Cold Frame Greenhouse Plans

This step by step diy project is about cold frame greenhouse plans. Do you want to grow your own vegetables? Do you want to relax in the garden and reduce stress while growing healthy vegetables for your family? If the answer to those questions is YES, you should consider building this cold frame. This is the first step you should take before building a proper greenhouse. You can even get the job done with hand tools! Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Cold Frame Greenhouse Plans

Building-a-cold-frame

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 24 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 12 1/2″ long POSTS
• B – 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 96″ long, 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 96″ long, 2 pieces – 3 1/2″ long FRONT
• C – 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 46 1/2″ long, 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 49″ long, 1 piece – 4 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 15 3/4″ long 2xSIDES
• D – 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 96″ long, 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 96″ long, 2 pieces – 16″ long BACK
• E – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 91 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 21 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 10 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 43 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 45 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 9 1/2″ long TRIMS

• 1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 8′
• 3 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8′
• 6 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8′
• 8 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8′
• 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
• 4d nails, 16d nails
• wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• PART 1: Cold frame greenhouse plans
• PART 2: Cold frame lids plans
• Greenhouse shed plans
• Raised garden bed plans

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How to build a cold frame greenhouse

Side-frames

The first step of the project is to build the sides for the cold frame greenhouse. Use 1×4 lumber for the sides and top, while the base should be cut from 1×6 lumber. Pay attention to the instructions in the diagram, for a professional result.

Posts

The next step of the project is to attach the 2×2 posts to the sides of the cold frame. Drill pilot holes through the side slats and insert 1 5/8″ screws into the posts.

Front-wall-frame

Fit the 1×4 and 1×6 slats to the front of the cold frame, as well. Drill pilot holes before inserting the 1 5/8″ screws, for a professional result. Leave no gaps between the components and secure them tightly into place.

Back wall

Attach the 1×4 and 1×6 slats to the back of the cold frame. Use 1 5/8″ screws to lock the components into place tightly.

Side trims

Fit the greenhouse plastic to the sides of the cold frame and then fit 1×2 trims to lock it into place. Make sure you stretch the film before fitting the trims, so you lock it into place firmly.

Front wall trims

Next, fit the greenhouse plastic to the front of the greenhouse and lock it into place with the 1×2 trims. Use 1 5/8″ screws to secure the trims into place tightly. In this manner, you can also remove them quickly whenever it is necessary.

Back trims

Fit the film to the front of the greenhouse cold frame, using the same techniques described above.

How to build a cold frame

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint over the components to protect them from decay. Make sure the paint is food safe or use cedar for the cold frame construction. In addition, avoid to use pressure treated lumber.

If you want to get PREMIUM PLANS for this project (different design with re-engineered structure), in a PDF format, please press GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support.

This woodworking project was about cold frame greenhouse plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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