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Rockford,il

How thick should the plastic be for a temporary cold frame? I dont plan on using it for more than one season.

3/21/2004 5:05:35 PM

Montoursville, PA

Not less than 4mm with 6mm being better. Clear or opaque makes no difference in my mind. I like the heavier because I can take my knife and open windows quickly and close them back up with duct tape in the evening.

3/21/2004 5:54:22 PM

Walkerton Ont

I have 6 mmm, and i would half to agree with docgipe

3/21/2004 6:24:19 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

We use 6 mil. I did one in 4 mil a couple years ago. Never again. If you can find real UV stabilized greenhouse grade 6 mil plastic, it lasts the longest.

3/21/2004 9:25:41 PM

Rockford,il

thanks for the help,6ml it is.

3/22/2004 4:39:37 PM

Rockford,il

make that 6mm not 6ml

3/22/2004 4:41:01 PM

Norton, MA

I used 2 mil last year. LOL! It was cheapest and I didn't think it mattered! I couldn't even staple it because the staples ripped through. Alex.

3/22/2004 6:43:17 PM

Walkerton Ont

lol i had that problem with 3 mil even

3/22/2004 7:24:33 PM

Montoursville, PA

I use lath over the staple lines. I use wire nails to cause the lath to pinch the plastic. Never had a pull out when doing this. My cold frame boxes are knock down for storage.

3/23/2004 10:00:56 AM

Western Pa.

Rather than lathe, I cut strips from cardboard beer cases or phone book covers. This gives the staples a better hold on the plastic. With the "laminated side up" they'll usually hold up just as long as the plastic!

3/23/2004 10:27:51 AM

Norton, MA

Hmmm? Good idea, that along with 6 mil. should help.

3/23/2004 1:38:29 PM

what is this lathe stuff, and how do you use it to prevent the plastic from ripping out?>??

3/23/2004 7:52:36 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Lathe is very thin strips of wood. Such as found behind plaster walls or under real wooden roofing shingles for air circulation. Quicker to apply & cheaper is Duct tape. The good duct tape lasts about as long as non-UV stabilized 6 mil plastic. Another material to consider is the orange & white plastic stuff that Home Depot has for wrapping lumber. The keep it on rolls in the lumber dept. They woudn't sell it to me. So I asked the guy for the scraps & he started pulling it out of the trash for me. His boss happened by, threw the guy a dirty look, & spooled of all I could use from the big roll for free. Greenhouse suppliers sell almost the same stuff for a pretty penny in plain white.

3/23/2004 9:00:15 PM

Sequim, WA

I've used fiberglass casting tape over the plastic to hold the plastic without the staples without tearing through. I imagine a drywall tape would do well also and be easier to come by.

3/24/2004 12:29:29 AM

Sequim, WA

OK, I know I should proof read these so I don't sound like an idiot, but I don't want to give people the wrong impression. Hold the plastic with the staples, without tearing through. There, that's better.

3/24/2004 12:31:40 AM

maybe i'm a dumb blond...but i still don't get it...do you put the lathe, cardboard, etc. over the plastic, then staple through cardboard then plastic then the wood frame of the hoophouse?

3/24/2004 2:00:09 AM

Sequim, WA

Yes

3/24/2004 3:02:25 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Chris you have to say it slower so she understands...
Y E S B R I G G I T E !!!
:)

3/24/2004 5:11:55 AM