Sofia Martinez
When it comes to greenhouses, hoop houses, or high tunnels, it's essential to determine the right size of plastic sheeting for effective coverage. The process involves calculating the width and length of the material, with some excess for safety. Two methods can be used: the first ensures all the required plastic is obtained in one piece, while the second method involves determining pieces for end walls and the top cover separately. Considerations include the size of the structure, with width and length measurements dictating the amount of plastic needed. Available in different thicknesses, such as 6–10 mil, and offering UV protection and durability, the choice of plastic depends on specific requirements.
Sizing Plastic for Greenhouses
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Width | Custom |
| Length | Custom |
| Excess Material | 4 ft. minimum |
| Plastic Thickness | 6-10 mil |
| Plastic Type | UV-resistant, 4-year clear, string-reinforced |
| Number of Plastic Pieces | 2 or 3 |
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What You'll Learn
Measure width and length
When sizing plastic for a greenhouse, it is essential to accurately measure the width and length of the structure to ensure a proper fit. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Measure the Width and Length of the Greenhouse
Start by taking measurements of the width and length of your greenhouse structure. Use a measuring tape or a ruler to get accurate dimensions. Measure the distance between the hip boards for the width, and don't forget to add some extra allowance on each side. For example, if you require a width of 22 feet, you might round it up to 24 feet to provide some excess material for secure coverage.
Determine the Required Plastic Width
Calculate the required width of the plastic by considering any end-walls that need to be cut from the same piece. For instance, if you require an end-wall piece that is 11 feet wide, you would need a plastic width of at least 22 feet to accommodate that. You may also consider adding a few extra feet to account for any errors or to ensure a tighter fit.
Calculate the Necessary Plastic Length
The length of the plastic required will depend on the length of your greenhouse structure, as well as the desired length of the end-walls. Measure the length of your greenhouse and add excess material for each end. For example, if your greenhouse length is "A" feet, you might add "B" feet (where "B" is a minimum of 8 feet) to get the total length. This ensures you have enough material to work with and can securely fasten the plastic.
Consider the Number of Pieces Needed
Depending on your preferences and the size of your greenhouse, you might need two or three pieces of plastic. If you plan to get one piece that covers the length and allows you to cut both end-walls, you will need a separate piece for the top cover. Alternatively, you can get one piece for each end-wall and a third piece for the top cover. This method ensures that you have enough plastic to cover all the sections of your greenhouse.
Order the Plastic with the Correct Dimensions
Once you have calculated the required width and length, taking into account any excess material needed, you can place your order for the plastic covering. Round the measurements up to the nearest available increment to ensure you don't end up with too little material. For example, if you need a length of 99 feet, round it up to 100 feet since greenhouse plastic lengths are often available in 5-foot increments.
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Calculate required excess
When sizing plastic for a greenhouse, it is important to calculate the required excess to ensure you have enough material. This will depend on the width and length of your greenhouse structure, as well as the method you choose for covering it.
Method One: One Piece of Plastic for End-Walls and Top Cover
In this method, you will need to calculate the width and length of your greenhouse, adding excess material to each measurement. For example, if your greenhouse measures 22 feet wide by 22 feet long, you will need a piece of plastic that is at least 22 feet wide plus an additional amount (e.g., 22 feet + 4 feet = 26 feet wide). For the length, you may need to consider the height of your greenhouse as well. Let's say your greenhouse is 8 feet tall, you would add this to the length twice (for the two end-walls) and then add the length of the structure. Using our example measurements, the required length would be 8 feet + 8 feet + 22 feet = 38 feet. So, for this greenhouse, you would need a piece of plastic that is at least 26 feet wide by 38 feet long.
Method Two: Separate Pieces for End-Walls and Top Cover
With this method, you will need to calculate the size of each end-wall and the top cover separately, again ensuring you have enough excess material. For instance, using the previous example, you would need two pieces of plastic for the end-walls, each measuring 11 feet wide by 22 feet long. For the top cover, you could use a piece of plastic that is 22 feet wide by 32 feet long. This method may result in less waste and more efficient use of the plastic.
It is important to note that these calculations may vary depending on the specific features of your greenhouse, such as the shape and height. Additionally, when ordering plastic, suppliers may have specific length increments, so you may need to round up your measurements accordingly.
