Step-by-Step
Polytunnel Installation Guide
Watch, read, or download our easy-to-follow instructions for assembling your polytunnel greenhouse.
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Installation Video Guide
Note: This video demonstrates assembly for our Polytunnel. Most steps are transferrable to our other tunnel products and this video can be used as a guide. Our product range has been updated since this video was made, so some instructions may have changed. We are working to update the video, but in the meantime, please refer to our latest PDF guide.
Written Installation Instructions
Step-by-step text guide for greenhouse assembly
1
Prepare the Foundation
Map out your greenhouse location and prepare the foundation.
- Mark the four corners with stakes or spray paint
- Use the 3-4-5 triangle method to ensure perfect right angles
- Draw a level building line about 10 cm off the ground
- Mark where your arches will go (typically spaced 1.32 to 1.5 meters apart, except for net houses which are spaced 2.4m apart and covered shelters which are spaced 2m apart)
- Drill holes for embedment posts: 30 cm wide and about 80cm deep (1m for the premium kit and 40cm deep at a minimum)
- Mix and pour concrete into the holes, holding posts steady
- Let concrete dry overnight
2
Assemble Frame Structure
Build the main frame structure once foundation is set.
- Assemble arches by connecting them to the columns
- Use self-drilling (tek) screws to attach pieces together
- Slot columns into embedment posts
- Add purlins and trusses for support between arches
- Secure purlin poles together with tek screws
- Secure purlins to inner arches using spring clips
- Attach ends of purlin poles to front and back arch using clamps
3
Install End Walls and Door Frame
Complete the end walls and door installation.
- Install horizontal bars on front and back arches using clamps
- Attach purlins between horizontal bar and arch to form a W
- Dig holes for embedment posts along end walls
- Install bar above and below door
- Install door track using taping screws
- Run locking profile channels for front/back walls
- Make cuts in locking profile channels to bend around column elbows
- Secure with screws every 40-50 cm to keep frame rigid
4
Install Locking Profiles and Window Frames
Add finishing structural elements.
- Use connector plates to keep locking profile channels straight
- For side walls, add two horizontal channels (20-30 cm off ground and 1 meter above)
- Install reinforced channels (if using), then standard locking profile
- Complete door frame and add horizontal profiles
5
Install Doors and Pest Control
Set up doors and pest prevention.
- Install sliding doors on rail system
- Attach door to trolleys with bolts and test movement
- Cover door frame with plastic or ventilation mesh
- Install polyethylene insect mesh on window frames
- Use wiggle wire to lock netting into channels
- Install dado film under insect mesh
6
Apply Covering
Install the greenhouse plastic cover.
- Unroll plastic sheet along side of greenhouse (shiny side out)
- Attach rope to film and pull over frame evenly
- Use dull object to deal with plastic snags
- Secure with wiggle wire from top to bottom
- Leave 20-30 cm of plastic overlapping ground
- Adjust tension to smooth out wrinkles
- Wait 20 days for concrete to fully cure before adding heavy loads
Spacing Calculator
Calculate how many arches you need and holes to dig along the side for your frame installation.
meters
Arch Spacing Reference
Different tunnel types require different arch spacing for optimal structural support
| Product Type | Arch Spacing |
|---|---|
| Polytunnel Starter Kit | 1.5m |
| Polytunnel Elite Kit | 1.5m |
| Polytunnel Pro Kit | 1.32m |
| Polytunnel Premium Kit | 1.32m |
| Multispan Polytunnel | 1.32m |
| Net House Starter Kit | 2.4m |
| Net House Pro Kit | 2.4m |
| Net House Premium Kit | 2.4m |
| Multispan Net House | 1.32m |
| Shade House Starter Kit | 1.5m |
| Shade House Pro Kit | 1.32m |
| Shade House Premium Kit | 1.32m |
| Multispan Shade House | 1.32m |
| Frame Starter Kit | 2.0m |
| Frame Elite Kit | 2.0m |
| Frame Pro Kit | 2.0m |
| Frame Premium Kit | 2.0m |
| Covered Shelter - Plastic Film | 2.0m |
| Covered Shelter - Shade Cloth | 2.0m |
| Covered Shelter - Netting | 2.0m |
Prefer a Printable Guide?
Download our comprehensive PDF installation guide for offline reference during assembly.
Need Additional Help?
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