How to Build PVC Hoop Houses for Winter Growing

Winter doesn't have to end your gardening dreams. Many home growers struggle with frost killing off plants just as they're thriving, but a simple hoop house made from PVC pipes and plastic sheeting creates a microclimate that traps heat and blocks wind, allowing you to harvest fresh veggies year-round.

In this guide, you'll learn to build a sturdy 10x20 ft hoop house step-by-step. It's an intermediate DIY project using basic materials like PVC, lumber, and greenhouse plastic. Expect 4-6 hours of work over one weekend, depending on your site prep and helpers.

By the end, you'll have a functional structure ready for winter planting, with tips to customize size and improve durability.

▸What You'll Need

• •3/4-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipes (20 ft lengths, 11 pieces for hoops)
• •6 mil UV-resistant greenhouse plastic sheeting (12x24 ft to cover 10x20 ft house)
• •2x4 lumber (pressure-treated, 140 linear ft for base and ends)
• •10 ft rebar stakes (#4 size, 12 pieces for anchors)
• •PVC clamps or hog rings (50-100 pieces)
• •Wiggle wire and lock channel (for securing plastic, optional but recommended)
• •Wood screws (3-inch galvanized, 100+)
• •Tools: Circular saw, drill, hammer, measuring tape, string line, utility knife
• •Optional: Door framing lumber, ventilation zippers, soil thermometer

Estimated Time: 4-6 hours Difficulty: intermediate

▸Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Site

Select a level, south-facing spot with good drainage, at least 10x25 ft to allow for ends. Clear weeds, rocks, and debris. Use a shovel or tiller to loosen soil 6 inches deep.

Lay out the 10x20 ft rectangle using stakes and string. Measure diagonals to ensure square (they should match). This foundation prevents structural issues later.

Success looks like: A perfectly square marked area ready for base installation.

💡 Tips:

• •Orient east-west for max sunlight.
• •Test soil pH if planting immediately.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding.

Step 2: Build the Base Frame

Cut 2x4s: four 20 ft for sides, four 10 ft for ends, four 9.5 ft for bracing. Assemble two 20 ft side rails by nailing/screwing 2x4s end-to-end. Bury sides 6 inches deep in a trench or screw to landscape timbers.

Attach end boards flush to sides, forming rectangle. Add cross-braces every 5 ft for stability.

Success looks like: Sturdy wooden perimeter anchored in ground.

💡 Tips:

• •Use pressure-treated wood to resist rot.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Don't skip braces; they prevent sagging.

Step 3: Install End Frames

Frame door openings on ends: cut 2x4s for headers (10 ft), sides (6-7 ft high), and sill. Assemble two door frames (e.g., 6x7 ft). Secure to end boards with screws.

Add diagonal braces for rigidity. This creates entry and windbreak.

Success looks like: Framed door openings ready for hoops.

💡 Tips:

• •Leave 1-2 inch gap for plastic overlap.

Step 4: Cut and Insert Rebar Anchors

Drive 10 ft rebar stakes 2-3 ft into ground every 4 ft along base (outside hoops). Position 8-10 inches from edge, angled outward. These hold PVC hoops.

Space evenly: closer at ends for curve.

Success looks like: Rebar protruding 6-8 ft vertically.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Wear gloves; rebar is sharp.

Step 5: Bend and Install PVC Hoops

Take 20 ft PVC pipes; bend into arches by walking on ends or using helpers. Slide each end over rebar stakes, pushing down to base.

Install hoops every 4 ft (11 total). Trim excess if needed.

Success looks like: Symmetrical arches spanning 10 ft wide, 6-7 ft peak height.

💡 Tips:

• •3/4-inch PVC bends easily; warm in sun for flexibility.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Uneven spacing causes collapse.

Step 6: Secure Hoops to Base

Clamp or wire hoops to baseboards using PVC clamps or hog rings. Add purlins (horizontal PVC) across top with zip ties for snow load support.

Check for wobble; add guy wires if windy site.

Success looks like: Rigid frame that doesn't shift.

💡 Tips:

• •Space purlins 4-5 ft apart.

Step 7: Cover with Greenhouse Plastic

Drape 6 mil plastic over frame, allowing 2 ft overhang all sides. Secure sides with wiggle wire in channel or staples/sandbags. Pull taut but not tearing.

Trim excess; seal ends with tape.

Success looks like: Snug, drum-tight covering.

⚠️ Warnings:

• •Use UV-treated plastic; regular tears fast.

Step 8: Add Doors and Ventilation

Frame lightweight doors with 2x2s, cover plastic, hinge with straps. Cut slits or install zippers for vents (roll-up sides).

Test open/close.

Success looks like: Functional doors and vents for airflow.

💡 Tips:

• •Add insect netting inside doors.

▸Pro Tips

• •Pre-bend PVC in batches to save time.
• •Double-layer plastic for extra insulation in cold climates.
• •Use sandbags on edges for quick removal in spring.
• •Incorporate drip irrigation inside during build.
• •Paint hoops white to reflect heat.
• •Monitor internal temp with a $10 thermometer.
• •Extend life by burying plastic edges 6 inches.

▸Common Mistakes to Avoid

• •Using thin-walled conduit instead of Schedule 40 PVC—snaps under snow; stick to 3/4-inch Sch 40.
• •Loose plastic installation—whips in wind and tears; always pull taut.
• •No base frame—hoops shift and collapse; anchor properly.
• •Wrong plastic gauge—under 6 mil fails quickly; opt for greenhouse-grade.
• •Ignoring ventilation—causes mold; add roll-up sides.

▸Troubleshooting

Problem: Frame wobbles in wind

Solution: Add cross-bracing or guy wires to corners; bury base deeper.

Problem: Plastic tears or condenses

Solution: Patch with tape; add vents/fans; use anti-condensate plastic.

Problem: Snow collapse

Solution: Shake off snow regularly; reinforce with purlins or 1-inch PVC.

Problem: PVC won't bend

Solution: Heat with steam or sun; use thinner 1/2-inch if needed.

Charlotte Pipe 3/4-inch Schedule 40 PVC Pipe 10 ft (buy multiples)

Durable, bendable for hoops; withstands snow and wind better than conduit.

Best for: Primary arch material; cut to 20 ft or buy longer.

Price Range: $10-$15

Agfabric 6.5oz 10x20 ft Greenhouse Floating Row Cover (or upgrade to 6 mil plastic)

UV-resistant, diffuses light perfectly for plants; lightweight yet tough.

Best for: Main covering; double-layer for winter.

Price Range: $25-$35

VEIKOUS 10-Pack Hoop House Clamps for 3/4 PVC Pipe

Rust-proof, secure hoops without drilling; quick install.

Best for: Attaching hoops to base and purlins.

Price Range: $15-$20

Midwest Air Technologies Wiggle Wire and Lock Channel Kit

Professional seal for plastic edges; reusable and windproof.

Best for: Securing sheeting along base.

Price Range: $20-$30

#4 10 ft Rebar Stakes (12-pack)

Strong anchors for PVC; easy to drive.

Best for: Ground stakes every 4 ft.

Price Range: $30-$40 for pack