How We Built An Affordable Hoop House Greenhouse

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Our Hoop House Greenhouse

A hoop house greenhouse has been on my list of self-sustainable projects for a long time. With rising food prices and growing concerns about the safety and health of store-bought produce, it felt like the right time to make it happen. So, we finally took the leap and built a hoop house greenhouse.

For me, this hoop house is more than just a structure—it’s a step toward greater food self-sufficiency. It allows us to grow what we like, how we like, and to do so organically and as healthily as possible. I’ll use it to extend the growing season and to start seeds, giving us a head start on our garden each year. This project is about producing food we trust while becoming more resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Our hoop house greenhouse reflects that mindset. It’s a work in progress, but it’s already a project I’m proud of, and I can’t wait to see how it transforms the way we grow our food.

Materials and Tools Used for Our Hoop House Greenhouse

To build our hoop house greenhouse, we combined repurposed materials with a few carefully chosen purchases. The centerpiece was a free metal carport frame given to us by a family member who no longer wanted it, which served as the main structure and saved us a lot of money. To stabilize it, we anchored the frame to 4×4 posts laid directly on the ground.

For the covering, we used 6mil greenhouse plastic from Farm Plastic Supply. This durable, UV-resistant plastic will last up to four years and provides excellent protection for our plants. We secured it using a channel lock and wiggle wire system from Bootstrap Farmer, which made installation simple and reliable.

The ends of the greenhouse were built with finished plywood siding from The Home Depot. These added strength, insulation, and a polished look. To frame the walls, doors, and benches, we purchased 2×4 framing lumber, which provided the necessary stability and support. For the front door, we repurposed materials we already had: a heavy-duty screen door modified with greenhouse plastic and double doors framed in 2×4’s and covered in plastic for the back. Ventilation was a priority, so we installed a heat-timed exhaust fan to regulate temperature.

By blending recycled materials with a few smart purchases, we created a greenhouse that’s practical, affordable, and durable.

Costs and Saving Strategies

Building our hoop house greenhouse was a project where we carefully balanced affordability with quality. By repurposing materials we already had and making a few strategic purchases, we kept costs low (ish) while ensuring the structure would be durable and effective for years to come.

Key Purchases and Sources:

Greenhouse Plastic: $100–$150 from Farm Plastic Supply (rated for 4 years).
Channel Lock and Wiggle Wire: $165 from Bootstrap Farmer, for easy and secure attachment of the plastic.
Finished Plywood Siding for Ends : $400 Purchased from Home Depot for strong, weather-resistant ends.
Framing Lumber (2x4s): $120 We used some materials that we already had left over from other projects and purchased a small amount of additional framing lumber from The Home Depot, such as 2x4s, for framing the end walls, doors, and benches inside the greenhouse. This lumber was a relatively small investment that added crucial stability and functionality to the structure.
Exhaust Fan : $50–$100 from Amazon for ventilation.
Thermostat : $10–$20 from Amazon, syncs to a phone app for remote temperature and humidity monitoring.

Repurposed and Saved Materials:

Repurposed Materials:
- Carport Frame: Free—saved us hundreds of dollars.
- 4×4 Posts, Doors, and Windows: Already on hand or recycled.
- Benches & Potting Bench Materials: Built the tops with scrap wood and repurposed items.
Future Investments: Crushed stone for flooring (approx. $100-$200) and a diesel heater (around $100-$150) for cold weather.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Hoop House

Building our hoop house greenhouse was a process of combining creativity, practicality, and a lot of hands-on work. Here’s how we brought it all together, step by step:

1. Preparing the Site

Before we started assembling the hoop house, we selected a level area with good sunlight exposure. Prepping the site involved clearing debris, leveling the ground, and ensuring there was enough space for the greenhouse’s footprint.

2. Anchoring the Frame

The repurposed metal carport frame was the backbone of our greenhouse. To anchor it securely, we laid 4x4s directly on the ground. The frame was attached to the 4x4s with sturdy brackets and screws, ensuring it wouldn’t shift or wobble in high winds. The 4x4s not only stabilized the structure but also provided a solid foundation to attach other components like the wooden ends.

