Introduction: Hoop House

A hoop house is generally defined as a simple greenhouse and is commonly used for season-extension, allowing crops to thrive and be cultivated well after their normal growing season. It is generally constructed using basic materials such as pvc pipe reinforced with rebar for the frame and a plastic sheet to cover the structure.

Step 1: Supplies

First figure out the dimensions of the greenhouse you are constructing. A hoop house can vary in size depending on your needs. The one we are working with in this description is approximately 13' long x 10' wide x 6' tall.

What you will need:
*PVC pipe (in our case we used 3/4" pipe)
* Re-bar
*PVC T-fittings( you may need 2 or 3)
*Zip ties
*Plastic greenhouse liner
*PVC saw
*Measuring tape
*Cement blocks
*Wooden planks(the length and width of your greenhouse) 
*Optional: Wood( if you choose to build door frames)

Step 2: Door Mounting and End Frame

In this step we're starting by cutting our piping to our desired measurement specifications. We added the 'T' fittings to the center of our arches, directly over the end frames. Next we'll be securing the door and rear frame by running an arched cross beam over each frame and securing it to the door with zip ties followed by burying the ends at least a foot deep in the ground. Finally we'll connect our length-wise crossbeam.

Step 3: Running Cross-Sections or "Ribs"

In our example we measured the distance between our cross-sections at 4' apart. Again, this can vary depending on your measurements and support needs. We secured the ribs to the cross-beam using our zip ties followed burying the ends as we did in the previous step. You can also add additional support by connecting a vertical beam at the center of the frame (also optional).

Step 4: Cover

Now that we have completed our frame it's time to add the lining. Double check your measurements before cutting your lining to fit and make sure to add 3-4' to the length and width of your structure.(*IMPORTANT: When measuring the length be sure to account for the door and end frame by measuring top to bottom and include the extra 3-4'.)

With the liner centered over the frame and the skirt length distributed equally on all sides, you can begin to place the wooden-planks at the edge of the liner and use the planks to roll the liner to the base of the structure. This is most effectively done on larger hoop houses with with two people rolling together on each side to assure that the lining is pulled tight and even. The last step is to weight the rolled planks with your cement blocks to stabilize the house. ( If using wooden frames, as we did in our design, you may even consider stapling the liner to the outside of your end frames.)

Here are a few different examples of what a finished hoop house may look like.