How to Build a Low-Cost PVC Pipe Greenhouse: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Building a greenhouse on a budget is simple with 1-inch PVC pipes and Circo Innovations’ Snap Clamps, available at Circo Direct. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through constructing an 11.5x12.5-foot arched greenhouse with a rear open roll-up design for easy access with wheelbarrows or equipment. Using durable, affordable materials, this greenhouse extends your growing season for vegetables, flowers, or herbs. Let’s create a functional, low-cost greenhouse inspired by Circo Innovations’ design from their quick video tutorial, with additional resources from PVCPlans.com.

SKIP THE LINE AND GET THE FITTINGS KIT AND INSTRUCTIONS HERE

PVC Arched Greenhouse is Easy and Cheap to Build

Why Choose a PVC Pipe Greenhouse?

PVC pipe greenhouses are ideal because:

• Affordable: 1-inch PVC pipes and Snap Clamps from Circo Direct are cost-effective and widely available.

• Durable: Schedule 40 PVC resists weather and corrosion.

• Customizable: Easily adapt the size or add features like a roll-up rear.

• Beginner-Friendly: No advanced tools or skills required.

This guide builds an 11.5x12.5-foot arched greenhouse with a rear roll-up and a hinged window on the door, adjustable to your needs. SKIP THE LINE AND GET THE FITTINGS KIT AND INSTRUCTIONS HERE.

Materials Needed

Here’s what you’ll need, with links to trusted suppliers:

• PVC Pipes (Schedule 40, 1-inch):

  • 200 feet total (e.g., 10 x 20-foot pipes for the frame) Standard sch. 40 pipe can be found at many local hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot. We prefer to support our local mom and pop store like an Ace Hardware, or a True Value.

  • 20–40 feet additional (for support between ribs)

  • 1 x 11.5-foot pipe (for rear roll-up mechanism)

  • Available at local hardware stores

    
    

    

    Slip Cross and Slip Tee PVC Fittings

    
    

• PVC Fittings (1-inch):

  • 3 Slip Cross PVC fittings (rarely found outside of Circo)

  • 16 Slip Tee PVC fittings (also hard to find)

  • 4 3-Way PVC fittings (not common but can be found)

  • 8 90-degree Elbow PVC fittings (may very well be the most common fitting out there, but Circo has those too)

  • Snap Cross fittings for attaching roll up door and latching front door/window (optional)

  • Find furniture-grade fittings at Circo Direct 

• Covering:

  • 20x20-foot 6-mil UV-resistant greenhouse plastic (for main structure; adjust size as needed)

  • 12.5x7-foot plastic sheeting (for rear roll-up)

  • Shop for greenhouse plastic at Greenhouse Megastore or Creative Awnings and Shelters.

• Snap Clamps (Circo Innovations):

  • 50-100 Snap Clamps (1-inch, for securing plastic and roll-up pipe)

  • Purchase directly at Circo Direct.

• Window and Door:

  • Pre-cut PVC window frame (per plan, see Fig. 4 in referenced design)

  • Hinges (2) and latch (1) for window

  • Screws for attaching hinges and latch

  • Optional: Wooden frame (2x4s) and plastic for a sturdy door

• Other Supplies:

  • PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw

  • Measuring tape

  • 12 rebar stakes (18 inches) or ground anchors

  • Additional 1-inch Snap Clamps from Circo Direct

  • Greenhouse tape or duct tape

• Optional:

  • Sandpaper (to smooth cut edges)

  • Bungee cords (for extra securing)

  • Seeds for planting, available at Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Estimated Cost: $130–$190, depending on local prices and optional features (1-inch PVC may slightly increase costs).

Tools Required

• Hammer (for rebar stakes)

• Scissors or utility knife (for plastic)

• Screwdriver (for window hinges and latch)

• Ladder or step stool

Step-by-Step Instructions

SKIP THE LINE AND GET THE FITTINGS KIT AND INSTRUCTIONS HERE.

Step 1: Plan and Prepare Your Site

1. Select a Location: Choose a flat, sunny area with 6–8 hours of sunlight daily, free from overhanging branches.

2. Mark the Area: Outline an 11.5x12.5-foot rectangle with stakes and string. Use the 3-4-5 triangle method to ensure square corners (3 feet along one side, 4 feet along the adjacent side, diagonal of 5 feet).

3. Clear the Ground: Remove rocks, weeds, or grass for a level surface.

Step 2: Build the Base Frame

1. Cut PVC Pipes:

   • Cut two 11.5-foot 1-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipes for the base lengths.

   • Cut two 12.5-foot 1-inch pipes for the base widths.

   • Cut two additional pipes for base support (adjust to fit, e.g., 11.5-foot).

2. Assemble the Base:

   • Form a rectangle using the cut pipes and four 1-inch three-way connectors, with open ends facing upward for vertical supports.

   • Add two pipes parallel to opposite sides, secured with 1-inch T-joints for stability.

3. Secure the Base:

   • Drive 8 rebar stakes (one at each corner and midpoint of each side) into the ground.

   • Slide the base frame over the stakes, ensuring it’s level and flush.

