches, don’t worry. You can easily cover them with some wood. If you have smaller holes they can easily be replaced with smaller cuts of glass or other recyclable items. Make to leave space on one side for a door, and on another side for a fan.

2- Shape the Frame

With the windows laid out, create a guide and construct the frame for each of the four walls. You will want to use good quality wood for this, as the frame will hold all of the weight from the windows. A good idea is to use 2x4's for the studs and 4x4's for the corner posts. Use a length of wood that will allow 14” of the stud to be inside the ground to support all of the weight.
With the windows laid out, create a guide and construct the frame for each of the four walls. You will want to use good quality wood for this, as the frame will hold all of the weight from the windows. A good idea is to use 2×4’s for the studs and 4×4’s for the corner posts. Use a length of wood that will allow 14” of the stud to be inside the ground to support all of the weight.

3- Brace the Walls

To brace the walls, you will need to put them up into place. Be sure you are bracing them well enough so that they are level and will not fall over.
To brace the walls, you will need to put them up into place. Be sure you are bracing them well enough so that they are level and will not fall over.

4- Secure the Foundation

You will need to secure the 4x4 posts.  You can use cinder blocks to do this.
You will need to secure the 4×4 posts. You can use cinder blocks to do this.

5- Insert the Windows

Use deck screws to secure the windows into the frame. This will allow for easy removal and replacement, if needed.
Use deck screws to secure the windows into the frame. This will allow for easy removal and replacement, if needed.

6- Make the Floor

Use rocks or stones for the floor. They are good for drainage, and help to store heat.
“Use rocks or stones for the floor. They are good for drainage and help to store heat.

7- Construct the Roof

Be sure to use lightweight and waterproof materials. Keep in mind that you will open ventilation. You should build at a 4-degree slant. This way, rain will run off properly.
Be sure to use lightweight and waterproof materials. Keep in mind that you will open ventilation. You should build at a 4-degree slant. This way, rain will run off properly.

8- Adding the Shelf and the Fan

Use something like a bench table and an old fan for this.
Use something like a bench table and an old fan for this.

9- Paint and Caulk the Greenhouse

Using outdoor caulk, seal the holes and cracks between the windows. Next, paint the wood in order to seal and protect it from the elements.
Using outdoor caulk, seal the holes and cracks between the windows. Next, paint the wood in order to seal and protect it from the elements.

Illustrations by, Aerialist Joe Art.

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