Non-leaky coldframes

Ozric Jonathan · 27-08-2008, 01:30 PM

Hi can those of you with coldframes that don't let in rain please tell me what model you have? I'm looking for a decent sized one that won't let in water.

Thanks

Laraine · 27-08-2008, 01:50 PM

Are you handy with screws and wood? its just that its cheaper to make one, the trick is to make the lid only fractionally bigger than the base, and paint it with an outdoor wood paint/colour such as the Ronseal one that contains a wax. this repels the water. Richard recently made one for our new rehomer for less than £15, one the same size would have cost over £250
I bought one of the metal and plastic ones last year and it was so flimsy. We get lots of 'gentle breezes' from the Irish sea and it was quickly destroyed!

helen1 · 27-08-2008, 06:17 PM

Laraine....can you post a pic of yours....I can make stuff but I need to see one first!

Need to make a larger one for my hermann ladies next summer

Laraine · 27-08-2008, 08:19 PM

Will take some photos and post tomorrow Helen.

Ozric Jonathan · 28-08-2008, 12:26 PM

Thanks for that reply, yes I've been thinking about making a coldframe, or buying (another) one. I have found some free plans on the internet and it does look fairly straightforward. I wouldn't say I was 'handy' - more the have-a go type!

You are so right about the cost, there are some really nice ones on the market - for £400 and more. Laraine I think you've helped me decide to make one.

stusads · 28-08-2008, 07:35 PM

what materials are you using to make your cold frames? ive got a couple of pieces of glass but ive no idea how to construct the master piece

Ozric Jonathan · 28-08-2008, 10:39 PM

This site below tells you how to make one using an old window.

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/oldwindowuses

Coldframes can be made out of wood, bricks, etc. If its a boxy thing with a lid that lets light in to warmup the inside, its a coldrame.

http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/main/pdf/coldfram.pdf
I was thinking about using this plan here, maybe:

27-08-2008, 01:30 PM	#1
Ozric Jonathan Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West of Scotland Posts: 4,226	Non-leaky coldframes Hi can those of you with coldframes that don't let in rain please tell me what model you have? I'm looking for a decent sized one that won't let in water. Thanks __________________ Testudo Hermanni Hermanni (Corse) tortoises

27-08-2008, 01:50 PM	#2
Laraine Senior Member Adult Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wirral Posts: 3,622	Are you handy with screws and wood? its just that its cheaper to make one, the trick is to make the lid only fractionally bigger than the base, and paint it with an outdoor wood paint/colour such as the Ronseal one that contains a wax. this repels the water. Richard recently made one for our new rehomer for less than £15, one the same size would have cost over £250 I bought one of the metal and plastic ones last year and it was so flimsy. We get lots of 'gentle breezes' from the Irish sea and it was quickly destroyed! __________________ Laraine ________________________

27-08-2008, 06:17 PM	#3
helen1 Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: NORTH WEST Posts: 1,977	Laraine....can you post a pic of yours....I can make stuff but I need to see one first! Need to make a larger one for my hermann ladies next summer __________________ I CARE FOR TORTS

27-08-2008, 08:19 PM	#4
Laraine Senior Member Adult Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wirral Posts: 3,622	Will take some photos and post tomorrow Helen. __________________ Laraine ________________________

28-08-2008, 12:26 PM	#5
Ozric Jonathan Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West of Scotland Posts: 4,226	Thanks for that reply, yes I've been thinking about making a coldframe, or buying (another) one. I have found some free plans on the internet and it does look fairly straightforward. I wouldn't say I was 'handy' - more the have-a go type! You are so right about the cost, there are some really nice ones on the market - for £400 and more. Laraine I think you've helped me decide to make one. __________________ Testudo Hermanni Hermanni (Corse) tortoises

28-08-2008, 07:35 PM	#6
stusads Junior Member Egg Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: norfolk Posts: 43	what materials are you using to make your cold frames? ive got a couple of pieces of glass but ive no idea how to construct the master piece __________________ just the one tortoise, marge the 2yr old marginated

28-08-2008, 10:39 PM	#7
Ozric Jonathan Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West of Scotland Posts: 4,226	This site below tells you how to make one using an old window. http://www.doityourself.com/stry/oldwindowuses Coldframes can be made out of wood, bricks, etc. If its a boxy thing with a lid that lets light in to warmup the inside, its a coldrame. http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/main/pdf/coldfram.pdf I was thinking about using this plan here, maybe: __________________ Testudo Hermanni Hermanni (Corse) tortoises

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