How weighty are greenhouse bases?
Last post 07-11-2009 9:05 AM by sue1002. 8 replies.
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05/11/2009 02:27 PM
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- Gro-way
- 12 Apr 2009
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15
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I plan to site a glass 6 x 8 greenhouse next spring up near a external wall due to space and not wanting a lean to. I wondered how weighty the steel bases are(that come with greenhouse) as I did not want to invest in other base holding materials. Are bases designed to hold the greenhouse okay in gales etc. I assume this is what they are designed to do? Thanks again!
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05/11/2009 03:36 PM
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- Arrem
- West Midlands. UK
- 12 Jul 2009
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90
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The base of the last greenhouse I built, was made from four sections of light galvanised steel which were then bolted together to form a rectangular base. Individually they didnt weigh much at all. In my opinion, the purpose is of the base is not to hold your greenhouse down in a gale, but to provide a level surface upon which to mount it. They do come with something a bit like tent pegs which you drive into the ground but I would not be too confident about the reliability of such a fixing. I set my greenhouse base on a foundation similar to the type which would support a brick wall.
There is no such thing as useless - you can always be a bad example.
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05/11/2009 09:08 PM
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Greenhouse bases are light. They are usually secured to something very concrete, or on some models anchor legs are provided which are bolted to the frame and then placed in a hole that is quickly filled with concrete.
Boggy
Beware the bat-eared bogweevil
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06/11/2009 02:37 PM
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- Gro-way
- 12 Apr 2009
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15
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Thanks folks. I was looking at concrete where you just add water to the bag. If i were to use this would the soil trench need a small top coating of sand to pour the concrete onto-rather than bare soil. Also do I have to lay further bricks onto the wet concrete to lay the base down onto or can I smooth just the the concrete as level as possible for the base to fix directly onto. Do I need to then use rawl plug and screws for either scenario. I have a back problem so I did not want to lay concrete as the whole 6 x 8 floor area, just the trenchs. I need a flat sweepable surface for inside the greenhouse though. I thought of using sand and smooth decking tiles on top of these with no foundation. Also I may need to re-site the greenhouse in a few years hence not wanting concrete or hardcore foundation which you would have to smash up. I would not manage the large batterns underneath the decking for a foundation due to my back problem. May be builders sand would keep the decking from moving. Can I get away with not using hardcore under concrete trenches also. I am not the most practical person so hope u dont mind the questions?? Thanks your answers have been great so far. Quick note for Boggy. I think the cool glass applied at correct concentration in a small corner may well be working. Just this morning I let it dry and it absorbs the other first thin layer I had applied previously which had not come off. I removed it from the polycarbonate better than before-still running tests here though I hope it works. If it does your check will be in the post HO HO! and thanks!
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06/11/2009 03:53 PM
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- Arrem
- West Midlands. UK
- 12 Jul 2009
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90
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Best thing would be to decide once and for all time where the greenhouse is to go. Unless of course you want to convert the greenhouse area into a patio or similar because, whatever concrete you use will have to be broken up if you decide to relocate the greenhouse at a later stage.
It is tempting to just dig a trench and pour the concrete into it but unless you are very lucky or extremely skilled this is unlikely to produce a level footing for the greenhouse base. You might find this link of some value http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/templates/content_lookup.jsp?content=/content/knowledge/how_to/greenhouse_construction/greenhouse_construction.jsp
There is no such thing as useless - you can always be a bad example.
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06/11/2009 09:01 PM
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- MIKE ALLEN
- ELTHAM
- 04 Apr 2007
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10
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It is obvious that the author is not overly DIY experienced but it is well that he/she has asked all these questions. Taking into account that some sheds/greenhouses are merely set on paving slabs and suchlike, digging out any form of reinforced footing is not required. The main point to consider is that the structure is standing level and square when completed. Let's face it. Should a greenhouse be battered by galeforce winds, it would be better to have some flexibility rather than having a structure errected as though it were a block of flats.
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06/11/2009 09:50 PM
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- Gro-way
- 12 Apr 2009
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15
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If I just use breeze blocks and dont buy the greenhouse base can I drill into the blocks and insert rawl plugs and screws through frame to hold it onto the blocks. I am not sure how you use bolts in a similar fashion unless you could explain so I understand. I am hoping a about 25 breeze blocks at £1.00 each with concrete in footings will do it. The B&Q link seems to suggest that the footings dont need anything below the concete and infers from what I can gather that concrete goes straight onto the soil in the footing. Is this perfectly normal?-Guess thats as secure as is needed. Is the post fix concrete better so no ballast has to be bought to mix with cement and sand ? The blocks would create much needed height as eaves are a little low. Are the breeze blocks okay for screws and rawl plugs or bolts to go into as they look a bit weak with small mm openings on the surface. See link- http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9273670&fh_view_size=10&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=breeeze+blocks&fh_eds=%C3%9F&fh_refview=search&ts=1257541989838&isSearch=true
Your time and help is very appreciated. Thank you!
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07/11/2009 12:50 AM
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- MIKE ALLEN
- ELTHAM
- 04 Apr 2007
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10
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Grow-way.
To avoid any confusion. I am sure that all of us admire your plans for the errection of your greenhouse. The hints and tips given have been with the best of intentions. As I said in my original comment. Basically as all is needed is a level surface, [edge] for the base to stand on. If you desire to dig a footing-like arrangement. I suggest that you dig out say a spade width X whatever depth you prefer of the area to which the greenhouse will stand. Fill with either rubble plus concrete to a required height, making sure that the finised height is level. Then place and secure your supplied greenhouse base to this, by means of the securing devices suggested by the supplier. Otherwise, level the area where the greenhouse is to be sited. Lay a line of bricks or slabs and set the greenhous base upon these. The method of securing the framework to the base and then the base to the foundation is upto you. Perhaps a brief visit to a local garden center might visually solve your problem. Best wishes. Mike.
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07/11/2009 09:05 AM
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- sue1002
- Ipswich, Suffolk
- 06 Sep 2005
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5,200
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If you're going to use breeze blocks Gro-way, it would be best to make sure they are suitable for outside use. We used some to make a 3 brick high wall around our pond, and painted them with masonry paint to help protect them from the elements. 9 years on, the breeze blocks are beginning to crack in places and the only weight they have on top of them are the coping stones which I should imagine weigh far less than a greenhouse with glass in it. Post fix is poured into the hole dry and sets hard virtually as soon as the water is added. Just one thing I would point out is that if you are going to use the breeze blocks to create extra height, you will need to lay another one or two in front of the doors to make a step up unless you can remember to lift your feet up each time you walk into the greenhouse as most have a runner across the bottom.
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