How-to Hoop House Construction Tips

A step by step guide for hoop house construction:

• Step 1 - Use string lines to insure hoop house is square and level.

 

• Step 2 - To avoid damaging support posts while driving into ground, insert a trailer hitch ball into posts.

 

• Step 3 - Baseboards fastened to support posts not only strengthen foundation but also form a landing for roll-up side vents. One-inch dimensional lumber is OK, but 2-inch is better. We use 2-inch by 6-inch lumber for most of our baseboards.

 

• Step 4 - For maximum strength, use steel hoops spaced on 4-foot centers.

 

• Step 5 - Hip boards are used to strengthen house and serve as point of attachment for roll-up side vents. Ideally, hip boards should be located five feet above baseboards for maximum ventilation.

 

• Step 6 - One end wall option: 2-inch by 4-inch lumber frame complete with utility door and windows. All wood used in hoop house should be pressure treated for extended life.

 

• Step 7 - Another end wall option: Wing vents above and removable wall sections below. Notice the two beams to either side of the door. These beams, constructed of two 2-inch by 6-inch timbers laminated together, stabilize the end walls.

 

• Step 8 - Section of chain used to secure end wall wing vent.

 

• Step 9 - End wall in closed position.

 

• Step 10 - Poly film unrolled beside house prior to installation. Plastic should be pulled over house from one side to the other, not end to end.

 

• Step 11 - Attach poly film to structure in the proper sequence. Starting in the middle on one side of the house, stretch film down and towards one end wall, fastening the film to the hip board as you go. Return to the middle and stretch plastic towards the other end, fastening as you go.

 

• Step 12 - One-inch by 2-inch lath used to secure poly film to hip board. Also note accurate and uniform placement of 1-inch PVC pipe reel on film. This procedure is crucial if the vent is to roll up and down uniformly.

 

• Step 13 - Side vent closed and at rest on baseboard.

 

• Step 14 - Close-up view of tee handle on PVC reel and plastic restraining strap. Restraining straps can similar type material. Straps are fastened at top performance, locate a strap between hoops.

 

• Step 15 - Roll-up vent secured at desired elevation with the use of a 6-foot piece of rod. Note the enlarged tee handle for extra leverage.

 

• Step 16 - Windbreak curtain made from 50% shade fabric. Notice side vent in rolled up position underneath windbreak curtain. Also note the tight fit of the PVC pipe reel as it rests against the baseboard.