Step 3: Construct the Hoop Frame

1. Form Hoops:

   • Use five 20-foot 1-inch PVC pipes, bending each into a semicircle for hoops. Work slowly to avoid kinking (1-inch pipes are slightly less flexible than smaller sizes).

   • Trim pipes if needed for a ~7-foot peak height. (Typically we cut off the bell end of the the 20' pipe.

2. Attach Hoops:

   • Insert each hoop’s ends into the 1-inch three-way connectors on opposite sides of the base 4 corners, and the slip tee's as shown in the page one of the plan. space the five hoops evenly along the 11.5-foot length (about 2.875 feet apart).

   • Secure with self tapping screws (PVC cement optional for permanent assembly).

Step 4: Add Structural Support

1. Ridgepole:

   • Cut and connect pipes to form a ridgepole.

   • Each 35" pipe will go between each hoop at the peak to sturdy up the roof.

   • Use Slip Tee's and Slip Cross fittings to attach, or you can use Side Saddle Tee's, Circo thought of everything.

Step 5: Install the Rear Roll-Up

1. Prepare Roll-Up:

   • Take the 12.5x7-foot plastic sheeting and clamp it to the 11.5-foot 1-inch PVC pipe using 1-inch Snap Clamps from Circo Direct along its length.

2. Attach to Frame:

   • Secure the top edge of the plastic to the rear hoop with 1-inch Snap Clamps from Circo Direct.

   • Roll the pipe upward to open, then snap it into place with additional 1-inch Snap Clamps to hold it when open or closed.

Step 6: Assemble and Install the Door with Window

1. Build the Door:

   • Construct a door frame as shown in the plans.

   • Attach to one end of the greenhouse using Slip Tee fittings on top and bottom to build a door frame.

2. Assemble the Window:

   • Follow Fig. 4 from the plan (available via Circo Direct) to assemble the 1-inch PVC window frame.

   • Attach hinges to the window frame with screws, then secure the hinges to the door.

   • Attach a latch to the door (not the window) with screws.

   • Snap the window into the hinges and close it by snapping into the latch.

3. Secure the Door:

   • Ensure the door fits snugly, reinforcing edges with tape or 1-inch Snap Clamps from Circo Direct. You can also build a similar door in the rear if you prefer that over the roll up design.

Step 7: Cover the Greenhouse

1. Prepare the Plastic:

   • Unroll the 20x20-foot 6-mil greenhouse plastic, cutting to fit with extra for securing (adjust for 11.5x12.5 size).

   • Overlap frame by 6 inches to attach Snap Clamps on each corner. Tape and other poly supplies are available at Greenhouse Megastore.

2. Drape and Secure:

   • Drape plastic over the frame, ensuring even coverage except at the rear (covered by roll-up).

   • Pull taut and secure to the base and hoops with 1-inch Snap Clamps from Circo Direct

   • Bury excess plastic or weigh it down with bricks for wind resistance.

Step 8: Final Touches

1. Ventilation:

   • Use the window and rear roll-up for airflow. Add vents in the plastic near the top if needed, using materials from Greenhouse Megastore.

   • Consider a battery-powered fan for circulation.

2. Interior Setup:

   • Add shelves or raised beds for plants, using 1-inch PVC from Circo Direct or plans from PVCPlans.com.

   • Use drip irrigation or watering cans for maintenance, available at Johnny’s Selected Seeds.

3. Inspect:

   • Check for loose 1-inch Snap Clamps, tears in the plastic, or unstable pipes.

   • Test the roll-up and window for smooth operation.

Tips for Success

• Use UV-Resistant Plastic: Ensure 6-mil plastic is UV-resistant for 2–4 years of durability, available at Greenhouse Megastore or Creative Awnings and Shelters.

• Windproofing: Add extra stakes or guy ropes in windy areas, sourced from Creative Awnings and Shelters.

• Maintenance: Clean PVC to prevent algae and check 1-inch Snap Clamps regularly. Add Strength with Aluminum Grip Clamps for extra windy areas.

Customization Ideas

• Expand Size: Increase length by adding more kits end-to-end, sourced from Circo Direct

• Shelving: Add 1-inch PVC shelves for seed trays, using fittings from Circo Direct or plans from PVCPlans.com.

• Automation: Include a solar thermometer or automated vent opener from Greenhouse Megastore.

• Seed Selection: Choose high-quality seeds for your greenhouse from Johnny’s Selected Seeds.

Conclusion

This 1-inch PVC pipe greenhouse, with its rear roll-up and windowed door, offers easy access and ventilation for year-round gardening. Using Circo Innovations’ Snap Clamps and Schedule 40 PVC from Circo Direct, along with resources from PVCPlans.com, Greenhouse Megastore, Creative Awnings and Shelters, and Johnny’s Selected Seeds, you can build a durable, budget-friendly structure in a weekend. Start growing your own food today!

Ready to build? Shop for Snap Clamps, PVC fittings, and more at Circo Direct, explore plans at PVCPlans.com, find greenhouse plastic at Greenhouse Megastore, source anchors at Creative Awnings and Shelters, and get seeds from Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Share your greenhouse with the DIY community!

© 2015-2025 by Circo Innovations, Inc. No portion of this guide may be copied or duplicated without written permission from Circo Innovations, Inc.

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