Building a mini-greenhouse

Build a mini-greenhouse

A small greenhouse is just a basic structure made out of 2x2 lumber and polyethylene film. Nevertheless, if you use the right cold frame plans you can increase the temperature with several degrees and grow vegetables and flowers even during the cold frame.

You should always adjust the size of the greenhouse before starting the actual construction of the cold frame. Use 2x2 lumber to build the frame and attach 1x6 tongue and groove cedar slats. Always align the components at both ends before driving the screws into the lumber.

From our experience, we recommend you to cut the side components of the cold frame at 15 degrees, as the  plants need a significant amount of light, for at least 8 hours a day. Before starting the construction, you should choose a proper location. Therefore, the greenhouse should be oriented toward South, otherwise the plans won't develop properly and the inside temperature would be too low.

Building the lid of the greenhouse can be done in several ways. From our point of view, you could use 2x2 lumber to build the lid. If you want to have a quick access to different segments of the mini-greenhouse, you could split the top in several segments.

Attach the lid to the cold frame with metal hinges, after aligning it at both ends. Check if the lid opens properly before continuing the project. Strange as it might seem, the interior temperature could increase as high as to 80 degrees, so you should open the lid and ventilate the cold frame.

If you want more space for your greenhouse, you could build one in your backyard. Therefore, select the right garden greenhouse plans for your needs and buy quality materials. Adjust the size of the greenhouse to the configuration of your yard.

Installing an automated vent opener is optional, but you can get the job done easier without having to worry any more. When the temperature exceeds a certain temperature, the vent opener will raise the lid and let the cold and fresh air to get inside the cold frame.

Building shed storage shelves

Building shed storage shelves

Building storage shelves for your shed or garage is not difficult and it also doesn't require a significant investment, but it will most certainly make your life easier. For example, if you are a handy person, you probably have lots of tools and accessories. By building basic wooden shelves, you could store your tools properly and you will find them easily, whenever necessary.

In this article we will show you several ways of building the shelves for your garage. On one hand, you could just secure wooden brackets directly to the bare studs, while on the other hand you could build free-standing shelves. Irrespective of your choice, both alternatives provide lots of storage space and require almost the same amount of money for the materials.

Building garage shelves directly to the studs

If you haven't installed drywall or plywood on the interior of your garage / shed, you could attach the brackets directly to the 2x4 studs. In this manner, you can save space and get the job done much quickly than you might think. Choose proper garage shelves plans, before starting the project. The first thing you have to do is to build the brackets out of 1x4 lumber and secure them to the wooden studs. Use a spirit level to make sure the brackets are level , otherwise the shelves won't look properly. After attacking the brackets into place, you need to build the actual shelves, using 2x4 lumber or plywood. Using 2x4 lumber is a good choice if you plan to store heavy objects, otherwise it would be cheaply to go for 3/4'' plywood.

Building free standing garage shelves 

On the other hand, if you want to move the shelves or you just like the design, you could build free-standing shelves. Building garage shelving is fairly easy, especially if you use proper plans and materials. As a general rule, you should drill pilot holes at both ends of the components before inserting the galvanized screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. In addition, you need a spirit level to plumb the legs and to check if the shelves are horizontal. Moreover, check if the corners are right-angled, by using a carpentry square. Attach 3/4'' plywood on the brackets to build the actual shelves. If you want, you could also secure the shelves to the walls of the garage / shed, by driving in several screws trough the back of the shelves into the studs.

Resources: 

Storage Shelving Plans