Building greenhouse base
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For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
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- BCSS Member
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Building greenhouse base
Well I have my greenhouse ordered it's a 16x8. Only problem is that the ground is un level where I want to site it. Don't want to dig down 18 inches one side and 8 the other. So thinking some sort of raised base perhaps for the lower side? I'm hiring road forms and will be getting ready mix concrete delivered for the slab. Does anyone have any experience of siting their greenhouse on a slope? My ground is very solid - too solid to dig out easily by hand. Any advice gratefully received!
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Re: Building greenhouse base
I would build a even flat base no matter what the effort is; invest in it and it will remain okay for a long time.
Slope is not really a good idea considering things shift and move over time.
Slope is not really a good idea considering things shift and move over time.
- rodsmith
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Re: Building greenhouse base
When I built a greenhouse 6 years ago I put it on a 3" concrete base which I had dug out by hand. The ground sloped a bit. The greenhouse was 8' x 6' and one end of the base was level with the ground and the other about two inches above ground level. In the event, one corner was fractionally off level (less than a centimetre) and I had a bit of a job to get the rood glass in properly. I learned a lesson from this and I would always ensure that a base was completely level before attempting erection.
Rod Smith
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
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Re: Building greenhouse base
Our 20ft greenhouse had to go in a spot that dropped 4 feet from one end to the other. We hired a mini digger to level the site. The greenhouse base is two feet below ground level at the end opposite the door (the surrounding soil held back with a block wall) and built up two feet above ground level at the door end ( again - supported with a block wall with concrete steps to the door). The soil within was levelled, compacted down, and then a good 10cm depth of concrete added. The previous property owner's collection of garden gnomes is under there too.....
Base has been there 13 years and we have changed the greenhouse but the base is still rock solid. Definitely do not be tempted to skimp on building a decent base.
So - basically we have a raised base at the lower end as you were suggesting. Digging the whole way down (dropping four feet below the ground surface at the upslope end) would have given us a massive disposal problem, as well as leaving us with the gnomes.
Base has been there 13 years and we have changed the greenhouse but the base is still rock solid. Definitely do not be tempted to skimp on building a decent base.
So - basically we have a raised base at the lower end as you were suggesting. Digging the whole way down (dropping four feet below the ground surface at the upslope end) would have given us a massive disposal problem, as well as leaving us with the gnomes.
Darren nr Lancaster UK. Growing Conophytum, Lobivia, Sulcorebutia, bulbs etc.
- RAYWOODBRIDGE
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Re: Building greenhouse base
Cactusgirl; I agree with all of the above, never take a short cut on the base it will come back to bite you, I know halfway through the first day, you will be asking yourself, why am I doing this, but in the long run it will be worth it, and if your having ready mix concrete then what is an extra 50mm on the the slab to get it perfect and level. Once level the build will be straight forward with everything being in kit form these days the only thing that can let you down and make the build a real pain is the base.
Darren; Be honest you have nightmares , those gnomes are going to be back
Darren; Be honest you have nightmares , those gnomes are going to be back
Ray
BCSS member 50155
DKG member 311605
Echinocereenfreund member 100
Cactus only collection mainly from seed.
BCSS member 50155
DKG member 311605
Echinocereenfreund member 100
Cactus only collection mainly from seed.
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Re: Building greenhouse base
We've since found two more of the b*ggers and a stone otter. My wife insists we don't need another greenhouse just so I can bury them. It was worth a try.
I echo your comment Ray - our new greenhouse is a fantastic Rhino model and even our concrete base was not quite level enough for it so we had to add another skim under the edges. What was OK for a more flexible cedar greenhouse was not flat enough for a new heavy-duty aluminium one with precision-machined bolt holes.
I echo your comment Ray - our new greenhouse is a fantastic Rhino model and even our concrete base was not quite level enough for it so we had to add another skim under the edges. What was OK for a more flexible cedar greenhouse was not flat enough for a new heavy-duty aluminium one with precision-machined bolt holes.
Darren nr Lancaster UK. Growing Conophytum, Lobivia, Sulcorebutia, bulbs etc.
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Re: Building greenhouse base
Thanks to everyone for all the advice! Think there is only one way to go and that is digging deep! I like the idea about the block work retaining wall. I think that if I get 4 inches of type 1 well compacted followed by 4 inches ready mix and it is absolutely level then I shall have a greenhouse which will last. I'm buying a Hercules and am looking forward to filling it up!
- RAYWOODBRIDGE
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Re: Building greenhouse base
Please post pictures of each stage of the build, always a good talking point on the forum and good advice and comment to any future builders.
Best of luck with the project
Best of luck with the project
Ray
BCSS member 50155
DKG member 311605
Echinocereenfreund member 100
Cactus only collection mainly from seed.
BCSS member 50155
DKG member 311605
Echinocereenfreund member 100
Cactus only collection mainly from seed.
- BrianMc
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Re: Building greenhouse base
@ Darren ....And mug shots of all those Gnomes who paid a heavy price!RAYWOODBRIDGE wrote:Please post pictures of each stage of the build, always a good talking point on the forum and good advice and comment to any future builders.
First mistake. Now there are witnesses!Darren S wrote:We've since found two more of the b*ggers and a stone otter. My wife insists we don't need another greenhouse just so I can bury them. It was worth a try.
I can just imagine... CSI Lancaster will be round scanning your concrete base
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Especially interested in Mesembs. small Aloes and South African miniatures and bulbs.
Keen propagator and compulsive 'tickler'!
Instagram #myscottishgreenhouse
Keen propagator and compulsive 'tickler'!
Instagram #myscottishgreenhouse
- DaveW
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Re: Building greenhouse base
Plenty of information on the Web for almost anything if you just Google for it, such as "Concrete base for greenhouse", "Greenhouse bases", "Laying concrete slabs" etc, or just substitute "Shed" for greenhouse bases.
https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q= ... 8639348454
https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q= ... 8639622891
https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q= ... 8639348454
https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q= ... 8639622891
Nottingham Branch BCSS. Joined the then NCSS in 1961, Membership number 11944. Cactus only collection.