How to Build a Cold Frame
By , This Old House magazine
Photo: Matthew Benson
- Time: 10 hours
- Cost: About $75
- Difficulty: Moderate
Shopping & Tool Lists
- Supplies You Will Need:
- [1. 5/4x6 decking by Cambia Get at least three 8-foot boards.
2. salvaged window sash pavers Get enough to set beneath each side of the frame.
3. construction adhesive
4. 1⅝-inch deck screws
5. 2½-inch deck screws
6. brass sash pull
7. 4-inch galvanized strap hinges Get two to attach the window to the frame.
8. 4-inch removable-pin hinges Get one for the inside of each corner to make the frame collapsible.
9. ½-inch dowel Get at least 6 feet to make venting poles of various lengths.]
- Tools You Will Need:
-
1. miter saw
2. jigsaw
3. drill/driver
4. straightedge
5. clamps
6. caulk gun
7. garden rake
8. garden spade
Introduction
Not all gardeners have the luck to live in temperate climes. Instead of battling frost, install a cold frame to protect your plants like a mini greenhouse. Its natural warmth lets you foster seedlings in early spring and keep veggies going through fall and even into winter. This Old House senior technical editor Mark Powers shows how to build the box from rot-resistant wood and a salvaged window. Once it's finished, choose a south-facing spot in your yard where water won't pool, and enjoy all that extra gardening time.
Steps
- Introduction
- Overview
- 1. Measure the Window
- 2. Cut the Pieces to Length
- 3. Mark the Angle
- 4. Cut the Angle
- 5. Mark and Cut the Tall Battens
- 6. Mark and Cut the Short Battens
- 7. Glue the Battens
- 8. Screw the Battens
- 9. Cut the Back Battens
- 10. Position the Back Battens
- 11. Glue and Screw the Back Battens
- 12. Screw the Four Sides Together
- 13. Attach the Hinges
- 14. Attach the Hinges
- 15. Install the Pavers
- 16. Attach the Lid
- 17. Install the Handle
- 18. Cut the Vent Rods
- 19. Position the Frame