Hey fellow woodworkers! I'm planning to build a DIY greenhouse similar to one I saw at Costco. I'm wondering what types of wood you would recommend for the project. Thanks in advance for any advice!
3 Answers
Cedar would be a great choice, but it can be a bit pricey. If you're looking for something more budget-friendly, you might want to consider using less expensive wood for the structure. Personally, I'd feel proud to showcase a greenhouse made with cedar for its appearance and longevity.
Cedar might cost more initially, but it tends to be a better investment over time. I used it for a screened porch about 15 years ago, and it still looks good without any treatment! Sure, I've got some rot where it's in the shade and touching the ground, but overall, it's held up nicely. In contrast, my pressure-treated deck looks fine after four years, but it doesn't have that same aesthetic as the cedar. Even my neighbor's pressure-treated fence needs replacing soon, and they put that up 17 years ago!
Thanks for sharing! The greenhouse at Costco looks like it uses smaller lumber, maybe around 2x2 dimensions. Is cedar less likely to warp compared to others?
If you're on a budget, I'd recommend using pressure-treated wood for parts that will be in contact with the ground and standard framing lumber for the rest of the structure. Cedar is lovely but comes with a higher price tag. If you want to spend even more, consider aluminum framing along with composite materials for cladding.
Could I use 2x2 pressure-treated lumber for the top framing? I'm kinda worried about it warping.

And the smell of cedar while you work is just amazing!