I always dreamed of having a greenhouse when I retired. With blessings from my wife, that dream came true when I bought myself an 8×12 ft Sunshine Gardenhouse greenhouse as a retirement present. After doing a lot of research, and seeing some in person, I settled on this make and model. It has a redwood frame, and the panels are twinwall polycarbonate. Once I got it installed and started using it, I now wonder why I waited so long!
This is a do-it-yourself kit that I put together in about a week, with a little help from my wife. I liked the fact that this kit did not require a permanent foundation. The greenhouse sits on a base made from recycled plastic, which is then anchored to the ground.
assembling the end walls
The worst part for me was getting on the ladder to get the roof trusses installed, an event my wife couldn’t wait to capture for the ages.
attaching roof trusses
Once they were all attached, it was time to start attaching the side panels.
attaching the side panels
The last step was to attach the roof panels, which meant another harrowing session on the step ladder! Did I mention I don’t like ladders?
up on the roof
The finished greenhouse was well worth the effort. I was impressed with the construction and design of this product, and the instructions (including a video) were clear and easy to understand.
finished greenhouse
Thanks to my wife for photographing the construction effort, and letting me use the photos here. Part two will go into some of the finishing touches I gave it to customize it to our needs.
It looks wonderful, nice job! I’m with you though, I’m really not a big fan of ladders at all. I like that it has a redwood frame. I’ve looked at a few polycarb greenhouses, and many metal frame ones just seem flimsy. We just don’t have a lot of flat space here, mostly hills, so I’m not willing to give up space in our garden for a greenhouse AND a shed. Instead we’ve been sketching out some ideas for building a hybrid. Fundamentally a shed, but with more glass at the sunny end, with a potting bench. You’re lucky have space for a greenhouse that roomy, and I’m sure you’ll put it to very good use!
I’m not a fan of ladders, either. Good thing you were able to overcome your fears to get such a fantastic result! Are you in there all the time during the winter months? 😉
Your greenhouse looks great, and I assume it is home to all those seedlings I have seen in your prior posts. You did a good job; I am sure your wife is very proud of you!
Looks wonderful … I’m green with envy!
What a nice greenhouse, good job.:)
I am pea green with envy! Such a wonderful design and a good size. My Dad always had a greenhouse and supplied half our village with seedlings of vegetables and annuals each year. I hope you enjoy both your retirement, and your most appropriate retirement gift! 🙂
Oh wow, this is so beautiful. I want one!!