DIY polytunnel hoops?

3759allen · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 17 Feb 2013 Posts: 3

Hi all.

i'm new to the forum, everyone seems very helpful from what i've read so far on here.so i'm looking for an answer or some experienced knowledge on thickness of material for the hoops of a poly tunnel?

i've read many peoples ideas on DIY poly tunnels and the easiest way to me seems to be the mdpe poly pipe and scaffold pole set up. most of the posts i've read have said about using 63mm pipe over the scaffold tubes. after doing a bit of pricing up and realising how expensive the 63mm pipe is, i'm wondering if there's any reason why i couldn't use 32mm pipe inside the scaffold?

the tunnel will be fairly sheltered from the wind anyway, and not out in the open.

i was thinking of shortening the spacing between hoops to gain extra strength (3-4 ft spacings).

i would be very interested in anyones views, theories, experience in the matter.

thanks in advance.

pollen jim · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 5:21 pm Post subject:

hi its simply strenght, wouldnt recommend 32 mm pipe and pressure of tightness of plastic cover in wind, stick to 63mm it will last. 32mm wont

Greengage · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 7:42 pm Post subject:

sometimes it would be better to buy a polytunel than making it, I know there is great satisfaction in making your own but a properly constructed one will last a lifetime.
Good luck if you continue to build so please post a pic. I recently constructed a chicken coop, I was quoted 250 for a ready made one, but being clever I reckon I could build cheaper, 3 months later its constructed and I wont tell you how much it cost state secret would have been better purchasing the other.but I would have had eggs and baby chicks by now.

Darwin. · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 7:54 pm Post subject:

You can get pipes from people with mushroom tunnels very cheaply that would be perfect.

davidk · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 8:06 pm Post subject:

Darwin. · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 8:12 pm Post subject:

Not sure, I know after I put mine up everybody told me that's what I should've done. You should give them a shout and see if they have any, you've got nothing to lose.

davidk · Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 8:14 pm Post subject:

3759allen · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 17 Feb 2013 Posts: 3

well i got itchy fingers and decided to get on with the project before you guys replied.

i did use 32mm pipe in the end. yes it did work and no it didn't.

i will be putting a full report with photo's for others to take any good ideas i had, and to avoid the mistakes i made.

i would agree with the fact that if i had to buy all the materials it would be roughly the same price as buying a proper one.