12x16 Greenhouse - Free PDF Plans

This step by step diy project is about 12×16 greenhouse plans. I have designed this medium sized greenhouse so you can grow fresh vegetables in your own backyard. This is a sturdy greenhouse that is also easy to build, because you need mainly 2x4s, which are available in all diy stores. 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.

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12×16 Greenhouse – Free PDF Plans

Building-a-12×16-greenhouse

Cut & Shopping Lists

A – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 144″ long, 2 pieces – 192″ long BASE
B – 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16″ long ANCHORS
C – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 192″ long, 9 pieces – 72″ long, 4 pieces – 22 1/2″ long SIDE WALL
D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 192″ long, 9 pieces – 72″ long SIDE WALL
E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 137″ long, 7 pieces – 72″ long 2xFRONT WALL
F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 25 5/8″ long, 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 192″ long RIDGE BEAM

2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 12′
2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 16′
4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16′
20 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 16′
4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
8d nails, 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
wood filler , wood glue,
rafter ties
vent opener

Tools

Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

One weekend

PART 1: 12×16 Greenhouse Plans
PART 2: 12×16 Greenhouse Plans – Part 2

How to build a 12×16 greenhouse

Skids-for-the-greenhouse

The first step of the project is to build the base for the greenhouse. Therefore, you should use 4×4 pressure treated beams, because they are resistant to moisture. Use a circular saw to male the notches to both ends of the beams. Smooth the recess with a chisel.

Assembling the base for the greenhouse

Selecting the location for the greenhouse is essential for the project, as most plans need plenty of direct sun light. Therefore, choose a location that is exposed to the south and then level the surface thoroughly. Lay the beams and align the corners. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.

Anchors

Use 2x4s for the stakes. Make the angle cuts at one end of the stakes with a miter saw. Use pressure treated lumber for these components as they will be exposed to moisture.

Fitting the anchors

Fit the anchors along the sides skids and then insert them to the ground till they are flush with the beams. Use 2 1/2″ screws to secure the stakes to the base of the greenhouse. This is a very simple method to anchor the greenhouse to the ground, but make sure you adjust the depth of the skids according to the winds in your particular location.

Building-the-side-wall-frame

Use 2×4 lumber for the side wall with vents. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Place the studs every 24″ on center and align the edges with attention. Make sure the corners are square. Fit the 2×4 supports to create the openings for the vents. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them to the studs.

Building-side-greenhouse-wall

Build the other side wall for the greenhouse, in the same manner above. You can add vents to this side, as well, if you consider that helpful.

Building-the-front-and-back-wall-frames

Build the front and the back wall frames for the 12×16 greenhouse. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the studs. Frame the door openings for an easy access to the interior. You can adjust the size of the size of the openings to suit your needs.

Building the frame of the greenhouse

Lift the wall frames to the base of the greenhouse and plumb them with a spirit level. Drill pilot holes through the base plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the base. Drill pilot and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock the adjacent walls together tightly. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush.

Fitting the ridge beam

Fit the 2×4 supports to the middle of the top plates. Plumb the supports and lock them into place with 2 1/2″ screws. Fit the ridge beam to the top of the supports and make sure the corners are square.

12×16 greenhouse plans – front view

Check out PART 2 of the greenhouse project, where I show you how to build the door and the roof for the greenhouse.

12×16 greenhouse plans

This is a super basic greenhouse, so please don’t be intimidated. You can build this greenhouse in less than one week and you can then start growing vegetables. You can adjust the size of the greenhouse to suit your needs. If you want to get PREMIUM PLANS for this project, in a PDF format, please press GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support.

This woodworking project was about 12×16 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.