How to Assemble a Hoop House for Small Farms

▸Why Build a Hoop House?

Small farm owners often struggle with frost, pests, and short growing seasons, losing valuable crops and revenue. A hoop house—also called a high tunnel—solves this by creating a cost-effective, season-extending shelter. It's perfect for veggies, herbs, or starts, increasing production by 2-3x.

In this guide, you'll learn to assemble a basic 10x20 ft hoop house using metal conduit hoops. Expect intermediate difficulty with basic construction skills like measuring and drilling. Total time: 8-12 hours over 1-2 days. By the end, you'll have a functional structure ready for plastic covering and planting.

We'll cover site prep to final securing, with tips to avoid wind damage and ensure longevity.

▸What You'll Need

• •Required Materials:
• •20-24 pieces of 1" x 10 ft EMT conduit (for hoops)
• •2x4 lumber (4x8 ft sheets for baseboards and end walls)
• •6 mil UV-treated greenhouse plastic sheeting (12x25 ft)
• •Wiggle wire and lock channel (50 ft total)
• •Rebar or ground stakes (24x18 inch pieces)
• •Anti-hot wire purlins (10x20 ft galvanized wire)
• •Required Tools:
• •Post hole digger or auger
• •Tape measure, level, string line
• •Hacksaw or pipe cutter, drill with metal bits
• •Hammer, screws/nuts/bolts (1/4 inch)
• •Optional: Ladders, zip ties, door framing kit

Estimated Time: 8-12 hours over 1-2 days Difficulty: intermediate

▸Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose and Prepare the Site

Select a flat, sunny spot (south-facing ideal) with good drainage, away from trees. Clear weeds, rocks, and debris from a 12x22 ft area to allow for overhang.

Mark corners with stakes and string. Use a level to ensure flatness—dig or fill as needed. Why? Uneven ground causes sagging hoops and poor drainage.

Success looks like: A perfectly squared 10x20 ft outline, level within 1 inch.

💡 Tips:

• •Test soil drainage by digging a hole and filling with water—it should drain in 1 hour.
• •Orient east-west for max light.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Avoid low-lying areas to prevent frost pockets.

Step 2: Install Baseboards and Ground Anchors

Lay 2x6 treated lumber around the perimeter as baseboards, securing with 12-inch rebar driven through pre-drilled holes every 2 ft.

This creates a stable frame. Square it using the 3-4-5 triangle method (3 ft one side, 4 ft adjacent, 5 ft diagonal).

Success: Secure, level baseboard frame hugging the ground.

💡 Tips:

• •Pre-drill to avoid splitting wood.

Step 3: Prepare and Insert Hoops

Bend 10 ft EMT conduits into arches (use a hoop bender if available). Insert each end 18 inches into the ground using post holes spaced 4 ft apart (6 hoops total for 20 ft length).

Start at one end, work to the other. Why? Deep insertion resists wind.

Success: Evenly spaced, uniform arches standing vertically.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Wear gloves—metal edges are sharp.

Step 4: Secure Hoops to Baseboards

Clamp or bolt hoop bottoms to baseboards with U-bolts or conduit clamps. Check plumb with a level.

This locks everything rigid.

Success: Hoops immovable by hand pressure.

💡 Tips:

• •Tighten clamps progressively.

Step 5: Add Purlins and Ridge Pole

Run anti-condensation wire or purlins lengthwise over hoops (every 4 ft vertically). Secure with zip ties or twine. Add a center ridge pole by connecting two 10 ft conduits.

Prevents plastic sagging from snow/rain.

Success: Framework like a ribcage, strong to touch.

Step 6: Build and Install End Walls

Frame end walls with 2x4s (door opening centered). Attach to base and hoops with screws. Add diagonal bracing.

Success: Sturdy walls ready for covering.

💡 Tips:

• •Build on ground first for ease.

Step 7: Drape and Secure Plastic Covering

Unroll plastic over frame, centered with 1-2 ft overhang. Secure edges with wiggle wire in lock channel on baseboards.

Pull taut but not overstretched. Why? Proper tension prevents tears.

Success: Smooth, drum-tight plastic.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Work on calm day; plastic tears in wind.

Step 8: Install Doors, Vents, and Final Checks

Frame and hang roll-up doors on ends. Cut vents if needed. Walk around, tighten all, check for gaps.

Success: Fully enclosed, ventilated structure ready for use.

💡 Tips:

• •Add roll-up sides for ventilation.

▸Pro Tips

• •Use EMT conduit over PVC—stronger against wind.
• •Pre-bend hoops uniformly for symmetry.
• •Apply UV protectant spray to plastic seams yearly.
• •Orient doors away from prevailing winds.
• •Add interior benches post-assembly for efficiency.
• •Recruit 2-3 helpers for plastic draping.
• •Test frame stability before covering.

▸Common Mistakes to Avoid

• •Skipping site leveling—leads to pooling water and collapse.
• •Shallow hoop insertion—hoops pull out in storms; always 18+ inches.
• •Overstretching plastic—causes tears; drape loosely then tighten.
• •No purlins—snow load rips covering.
• •Poor squaring—uneven structure stresses joints.

▸Troubleshooting

Problem: Plastic sagging or tearing

Solution: Add more purlins; replace with thicker 6-10 mil film. Secure wiggle wire tighter.

Problem: Frame wobbling in wind

Solution: Deepen anchors, add cross-bracing. Guy wires to stakes if needed.

Problem: Condensation dripping on plants

Solution: Install anti-drip purlins or infrared plastic.

Problem: Uneven hoops

Solution: Adjust clamps and re-level base. Use string line for alignment.

QDAS Greenhouse Hoops Kit 9.8FT (20pcs) (ASIN: B0B3G5K5L2)

Pre-bent galvanized steel hoops are rust-resistant and wind-durable, perfect for quick assembly.

Best for: Main arches for 10x20 ft frame; buy extras for braces.

Price Range: $59.99

Agfabric 10x20 ft Greenhouse Plastic 6mil (ASIN: B07Z8J5Q5Z)

UV-protected poly film lasts 4+ years, diffuses light evenly for better plant growth.

Best for: Full covering with overhang; cut to fit ends.

Price Range: $29.99

Grower's Supply Wiggle Wire & Lock Channel (ASIN: B001P1K8O0)

Industry standard for secure, reusable plastic fastening—easier than tape.

Best for: Edging on baseboards; 50 ft kit covers small hoop house.

Price Range: $19.99

Fiskars Steel Post Hole Digger (ASIN: B00004Z4E5)

Durable, ergonomic tool speeds up ground insertion for hoops and anchors.

Best for: Digging 24+ holes quickly without back strain.

Price Range: $49.99

VEIKOUS 1" EMT Conduit Clamps (ASIN: B08L5M3N4P)

Rust-proof clamps fit perfectly, ensuring rock-solid hoop-to-base connection.

Best for: Securing 12 hoop bases.

Price Range: $15.99