Hot house Extension

As we had a left over patio door from home and my friend is still supplying me with wood, we decided we would extend our hot house, create a 2 new beds and build more staging for our seedlings.

We started by clearing and leveling the area to get it ready for a flagged base. As we didn't have alot of gravel to bed the flags on, I came up with the idea of using pieces of old glass that we had in a bin on the plot. The plan was to smash the glass in the small pieces and mix it with the gravel. It bothers me that the last plot holder left so much glass lying around and for some time now I have been trying to figure out what to do with it. This could be the answer.

Once the base was built it was time to start making the framework for the walls. The hardest part was figuring out how to use the glass from the patio doors and also even more importantly how to frame the glass.

The photograph above shows a section of my note book. This is where I work everything out and also how I bring my ideas to life.

To make the framework, I used the wood from the A frames that me and Alfie had broken down, I also reused the metal nail plates to help reinforce any joints. The back section of the extension was already built as it was the original side section.

This photograph above shows the old side section now in its new location at the rear.

To make the front section that houses the patio windows, I built the frame around the glass. Not only did this help me get the sizes correct, but it also helped me get it all square. The glass was later removed so I could get the frame secured in place.

Once all the sides were on, I re instated the glass, which thank god went it quite easy thanks to making it all square earlier on. We then used some old featherboard to clad the front so it matched the shed and we used plyboard to clad the other side for now. That will also to give the frame more strength. The plyboard will be covered with membrane and then cladded with pallet wood.

As you can see we have gained around 8ft of space to build a bed and also gained alot more room for staging. Also as you might see there isn't a roof, I had to wait a few days for a family member, who happens to be a roofer, to bring me some. Always ask friends and family for help first. They will always help you out.

We went for a clear plastic roof, not only to match the original but to help with letting as much light in for the plants and seedlings.

The next step was to start the inside. I used the pallet wood to make stagging at the back, at the front i carried on the beds from the original build.

Last of all is to make the shed a nicer place for us and the kids to relax in and also escape from the weather. We replaced the old blown window with a UPVC frame I found dumped. Inside I boarded two of the walls we reclaimed plywood boards and then painted it all white. The walls left will be cladded with pallet boards, but first I had to build a bench and a table.

The bench and table are made from material left over from renovation of my mums house. It not 100% finished but for now I have another exciting project to work on. watch this space....