Shade Cloth Calculation:
When using shade cloth, a similar approach can be taken. Measure the distance from hip board to hip board, and then add 2 feet to both the length and width to determine the required size. This will ensure sufficient excess material for proper coverage.
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One piece or multiple pieces
When sizing plastic for a greenhouse, you have two options: using one piece of plastic or multiple pieces.
One piece
If you want to use one piece of plastic for your greenhouse, you need to calculate the total width and length of material needed to cover the end walls and top section of your greenhouse. This method is relatively simple and ensures that you have a seamless cover for your structure.
Multiple pieces
Alternatively, you can use multiple pieces of plastic for your greenhouse. This method requires you to determine the size of each piece needed for the end walls and top cover separately. This approach offers more flexibility in terms of customization and replacement, as you can choose different types of plastic for each section. However, it is important to carefully measure and plan to ensure that you have enough material and that the pieces fit together properly.
Regardless of the method you choose, it is crucial to consider any required excess material to ensure you don't run short. For example, if you have a hip board, you should measure from one hip board to another, adding 2 extra feet for both the length and width to accommodate the second layer.
When deciding between using one piece or multiple pieces of plastic for your greenhouse, consider factors such as ease of installation, customization, and the overall coverage you desire.
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End walls and top cover
When it comes to sizing plastic for a greenhouse, there are two methods to determine the size of the plastic you need for your end walls and top cover.
Method One: One Piece of Greenhouse Plastic for End Walls and Top Cover
Greenhouses, hoop houses, and high tunnels typically need their end walls and top sections covered in greenhouse film. This method is relatively easy and will help you figure out how to get all the required plastic in one piece. You will need to determine the width and length of the material, plus any required excess to ensure you have enough.
Method Two: Separate Pieces for End Walls and Top Cover
This method will help you figure out how to determine the pieces for your end walls and top cover separately. Using this method will help you save plastic as the end-wall width is always slightly less than the measurement over the top of your structure. This method will result in the need for two or three pieces of greenhouse plastic. You will need two pieces if you plan to get one piece that includes enough length to cut both your end walls out of, and a separate piece for your top cover. For example, if you want both your end-wall plastic covers to be cut separately, you will need two 22 ft wide x 11 ft long plastic pieces, and a third piece of plastic that is 32 ft wide and 74 ft long for your top cover.
It is important to note that the thickness of the plastic also plays a crucial role in the sizing. Greenhouse plastic comes in various thicknesses, with 4 mil being the thinnest and commonly used for one-year use on narrow tunnels, and 12 mil being the thickest and most suitable for end walls, doors, and light deprivation greenhouses. The recommended thickness for the top cover of a greenhouse frame is typically 6 to 9 mil.
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Round up length
When sizing plastic for a greenhouse, it is important to determine the width and length of the material, plus any required excess to ensure you have enough. For example, if you require a minimum length of 97 feet, you should round up to 100 feet to ensure you have enough material. Most greenhouse plastic lengths are available in 5-foot increments, so it is easy to round up to the nearest multiple of 5.
You can calculate the required cover width and length using the following formulas:
- Required cover width = "X" + 4 feet
- Required cover length = "A" + "B" + "B" + 8 feet
Based on the example above, the minimum required size is 24 feet wide by 99 feet long. By rounding up the length to 100 feet, you ensure you have enough material for your greenhouse.
When measuring for shade cloth, it is recommended to measure from hip board to hip board and add 2 extra feet to both the length and width. This ensures that you have enough material for a proper fit.
It is worth noting that you may need two or three pieces of greenhouse plastic depending on your specific requirements. For instance, you might need one piece that includes enough length for your end-walls and a separate piece for your top cover. Alternatively, you might require one piece for each end-wall and a third piece for the top cover. Properly calculating the required width and length will help you determine the number of pieces needed.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to determine the width and length of the material.
Method one helps you figure out how to get all the required plastic in one piece. Method two helps you determine the pieces for your end walls and top cover separately.
The minimum length of plastic needed for a greenhouse is 99 feet, with an additional 8 feet of excess material for each end.
The required cover width is "X" + 4 feet, and the required cover length is "A" + "B" + "B" + 8.
For a shade cloth, measure from hip board to hip board and add 2 extra feet for the length and width.
