Establishing the base

You can also watch our assembly videos   

It is important to erect the greenhouse on a strong base that is firmly anchored in the ground.

The base must be both level and square, because otherwise it will be difficult to assemble and erect the greenhouse, particularly the glazing process (glass or polycarbonate). Therefore, cast the base with care and precision. A step-by-step guide is provided here to show you to how to lay out and set up your base.

You will need the following to lay the base:

  1. Spirit level
  2. Cement and gravel
  3. Spade or post-hole digger
  4. Measuring tape
  5. Pliers
  6. Spanner, 10 mm
  7. Juliana Start-Mix (socket wrench), optional

STEP 1: READYING THE AREA

Start by preparing the area where the greenhouse will be erected. Make sure the area is cleared, even and levelled off.

STEP 2: CHECK THE BASE

The base comes wrapped in clear plastic film. Check carefully for any damage.

STEP 3: CHECK THE MODEL AND SIZE.

The base is labelled with the model name and size. Make sure that you have received the base you ordered.

STEP 4: CHECK THE BASE DIMENSIONS

Make sure that the base dimensions are correct before assembling and casting it in place.

The dimensions are found in the assembly instructions.

STEP 5: ASSEMBLE THE BASE

Assemble the base with the included anchor legs.

For bases bigger than 9 m2, additional anchor legs must be attached to the inner surface of the side sections (using the long bolts).

STEP 6: POSITION THE BASE

Lay out the base components on the area where you plan to erect the greenhouse.

STEP 7: TAKE DIAGONAL MEASUREMENTS

Measure the base diagonally to square it. The two diagonal measurements must be equal.

STEP 8: MARK OUT THE CORNERS

Insert a stick in the ground for each anchor leg so you know exactly where to dig/bore. Then remove the base frame.

STEP 9: BORE/DIG HOLES

Dig or bore holes at the spots where you are going to cast anchor legs. The holes must be dug down to frost-free depth.

STEP 10: BEND THE ANCHOR LEG

Before inserting the anchor leg into the ground, bend the end to give it a better grip when cast in cement.

STEP 11: ENSURE THAT THE BASE IS LEVEL AND DOUBLE-CHECK THE DIAGONAL MEASUREMENTS

Level off the base and re-measure it diagonally to make sure it is square.

Do this very carefully because otherwise it will be difficult to assemble and glaze (with glass or polycarbonate) if these measurements are not correct.

STEP 12: POUR CEMENT IN THE HOLES & LET IT SET

Pour cement by the anchor leg and let it set for 24 hours or so.

Add just the right amount of water to the cement mixture. The less you add, the stronger the cement.

THE BASE IS READY

The base is now ready for assembling and erecting the greenhouse.