Maya Ellison
Building a plastic tunnel house, also known as a polytunnel or poly tunnel, is a great way to extend the growing season and protect plants from harsh weather. It is a relatively simple and affordable project that can be completed in a weekend. The first step is to prepare and level the site, ensuring a flat and even area. The size of the tunnel can vary depending on the available space and desired use, but it's important to consider the length and width when planning the structure. The next step is to build a strong frame, typically made of wood or metal, to support the plastic covering. The plastic sheeting is then draped over the frame, secured with staples, tie wire, or staples, and cut to fit around doors and openings. To prevent tearing and wind damage, the plastic should be wrapped loosely around the frame and secured with tie wire. The cost of building a plastic tunnel house can range from $40 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the size and materials used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $300 to $400 |
| Dimensions | 6m x 3.6m |
| Plastic width | 7.5m |
| Plastic thickness | 200 microns |
| PVC pipe diameter | 5 cm |
| PVC pipe thickness | 0.5 cm |
| PVC pipe length | 1 metre |
| Number of hoops | 7 |
| Number of rebar pieces | 10 |
| Rebar length | 24 inches |
| Rebar depth | 1 foot |
| Distance between rebar | 3 feet |
| Base material | 20mm blue metal |
| Frame material | Treated pine timber, steel |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Prepare and level the site
When preparing and levelling the site for your plastic tunnel house, there are several key steps to follow. Firstly, choose a flat and level area for your tunnel house. If your desired location is not completely flat, you can excavate the area to create a flat surface. Mark out the four corners of your tunnel house using steel droppers or another suitable method.
Once you have marked out the corners, you can start preparing the base. One option is to lay concrete pavers, which can help suppress weeds. Alternatively, you can use a base of 20mm blue metal, as suggested by Dave's Seed, which also prevents weeds from growing through. If you opt for concrete pavers, ensure they are level and securely laid to create a stable foundation for your tunnel house.
At this stage, you can also start thinking about the positioning of your hoops or supports. Drive metal pipes or rebar into the ground at regular intervals to act as supports for your tunnel house structure. These can be placed every 3 feet, with one centred at each end, or spaced according to your specific design. Ensure these supports are securely anchored in the ground and level with each other to provide a sturdy base for your tunnel house.
Before moving on to the next steps of construction, take the time to review your work. Stand back and check that you are happy with the positioning and levelling of the site. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure your tunnel house has a solid and stable foundation.
Plastic Breakdown: Does It Ever Truly Disappear?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Construct a wooden frame
Constructing a wooden frame for your plastic tunnel house is a simple process. First, you need to select an appropriate location and ensure the ground is level. Mark out the four corners of your tunnel house with stakes or droppers, measuring the length and width of your desired structure. For example, a 3-metre-wide tunnel will require PE piping of a standard length.
Once the corners are marked, start building a wooden frame around the perimeter. This frame will support the entire structure, so ensure it is sturdy and secure. You can use treated pine timber for the battens, bracing, and framing, as it is easy to work with and perfect for stapling. Cut and attach the wooden pieces to form a rectangle, ensuring the corners are reinforced and securely joined.
Next, decide on the height of your tunnel house and cut the wooden pieces to size. You may need to attach additional posts or beams to achieve the desired height. For example, if you want a 6-foot-tall tunnel house, you will need to cut the wooden frame pieces accordingly.
After assembling the basic frame, you can add further support by driving metal pipes into the ground at regular intervals. These will act as additional supports for the PE piping or plastic covering. You can also add diagonal-side bracing with additional wooden pieces to provide more structural integrity.
Finally, stand back and ensure you are happy with the frame's appearance and stability. Adjust any pieces as needed before moving on to the next step of adding the plastic covering.
Kawasaki VN1500 Drifter: Plastic Oil Gear Fiasco?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Secure the plastic
Securing the plastic is an important step in building a plastic tunnel house, as it will protect your plants from harsh weather. The process will depend on the specific design of your tunnel house and the materials used. Here is a general guide on how to secure the plastic:
Firstly, cut the plastic to the appropriate length. For a standard-sized tunnel house, the plastic should be at least 22 feet long. Stretch the plastic over the hoops or frame of the tunnel house. Make sure that the plastic is taut to prevent sagging and potential wind damage.
Next, secure the plastic to the frame. One common method is to use tie wire to secure the plastic to the PVC pipe or frame. Wrap the plastic loosely around the PVC pipe multiple times and then pierce the tie wire through the layers of plastic and around the pipe. This will help prevent the plastic from tearing in the wind. Ensure you use a strong and durable tie wire, especially if you live in a windy location.
Another method is to use staples to secure the plastic. Use 1/4-inch staples, spaced 3 inches apart, to staple the plastic to the doorframes, doors, and any wooden parts of the frame. You can also use spring clamps to secure the plastic to the frame, especially at the openings of the tunnel house.
