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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Sulis on April 14, 2004, 09:25:58

Title: Building a coldframe
Post by: Sulis on April 14, 2004, 09:25:58
Hello everyone :)

Well, i've decided that making my own coldframes will probably be a lot cheaper than buying them, and I get to make some that are more suitable for my needs, my preferred size, etc. The trouble is, i'm having real problems locating a supplier for either polycarbonate sheeting or perspex. The most recent edition of Gardeners World magazine has a quick 'how to', which uses a sheet of perspex. There's no problem building the framework, i've already got all the wood I could ever need. Anyone know of a good place to buy the glazing from though? I can't find a supplier near me for love nor money.
Title: Re:Building a coldframe
Post by: cleo on April 14, 2004, 13:04:14
Try `Two Wests and Elliot` they offer either polyproplene or polycarbonate sheets.

www.twowests.co.uk

Stephan
Title: Re:Building a coldframe
Post by: Len on April 14, 2004, 15:02:46
Look for an Amari Plastics depot or a main plastic supplier they are the cheapest and will cut for you sometimes have off cuts
Title: Re:Building a coldframe
Post by: Tenuse on April 14, 2004, 15:08:24
The very large B&Q warehouse near me has various types of perspex sheeting.

Ten x
Title: Re:Building a coldframe
Post by: Len on April 14, 2004, 15:13:28
There is an Amari in Nottingham if thats near to you ?
Title: Re:Building a coldframe
Post by: Sulis on April 15, 2004, 21:07:01
Wonderful, thanks for the replies :)

I'll try both Amari (Nottingham is about an hour away, so definitely within reach... I don't mind travelling to get what I need) and Two Wests.

Best wishes :)
Title: Re:Building a coldframe
Post by: The gardener on April 16, 2004, 11:30:19
I am not sure if polycarbonate/perspex is the right way to go.

Certainly from my experience is wasn't.

One, it is quite expensive,it can get quite brittle, and depending upon the variety it discolours.

I have added a couple of photographs of mine to show you how I built it.

The glazing beads are from an old derelict greenhouse I aquired,meaning I can place or remove the glass at will

(http://pic6.picturetrail.com/VOL164/2042270/4116480/51065092.jpg)

This was it yesterday;

(http://pic6.picturetrail.com/VOL164/2042270/3957340/51049087.jpg)
Title: Re:Building a coldframe
Post by: gilgamesh on April 16, 2004, 11:33:29
Take a look through your local Yellow Pages - vending machine ad panels are pretty good for this job, and we have to pay to get ours taken away. Hot air stripper / hair dryer gets the vinyl picture off, white spirit removes the glue. Bob Flowerdew would be proud of you!