Free Cold Frame Plans

This step by step woodworking project is about free cold frame plans. I have designed this 4×8 cold frame so you can grow a few vegetables in your own backyard. This is one of those projects that doesn’t require a high investment, but it will open your appetite for gardening (pawn intended). With this project you will have fresh vegetables all summer.

Make sure you select the right location for the cold frame. The location of the cold frame requires a lot of natural light for the vegetables to grow healthy. It would be a great idea to research more about the plants you are going to grow in the cold frame so choose the most appropriate location for them. Generally speaking, the cold frame should have a south orientation. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a cold frame

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 24 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 12 1/2″ long POSTS
B – 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 96″ long, 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 96″ long, 2 pieces – 3 1/2″ long FRONT
B – 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 96″ long, 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 96″ long, 2 pieces – 16″ long BACK
C – 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 46 1/2″ long, 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 49″ long, 1 piece – 4 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 15 3/4″ long 2xSIDES
D – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 91 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 21 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 10 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 43 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 45 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 9 1/2″ long TRIMS
E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 46 3/4″ long LID SUPPORTS

2 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws, 1 1/4″ screws
hinges
greenhouse plastic
1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 8′
3 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8′
6 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8′
1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 8′
8 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8′

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Time

One Week

Build a wood cold frame – 3 Lids

Building the side frames

The first step of the project is to build the frame for the cold frame. As you can easily see in the plans, you need to use 2×2 lumber for the corner posts, 1×6 lumber for the bottom slats and 1×4 lumber for the top slats. Cut both ends of the top slats at 75 degrees using a miter saw. Drill pilot holes through the slats and insert 1 5/8″ screws to secure the slats to the 2×2 supports.

Assembling the cold frame

Continue the project by fitting the slats to the front and to the back of the frame. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock everything tightly.

Sides

Fit 1×4 slats to the sides of the cold frame. Use 1 1/4″ brad nails or screws to secure the slats into place tightly.

Front

Fit the 1×4 slats to the front of the cold frame, as well. Align the edges flush and leave no gaps between the components.

Back

Fit the 1×4 slats to the back of the cold frame. Align the edges with attention and insert 1 1/4″ brad nails or screws to lock them into place tightly.

Interior side wall trims

Fit the greenhouse plastic to the sides of the cold frame and then lock it into place with 1×2 trims. Use 1 1/4″ screws to lock the trims into place tightly.

Interior back wall trims

Fit the 1×2 trims to the back of the cold frame, in the same manner explained above.

Interior front wall trims

Fit the trims to the front of the cold frame after attaching the greenhouse plastic.

Lid Supports

Use 2×4 lumber for the top lids supports. Cut both ends of the supports at 75 degrees and smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the lid supports

Fit the supports to the frame of the cold frame. Make sure you align the supports with attention. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws so you lock the supports tightly.

Building a large cold frame

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. In order to get a professional result, fill the holes and the gaps with wood filler and let it dry out for a few hours. Check if there are protruding screws and fix the issue if necessary.

Check out PART 2 of the project, so you learn how to build the lids for the cold frame.

If you want to download the plans. just click on the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.

Thank you for reading our project about free cold frame plans and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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