Greenhouse Base/Foundation

NY_Yankees_Fan · Mar 30, 2003

Another spring project..... I have a 6 foot by 8 foot greenhouse I need to construct a base for. I have dug down 1 foot and plan to fill with small stone mixed with fines and compacted. I will use 6 by 6 railroad ties as the base secured in the ground by ¾ inch rebar, about 3 feet long, 2 on each side, brick will be used as the floor.. My question is should I use landscape fabric or similar first and then put down the stone on top of that, or a layer of stone and then the fabric, or do I even need the fabric?

Thanks

CTyler · Mar 30, 2003

I would think the packed crushed rock would be enough for your application. I'm not sure what you'd need the fabric for since you'll have the packed crushed rock.

tdenny · Mar 31, 2003

If you are using the fabric to control weed growth in your floor I would put it over the top of the crushed gravel since crushed gravel tends to be a nice place for growth.

thefarm · Apr 1, 2003

Greenhouse,nice.I would suggest trying to keep the door out of the ice for early spring use.I put a piece of plywood on the bottom opening of the door.This can be removed if we are doing alot of walking through the door.Beats trying to chip away at the ice.

wasabi · Apr 2, 2003

I have a similar sized greenhouse (6 x 12) that I built from some salvaged patio glass doors, PT timbers and cedar about five years ago. I simply laid crushed gravel down. Last year I put old bricks over the gravel to make a walkway between the benches, but that was strictly for asthetic reasons.. If you have a muddy base the fabric will help to keep it from migrating into the gravel. We have not had a problem with the gravel....no fabric....even though our site is fairly low. I predict you will enjoy the greenhouse! There is nothing like puttering with plants when the weather is not so great.

Turfman · Apr 3, 2003

You should not need the fabric. It is an added expense that is probably of no use to you. Dealing with weed barrier fabric weekly taught me that the gravel will puncture and tear it, the weeds will come through and it is a real mess to get up after it's down.

What are you covering the house with, what is your location, how are you venting it and heating it in the winter?

NY_Yankees_Fan · Apr 3, 2003

I do not plan on heating the greenhouse. My wife has always wanted a greenhouse, so we are trying this one to see how it works.
web page
We are just trying to extend the season a few months. If this works, we will go for a full blown greenhouse with heat and electric in a few years. We figured for less then a $500 we would give it a try. I have it all assembled, just waiting for a free weekend to move it into place. The plan is to put down a brick pad and put the greenhouse on top of the pad.