Weekend Project: Build an Inexpensive DIY Pine Lumber Greenhouse

pine greenhouse 1

Spring is officially here, according to the calendar – but in most parts of the United States, it’s still a bit too cold to plant many crops directly into the ground. If you need a sunny, insulated space to start some seedlings, a greenhouse is ideal, but you don’t have to build anything complicated or purchase an expensive kit from the hardware store. If you’re relatively handy, you can build a simple, affordable greenhouse out of pine lumber and plastic sheeting.

pine lumber greenhouse

Rob of Bepa’s Garden came up with a nice looking, sturdy design for a pine greenhouse project made of untreated 2”x3” pine lumber and 6ml greenhouse plastic. The structure measures 6’10” by 8’ and cost less than $150 to build, including hardware.

The pine is protected by the plastic, and the structure is large enough for for lots of plants on its two interior shelves, with storage space underneath for tools, soil and other items. A full-sized door is built into the side, and there’s a window opening on the opposite wall to help regulate the interior temperature as it gets warmer.

pine lumber greenhouse 2

Rob reports that his greenhouse has held up remarkably well for its low cost, still doing great after three years of exposure to bitterly cold, snowy Northeast winters. The full plans are available as a download on Etsy for $17.99.

Amish Quality: Sheds and Barns with Knotty Eastern White Pine Siding

Amish Sheds Eastern White Pine Main

Amish-built furniture and other structures is known to be crafted to the highest quality using traditional techniques with hand tools. The attention to detail is superb, resulting in long-lasting items that become heirloom pieces. Eastern White Pine is a common material used in Amish crafts, including a number of sheds, barns, gazebos and other outdoor structures. Many examples can be found at New York-based outdoor shelter company The Barn Raiser.

Amish Eastern White Pine Sheds Board and Batten

The Barn Raiser offers sheds made with exterior tongue-and-groove Eastern White Pine with lots of knotty character, as well as board and batten-style rough cut Eastern White Pine. The board and batten variety comes in four styles, A-frame, Quaker, Dutch Barn and Mini Barn, and features handcrafted wooden cable vents and heavy duty strap hinges.

Amish Eastern White Pine Sheds Knotty

Leave Eastern White Pine siding natural, and it will weather over time to a beautiful silvery gray. It also takes paint and stain very well thanks to its smooth, fine surface.

Amish outdoor structures made using Eastern White Pine can also be found at many local outlets around the nation, or directly from Amish communities. Check with your local shed company for details.