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Dec 10, 2022 9:54 AM CST
Thread OP
New York
Hello, I am looking for help identifying and or confirming whether or not I should/could restore this greenhouse.
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Dec 10, 2022 7:58 PM CST
Name: Vera
ON CA (Zone 5b)
Birds Butterflies Cat Lover Container Gardener Frogs and Toads Heirlooms
Garden Ideas: Level 1
This is just an opinion - I'm no expert!
The skeleton looks quite robust - can't really tell how the newer struts were attached to the old, but it looks as if they're needed. You should be able to get the plywood off - hopefully, they're screwed on, not nailed.
And then what? Glass panes would be quite expensive, heavy and difficult to install. So I'm assuming plastic sheet. You'll need a double layer, with a little airspace between them, so probably secure it with laths and then more laths on the outside for the second layer, because staples will just rip out in the wind.
Could be too big a job, though. Could be you should consider keeping as a nice big workshop or storage space.
Behind every opportunity is a disaster in waiting.
Last edited by Serpent Dec 10, 2022 7:59 PM Icon for preview
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Dec 10, 2022 10:50 PM CST
California Central Valley (Zone 8b)
Region: California
There's always polycarbonate panels but I worry there's dry rot. That wood looks really old. I think you would have to clean, seal and re-paint the frame (and possibly repair if you do find dry rot) after removing the plywood.
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Dec 11, 2022 9:38 AM CST
Name: Sandy B.
Ford River Twp, Michigan UP (Zone 4b)
(Zone 4b-maybe 5a)
Charter ATP Member Bee Lover Butterflies Birds I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
Seed Starter Vegetable Grower Greenhouse Region: United States of America Region: Michigan Enjoys or suffers cold winters
Welcome to NGA @Dostuff Smiling

If you decide to go ahead with restoring your building to a greenhouse, I hope you will come over to the greenhouses forum and share your project with us! It looks like it will be a lot of work - but then again, so is building a greenhouse "from scratch." (And you will certainly have lots of plywood for repurposing.)
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Dec 11, 2022 8:54 PM CST
Name: Vera
ON CA (Zone 5b)
Birds Butterflies Cat Lover Container Gardener Frogs and Toads Heirlooms
Garden Ideas: Level 1
It's a great shape and size. Good doors, looks like a ventilator hole above it for a little fan. Hydrocarbon panels will run to some serious money, but the restored building would be something really worth having.
Behind every opportunity is a disaster in waiting.
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Jan 10, 2023 2:09 PM CST
Name: Jim
Northeast Pennsylvania (Zone 6b)
Gardens feed my body, soul & spirit
Greenhouse Vegetable Grower Fruit Growers Seed Starter Canning and food preservation Region: Pennsylvania
Welcome! I tip my hat to you.

You need to get someone who knows a lick about structural soundness. If the building is sound Crossing Fingers! , go for it. Thumbs up

Did anyone tell you we love pictures here in the greenhouse forum? nodding
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Jan 10, 2023 11:12 PM CST
Name: Chip
Medicine Bow Range, Wyoming (Zone 3a)
I built a wood-frame greenhouse in 2009, with 6-wall (R 3.8) polycarbonate for the roof and 3-wall on the sides. The poly panels are very tough and long-lasting. The places to watch for rot are at the base of the uprights and along the edges where the frame rests on the foundation. Roof framing doesn't seem to be a problem as far as mositure.

When you pull the plywood off, you will be able to spot any trouble. Give the wood a couple coats of oil-base paint before sheathing.
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