Viewing post #2325606 by Ceckery

tropicofcancer said:Found your post a bit late for you may be. But I have some experience with this. If you are using plastic pvc pipes go for at least 1 inch or 1-1/4 inch pipes. Otherwise they will not will hold up. Paint the pipes to protect them against UV. Unpainted will probably still last 5 years or so. There are several websites that sell many types of connectors specifically to make garden structures. Eg: http://www.littlegreenhouse.co... . There is also furniture grade PVC pipes available - I have not used them but they are more durable I believe. This is our PVC trellis made with 1 inch PVC pipes



If you want a more durable structure use 3/4 to 1 inch EMT conduits that they use for running electrical wires. The fittings are available for a reasonable price on the net. Look for EMT canopy fittings. I made a small 10x8 structure with 1 inch tubes and fittings some 10+ years back and it is still standing intact. Even survived a 15 ft crabapple tree that fell on it. In summer it protects my veges from critters. I use a plastic fence around it with two PVC doors. In winter, with plastic cover, protects my outdoor bonsai plants.



Any questions let me know.

Those look great! Thanks for the tip. I'm hoping I can save a bit of money up to buy some stuff to build with for next summer. I've got a few makeshift things in place right now. If I had the space (and money) I'd be doing so much more. Maybe I can use that conduit as a frame to lay cattle panels or concrete reinforcing wire panels on to make my tomato arches next year. So many ideas. So little space/ money.