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• F A X : ( 2 0 7 ) 2 3 6 - 2 0 0 6
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. C O M • I N F O @ B B W I R E . C O M
Freedom Greenhouse Base Preparation Instructions
Freedom Greenhouses are built in a woodworking workshop in
Maine using the highest quality Eastern Maine Cedar and other
components. Experienced carpenters and woodworkers
assemble each greenhouse in modular sections and are then
crated and shipped. The on-site assembly cannot begin until an
adequate base is prepared for the greenhouse or Greenshed.
Caution:
– Before beginning, make sure there are no
overhead power lines that could come in contact with you
or the greenhouse nor any underground power, water, or
gas lines that you could contact when working on a base.
Groundwork
The ground that the Freedom Greenhouse sits on does not have to be
level, but the base for the greenhouse does need to be both square and
level. The other requirement of the base is that it provides a method of
anchoring the greenhouse against moving. Strong winds or a bump from
a lawn mower can move a greenhouse if not firmly anchored.
Any form of base is acceptable provided it has the three requirements of
being square, level, and provides a method of anchoring. The bottom of
each greenhouse has a 1”x 4” plate (cedar board) on all four sides. A
very simple base can be made of pressure treated or composite 2x4’s or
4x4’s forming a perimeter framework the same size as the greenhouse.
It can be anchored to the ground with steel rods driven thru them or some other means of anchoring.
For most greenhouses larger than 12’x12’ some concrete anchoring is
usually recommended. The greenhouse plate is attached to the base
with structural lag screws (included with the greenhouse). A concrete
slab or concrete footings are other ways to anchor a greenhouse. If
concrete is going to be used it still is advisable to attach a 2x4 or 4x4 to
match the outside greenhouse dimensions. If you prefer to anchor the
greenhouse directly to concrete set anchors into the wet concrete
leaving them at least 1 ½” above the concrete. The anchors should be
set
about 2” in from the outer edge of the plate dimensions. Anchors
should be placed 6”-9” away from the outside corners of the greenhouse so they don’t interfere with corner
studs. For other anchor locations please call our office to get stud locations for your greenhouse so studs and
anchors aren’s trying to occupy the same spot.