At Polycarbonate Store, we love a good DIY project, especially one that helps gardeners grow more of their own food, no matter where they live. That’s why we teamed up with Epic Gardening to sponsor Jacques on one of his biggest builds yet: a fully custom, DIY wood greenhouse designed specifically for Maine’s tough weather.
Jacques already has a greenhouse back home in San Diego, but this time, he traveled across the country to build one for his Epic Gardening teammate Melissa and her husband Pete. They’d been dreaming about having a greenhouse of their own, and this was the perfect chance to bring that dream to life.
Why Build a DIY Greenhouse in Maine?
This project was about building a custom wood greenhouse exactly the way Melissa and Pete wanted it: perfectly sized and built to handle Maine’s snow loads, cold winters, and coastal storms. They’re sustainably minded gardeners who love a good DIY and take pride in using secondhand materials to keep their footprint low. Even the raised garden beds inside were built from salvaged pieces they scored secondhand, giving new life to old materials.
Jacques worked with Garrett, a local contractor and friend of the family, to get the frame built before he arrived. DIY doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone, and in this case, local expertise was key for making sure this structure could handle whatever Maine’s weather throws at it.
Choosing the Best Polycarbonate Panels for Your Greenhouse
When it came time to plan the glazing, Jacques reached out to our team at Polycarbonate Store, where he chatted with Richard, one of our helpful Polycarbonate Experts. Together, they chose materials that balanced insulation, strength, and light transmission for growing food in a cold climate.
Here’s what they used:
- 10mm Triple Wall Heat Saver Polycarbonate Sheets for the sidewalls
- 16mm Triple Wall Polycarbonate Sheets for the roof (perfect for heavy Maine snow loads)
- Polycarbonate Joiner Caps, End Caps, and Ridge Caps to tie it all together
- Sikasil-N Plus Silicone Sealant for watertight seals
- Solid Aluminum Tape to keep the tops of the panels sealed against debris and insects
- Foam Glazing Tape and Vented Polycarbonate Tape for airflow and moisture management
- Washer Head Screws and 1-inch Gasket Washers for secure fastening without crushing the panels
One of the best things about these polycarbonate panels is that they’re UV resistant, meaning they’re made to take a beating from the sun without yellowing or becoming brittle over time. That’s a big difference compared to some competitor panels you might find at big box stores, which can degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight. This UV protection makes them perfect for greenhouse use, keeping your plants happy and your structure looking great for years.
Solar-Powered Ventilation for Your DIY Greenhouse
To make this greenhouse truly shine, Jacques teamed up with our sister brand, Charley’s Greenhouse & Garden Supply, to add a Snap Fan Solar Exhaust System. This setup includes a 20-inch fan with a 22-inch shutter, plus an automatic thermostat, powered entirely by a rooftop solar panel.
On warm days, wax pistons on the front louvers automatically open to let cool air in. As soon as the thermostat senses that the greenhouse is getting too hot, the solar-powered fan kicks on, drawing the hot air out through the back. While the fan and thermostat are connected to each other, the entire system runs off the solar panel, with no need to connect to household electricity or hire an electrician.
Durable DIY Greenhouse Built to Grow and Last
By the end of the project, Melissa and Pete had a beautiful, fully custom greenhouse, ready for tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and more. Raised beds went in to give their plants a strong start, both inside and outside the greenhouse.
The best part of doing a DIY greenhouse with polycarbonate? You’re not stuck with anyone else’s design. You build what you need, how you want it, for your space. And with the right materials, like our durable polycarbonate panels and quality accessories, you’re starting with a strong foundation for a greenhouse that can stand up to the elements.
Start Your DIY Greenhouse Project Today
If watching this build has you thinking about your own backyard greenhouse project, we’ve got good news: right now, during our Summer Sale, you can take 20% OFF polycarbonate sheets and capping through July 25.
Whether you’re planning a DIY greenhouse, patio cover, shed, or cold frame, this is the perfect time to get the supplies you need, plus expert help from our team along the way.
Start planning your build, shop Polycarbonate Sheets.