3. Constructing the Wooden Ends

We built the wooden ends using finished plywood siding that we purchased from The Home Depot. This siding gave the greenhouse a clean, polished look while adding strength and insulation to the structure. The wooden ends were a critical part of reinforcing the overall greenhouse and creating secure openings for the doors and windows. The process involved:

- Framing each end with vertical and horizontal wooden supports to create a solid base for the siding.
- Attaching the finished plywood siding to the frame, ensuring everything was tightly secured and weather-resistant.
- Creating cutouts for the front and back doors, as well as small windows in the front for additional ventilation.
- Anchoring the wooden ends securely to the carport frame and the 4x4s for extra stability.

The plywood siding not only added durability but also made the greenhouse look more professional and cohesive. It was a great investment that enhanced both the functionality and appearance of the structure.

4. Installing the Doors

For the front door, we used a heavy-duty screen door we had been saving, adapting it by replacing the screens with greenhouse plastic. This was an easy and cost-effective solution that added a professional look. The back featured double doors, framed in wood and covered with the same greenhouse plastic. These allow for wider access when needed, especially for bringing in supplies or equipment.

5. Covering the Structure with Plastic

We used 6mil greenhouse plastic from Farm Plastic Supply to cover the carport frame. This plastic is durable, UV-resistant, and rated to last up to four years, making it an excellent choice for the project. To ensure it was taut, evenly distributed, and securely fastened, we used a channel lock and wiggle wire system from Bootstrap Farmer. Here’s how we did it:

- The plastic was carefully draped over the carport frame, ensuring it was positioned evenly and free of wrinkles.
- The channel lock was installed along the edges of the frame, and the wiggle wire was used to secure the plastic tightly in place. This system made it easy to adjust the plastic as needed and provided a strong, weather-resistant hold.
- Around the wooden ends, we cut and fitted the plastic precisely, securing it with the channel lock and wiggle wire for a professional and sturdy finish.

The channel lock and wiggle wire system was an investment, but it’s invaluable for keeping the plastic secure, even during strong winds. It’s a simple, effective solution that ensures the covering will stay in place for years to come.

6. Adding Ventilation

Ventilation is essential for regulating temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse. We installed a heat-timed exhaust fan on one of the wooden ends. It automatically turns on when the temperature rises, ensuring the plants inside won’t overheat. This is an addition I highly recommend for any greenhouse.

7. Preparing for the Future

While the greenhouse is already functional, we have plans to enhance it further:

- Adding crushed stone flooring for improved drainage and easier cleaning.
- Installing a diesel heater to maintain warmth during the coldest nights, especially for seed starting and overwintering plants.

Ideas and Tips for Enhancing Your Hoop House

Once the structure is complete, you can make your greenhouse even more functional with these ideas:

Benches for Seed Starting: We built benches from scrap wood for growing seedlings off the ground. Leaving open areas of ground space lets us grow larger crops directly in the soil.
Potting Bench: Our potting bench features a metal grate set into the top, allowing spilled soil to fall into bins placed underneath. This simple setup keeps the workspace clean and lets us reuse the soil.
Fans and Smart Thermometer: Adding fans improves air circulation and reduces the risk of mold. Our smart thermometer syncs to a phone app, making it easy to monitor and adjust heat and humidity levels remotely.
Thermal Mass for Heat Retention: Water barrels painted black and placed inside the greenhouse absorb heat during the day and release it at night. Straw bales can also be used for insulation along the walls.
Water Collection: Adding a rain barrel for irrigation is a convenient and eco-friendly option.

Want to Learn More About Gardening, Permaculture, and Self-Sufficiency?

Building a hoop house greenhouse is just one step toward greater self-sufficiency. If you’re passionate about growing your own food, living sustainably, and embracing permaculture principles, check out more helpful articles:

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How We Built an Affordable Hoop House Greenhouse