If you are using timber framing, ensure that there are no sharp edges that could tear the plastic. The timber surface should be smooth and suitable for stapling. Additionally, consider using a thicker grade of plastic if your tunnel house will be exposed to extreme temperatures or strong winds. Thicker plastic, such as 200-micron poly or thicker than 6 mil, can provide more durability and protection for your plants.
Finally, regular maintenance is important to keep your plastic tunnel house secure. Check the plastic covering, frame, and pipes for any signs of damage and make repairs as needed. This will help extend the life of your tunnel house and ensure that it remains effective in protecting your plants.
Mold on Plastic Shutters: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prevent tears in the plastic
Preventing tears in the plastic of your tunnel house is crucial to maintaining its structural integrity and ensuring the protection of your plants from harsh weather conditions. Here are some detailed instructions to help you minimise the risk of tears in your plastic tunnel house:
- Choose the Right Plastic: Opt for a thicker, more durable plastic that can withstand varying weather conditions. Look for plastics with high tear strength and UV resistance.
- Secure the Plastic Properly: Ensure the plastic is taut and securely attached to the frame. Use staples, screws, or other recommended fasteners to attach the plastic to the doorframes, doors, and PVC pipes. Make sure the plastic is tight to prevent sagging, which can make it more susceptible to tears.
- Protect from Wind Damage: If your tunnel house is in an exposed, windy area, consider additional measures to minimise wind damage. Burying the edges of the plastic a few feet into the ground can help, as it changes the airflow and reduces the risk of the plastic ripping or blowing away. Alternatively, use batten straps or construction plastic fencing to secure the structure.
- Avoid Chafing: Chafing or friction between the plastic and the frame can weaken the plastic over time and make it more prone to tears. Use polyester frame tape or other recommended products to prevent this type of damage.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect your tunnel house for any signs of damage, including small tears. Promptly repair any tears using recommended methods, such as patching with tape or using plastic repair tape. Maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your plastic tunnel house.
By following these instructions and maintaining your plastic tunnel house, you can significantly reduce the chances of tears in the plastic, ensuring a longer lifespan and better protection for your plants.
Respectfully Retiring a Plastic American Flag
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Add structural support
Adding structural support to your plastic tunnel house is crucial to ensuring its stability and longevity. Here are the steps you can follow to achieve this:
Planning and Materials
Start by determining the size of your plastic tunnel house and gathering the necessary materials. For a basic structure, you'll need PVC pipes, rebar or metal pipes, and wood for bracing and framing. Measure and mark the area, ensuring it's level, and decide on the placement of your hoops or ribs.
Creating the Framework
Construct a wooden frame around the perimeter of your marked area. This frame will provide stability and a structure to attach your plastic sheeting. Drive metal pipes or rebar into the ground at regular intervals to act as supports for your PVC piping. The number and spacing of these supports will depend on the length of your tunnel. For example, for a 6-metre length, you might use seven hoops with one every metre.
Securing the Pipes
Slip the PVC pipes over the rebar or metal pipes to form the hoops or ribs of your tunnel. Secure these pipes with couplers to create a stable structure. For added strength, especially in windy locations, consider using thicker PVC pipes or reinforcing them with wood or other materials.
Bracing and Diagonal Supports
Attach diagonal braces to the wooden frame and PVC pipes to enhance the structure's stability. These braces will help distribute weight and reduce the risk of collapse. Ensure that all connections are secure and that the structure feels sturdy.
Final Adjustments
Once your framework is in place, make any necessary adjustments to ensure it is plumb and straight. Check that all connections are tight and that the structure can withstand external forces like wind. Stand back and assess the overall appearance, making any changes to ensure it meets your requirements.
Building a plastic tunnel house requires careful planning and execution. Always consider the specific conditions of your location, such as wind patterns and weather extremes, to tailor your structural support accordingly.
The Mystery of Microplastics: How Plastics Break Down
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The cost of building a plastic tunnel house can vary depending on the materials used and the size of the structure. A poly tunnel can cost around $300 to $400, but the price can increase depending on the type of plastic and framing materials chosen.
The materials needed include PVC pipes, concrete pavers or a wooden frame, plastic sheeting, and tools such as screws, staples, and a utility knife.
It is important to start by preparing and levelling the site. You can lay concrete pavers to suppress weeds, or you can leave it bare. Ensure that the area is flat and excavated to the desired size of your tunnel house.
First, mark the four corners of the structure with steel or wooden droppers. Then, build a wooden frame around the perimeter and drive metal pipes into the ground to act as supports. Bend and secure PVC pipes to form the curved hoops of the tunnel.
Cut the plastic to the appropriate length, usually at least 22 feet. Stretch the plastic over the hoops and secure it to the frame using tie wire or staples. Loosely wrap the plastic around the PVC pipe at the openings to prevent tearing in the wind.
