Recycled Greenhouse

Hi all, just a quickie

i was wondering if anyone had any positive or negative experiences with secondhand greenhouses, im in the process of researching which to get for my first and was thinking of checking freecycle or ebay used but have heard it can be almost impossible to errect a greenhouse once its been used for however long and dismantled...any truth in this?

i was hoping to get a 6x8 halls popular toughened glass new but as its about £400 will consider anyway to reduce this cost

alternatively has anyone got any recommendations based on experience of what would be a good/cost effective beginers greenhouse

thanks in advance

 

Hello Dan E I was looking for the same thing but not much joy in North Wales so I might have a go and make one
As anyone ever used pvc sheets there is a good offer at wickes at the moment I know I will have to buy timber as well but it will give me something to do during the winter :thmb:

 

wow nathan thats ambitious, im not sure im up to building my own, as much as id love to!

its just weighing up the pro's and con's, cheaper but more hassle, like so many things, pay through the nose and get brand new with instructions, or get it second hand cheaper with all the difficulties described above

hmmmm....

anyone have any recommendations on a new beginners greenhouse, i hear what everyone says about 6x8 soon being full but unfortunately thats all i can squeeze into my space, i dont have the benefits of farmland!

 

I got my 6x8 at B&Q for about £250 toughened glass, Take an elderly relative and get a diamond card that gives you 10% discount and price them most big DIYs are trying to get rid over winter.The glass is very heavy ,

 

Hi
I got my greenhouse from freecycle. It had already been dismantled for me so all I had to go on was a photo!!, still, I managed it and the only problem was that I hadn't levelled the ground properly so it does move a bit! but it is still standing after Saturdays gale so it can't be that bad. We had a few missing panes, which I substituted with polythene, this was ok but it weathers quick and needs to be often replaced....I wouldn't want to cover a whole thing in it!
Iv'e now had 2 years growing in it and wouldn't be without one but to be honest I'd replace it with new tomorrow if I could afford it.
I think its just luck, especially with freecycle. You may get one that has been well looked after and carefully dismantled as we did on the other hand you may not. Also the trouble with freecycle is once you have been offered it you cannot change your mind once you've seen it if its rubbish.
Anyway...good luck with your quest hope you find what you want.

 

All I would add is, re-assembly is much easier if you clean evey piece of metalwork, glass and all rubber seals first.

If you get a freecycle job that's been neglected you may have to drill out or shear off some of the old boltheads (alluminium bolts break quite easily) Reject any nuts or bolts with damaged and replace with new ones. Likewise glazing sprigs and overlap 'S' hooks. Sprigs are best removed with a pair of pliers, yes, you can use your fingers but it's surprising how deep a piece of rusty spring steel can pentrate your thumb! It's also a good idea to take the opportunity to replace the door rollers unless they are in A1 condition.

Re-assemble on a reasonable day without too much wind and allow three times as long as you think you will need! That done it's pretty plain sailing and once you have done one you'll soon be looking for another.

 

Hello Dan How are you getting on with your green house buy
I have decided to have a go and put my own timber greenhouse in the back, Got to make my mind up on the size all on GC recomend bigger than what you want, I could get away with a 10 x 6 so I am going to price everything up will keep ypu posted on development as it progresses [that is when I start]

 

hi there im in exactly the same boat i souced a greenhouse which is £210 from my local bq its not in the catalogue nor website i looked into it and it is 8x6 aluminium but the cut of point for me is it is only compatable with horticultural glass no good to me as i have toddlers they told me it was a one off from a sideline supplier the only other thing is the gardmen but i felt this will be problamatic from what ive read as for a second hand greenhouse i have turned my back on it as evidence suggest its more trouble than its worth unless you can drop lucky ie a cedar one i am pulling my hair out over which way to jump my latest scheme is to build my own i can souce timder and twin wall 6mm polycarbonate plus sundries for about £250 ok theres my time but if i bought one from shop it still needs to be erected plus i can have whatever size i like and it will be more robust im not saying it will last forever but i will get 15 years plus i think i hold world record for visiting greenhouse websites so you can take it from me i sympathise with your dilema if you wish to corresponde you might be able to get b and q to freight you this greenhouse for £20 i know they have a few and they struggle for roo:ntwrth:m its only a small store

 

Started to build my timber greenhouse got the frame up and roof spar, I am going to use pvc corragated sheets, Just trying to find best place for the door been looking for sliding door gear but most for sale is for interior use anyone got any ideas much appreciated otherwise I will have to a hinged door :thmb:

 

Light starting to go will have to wait until Monday
Put the roof spars on