Anyone built their own hoop house? Which do you think is best for this project?

[Guest]

I am in the middle of pricing and sourcing all of the parts. One of the things that I shall need to buy is a chop saw or metal bandsaw to cut the galvanized pipe, etc.. What is the best way to do this?

I am looking at a couple of chop saws which use a grinding blade, and a portable metal bandsaw which uses a metal cutting blade. Which do you think is best for this project? I have a reciprocal saw, but it is not the best solution to cutting a square end on pipe.

We are in Bacliff, Texas - long hot summers and termites galore. The termites preclude any wood near the ground. The hoop house that we are planning is 20'x40', so there will be considerable pipe cutting.

Thanks.

[Linda]

We just built a gh from old windows, galvanized and used door. 10 by 14.

[Denise]

In Maine-our first one built summer of 2021-10x12 for about $750.00. It is made with cattle/hog panels which are very strong-Tractor Supply. Wood framing, cemented corner posts, center beam for snow load. 2 ft. knee wall frame, screened, plastic rolls up. Window on backside with fan, and door has screen. Also tied down with ropes. Our next one is bigger/a Shelter King frame without the cover that we will make one with. There are alot of people here that have built Hoophouses and they work well.

[Stefan]

You’ll need a swaging exhaust tool to stretch the tubing, so the sections slide together.

[Apache]

A 4" angle grinder with a type 27 cutting disc.

[Ben]

I suggest you cost out a bare frame tunnel kit as well, you might find it's worth it.

[Gene]

What size? To go 20 feet wide and 10 feet tall, using 10 feet sticks of pipe (either conduit or chain link top rail) there is no need to cut. You will need a bender though. I use a hoop house to store hay in. I use 2 inch PVC conduit for the frame. The PVC isn't good with greenhouse plastics. The metal would also be more stable in the wind.

Two sources to look at:

• The boot strap farmer. Great video information and supplies.
• Growers solution (not positive about the name but look for greenhouse kits in Cookeville Tennessee). They have components all the way to full kits.

[Dave]

A miter saw might be a better investment. You can get metal cutting blades for them. Also I’m not sure how far from Oklahoma you are but if you search market place there are tons of nice high tunnels and hoop houses for sale in Oklahoma. You most likely have to disassemble it yourself but they sell for real cheap. A lot of people trying to get out of the weed business.