Greenhouse plans – 8’x8′, plans include a free PDF download, step-by-step illustrated instructions, cutting list, and shopping list.
Greenhouse plans – 8’x8′ – Overview
Greenhouse Plans – 8’x8′ – Material List
Shopping List
Shopping List
Foundation
4 – 4×4 (pressure treated) – 8′
Side Walls
14 – 2×4 – 8′
Front/Back Wall
12 – 2×4 – 8′
Wall Brace
8 – 1×4 – 8′
Roof
3 – 2×4 – 8′
5 – 2×4 – 10′
2 – 1×4 – 8′
Door
4 – 2×2 – 8′
Vent/Window
6 – 2×2 – 8′
Trim
48 – 1×2 – 8′
Hardware
3 1/2″ deck screws
1 1/4″ deck screws
3 1/2″ galvanized nails
3″ galvanized nails
staples
door handle
hinges
Cutting List
Cutting List
Foundation
4 – 4×4 (pressure treated) – 8′
Side Walls
4 – 2×4 – 8′
10 – 2×6 – 6′
10 – 2×4 – 1′ 10 1/2″
8 – 1×4 – 3′ 2 11/16″ (45 degree angle cuts on both end, same direction)
Front/Back Wall
4 – 2×4 – 7′ 5″
8 – 2×4 – 6′
8 – 1×4 – 3′ 5 1/8″ (45 degree angle cuts on both end, same direction)
Roof
3 – 2×4 – 8′
2 – 2×4 – 1′ 2 3/8″
10 – 2×4 – 4′ 2 7/16″
2 – 1×4 – 8′
Door
2 – 2×2 – 6′ 1 1/2″
3 – 2×2 – 3′
Vent/Window
12 – 2×2 – 1′ 10 1/2″
12 – 2×2 – 2′
Trim
48 – 1×2 – 8′ (cut to size)
Use four pressure treated 4×4’s 8′ long for the foundation. Notch the corners as shown on illustration above. Secure the corners using 3 1/2″ screws. To keep the foundation from shifting secure it down with wood spikes.
Build the side walls using 2×4’s. Cut four 2×4’s to 8′ for the top and bottom plate. Cut ten 2×4’s to 6′ for the wall studs. Install as shown on illustration above using 3 1/2″ nails.
Cut eight 1×4’s to 3′ 2 11/16″ for the wall brace. The ends will have 45 degree angle cuts in the same direction. Notch the wall studs around the brace as shown on illustration above. Nail 3″ nails through the brace and into the studs.
Cut ten 2×4’s to 1′ 10 1/2″ to make the vent/window frames, install as shown above using 3 1/2″ nails.
Build the front and back wall using 2×4’s. Cut four 2×4’s to 7′ 5″ for the top and bottom plate. Cut eight 2×4’s 6′ long for the studs. Install as shown on illustration above using 3 1/2″ nails.
Cut eight 1×4’s to 3′ 5 1/8″ for the wall brace. The ends will have 45 degree angle cuts in the same direction. Notch the wall studs around the brace as shown on illustration above. Nail 3″ nails through the brace and into the studs.
Build the top ridge using a 2×4. Cut two 2×4’s to 1′ 2 3/8″ long and one 2×4 to 8′ long. Assemble as shown on illustration above using 3 1/2″ nails.
Remove the 2×4 plate on the door entrance as shown on illustration above.
Cut ten 2×4’s to 4′ 2 7/16″ long for the rafters. Cut the ends of the rafters as shown on illustration above.
Install the rafters as shown on illustration above using 3 1/2″ nails. Notch the rafters and install a 1×4 brace to the roof. Nail 3″ nails through the brace and into the rafters.
Cut two 2×4’s to 8′ long, rip the 2×4’s to 2 9/16″, cut an 18 degree bevel cut to the edge. Nail 3 1/2″ nails through the 2×4 and into the rafters.
Install the greenhouse plastic using staples.
Cut 1×2 trim to size and install as show on illustration above. To make replacing the plastic easier if required use 1 1/4″ deck screws, screw through the 1×2 trim and into the frame.
Build the door frame using 2×2’s. Cut two 2×2’s to 6′ 1 1/2″ long and three 2×2’s to 3′ long. Notch and assemble as shown on illustration above using 1 1/4″ deck screws.
Staple the greenhouse plastic to the door frame. Cut 1×2 trim to size and install over plastic, screw 1 1/4″ deck screws through the trim and into the frame. Install hinges and door handle.
Build the window/vent frames using 2×2’s. Cut twelve 2×2’s to 1′ 10 1/2″ long and twelve 2×2’s to 2′ long. Notch the corners and assemble using 1 1/4″ deck screws.
Staple the greenhouse plastic to the window/ vent frame. Cut 1×2 trim to size and install over plastic, screw 1 1/4″ deck screws through the trim and into the frame. Install the hinges to the window/vents.
Install door and window/vents.
I was just looking for making my own greenhouse. So I thank you very much for the design!
Jaap
Thanks excellent and perfect timing!
Dear Jake, thank you for sharing your drawings for all the variety of DIY projects. Do you have a recommendation (or 2) for the type of plastic sheeting and thickness to use in the Florida sun? (I’ve bought so-called UV plastic from ‘big box’ stores but it really doesn’t last much longer than regular 6 or 9 mil material.)
And a comment on blue bird houses: In northern Florida I built 4 blue bird houses and the entrance hole is only 1″ to 1-1/8″ dia. This hole size eliminates competition from blue jays and some other ‘nesting’ birds. All 4 were occupied last year. I bought another blue bird house made from cedar, versus treated southern pine, and only the chick-a-dees used it.
Thanks again for sending me your DIY project plans. Several will be utilized after I finish another deck.
Happy holidays,
Steve