Alton EVOLUTION TWELVE 12x6 User manual

02/14

2
12’ Wide Evolution Cedar Greenhouse
Assembly Instructions
Contents:
Introduction
Base Preparation
Overview
Base Assembly
Side Assembly
Rear Assembly
Front Assembly
Roof Assembly
Louvre Assembly
Glazing
Door Installation
Roof Vent Installation
Frame Finishing
Gutter and Downpipe Installation
Optional Auto Louvre Installation
Parts Lists
Section
-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Page
3
4
5-6
7
8-9
10-14
15-17
18-21
22-23
24-32
33-37
38-40
41
42-43
44-45
46-49

3
Thank you for purchasing your new Alton greenhouse. We recommend you familiarise
yourself with the instructions and read all safety information before you commence assembly.
This instruction manual is also available online at www.greenhousepeople.co.uk in the
technical help section should you need to reprint it. Should you require any additional advice
you can always call us on 01782 385409.
Safety Warning
 Glass, aluminium and timber can potentially cause injury. Please ensure you wear protective
goggles, gloves, headgear and suitable footwear when assembling and glazing the building.
 Please remember that glass is fragile and should be handled with extreme care. Always clear
up and dispose of any breakages immediately.
 Do not assemble the greenhouse in high winds.
 For safety reasons and ease of assembly, we recommend that this greenhouse is assembled
by a minimum of two people.
 Please clear all lying snow from the greenhouse roof as it can cause the roof to buckle or
collapse.
Site Preparation
 When selecting a site for your greenhouse, it is vital that you choose as flat and level an area
as possible.
 A concrete or slabbed base will provide the most solid foundation for your greenhouse. A
slabbed base would be our preferred choice as this helps with drainage.
 Avoid placing your greenhouse under trees or in other vulnerable locations.
 To minimise the risk of wind damage, try to select as sheltered a site as possible, e.g. beside a
hedgerow or garden fence.
Additional Considerations
 Please bear in mind that assembling your greenhouse can be time consuming. You may need
to spread the construction over two or more days. We recommend that you avoid leaving the
building partially glazed. If you ever have to leave your greenhouse half assembled and not
anchored down, weigh it down with slabs or bags of sand to stop the wind moving it.
 You will find it helpful to prepare a large, clean and clear area in which to work in. A garage
floor or flat lawn area is ideal.
 If you have arranged for someone to install your greenhouse for you, please check that all
components are included. Most parts are numbered and can be identified by a stamp or
removable label. Alternatively, the components can be identified by lengths detailed in the
packing list in your main cardboard box.
 Once installed your greenhouse requires little maintenance, but to maintain the smooth
running of your door(s) WD40 or similar can be applied to the door wheels and lower door
guides.
 Remember this is a natural un-treated product, the wood will soak up some water to start
with and some staining may occur. This will settle down over time and the greenhouse will
really blend with its surroundings. If you want to avoid this and give your greenhouse a
more permanent finish you could apply an oil or spirit based product (it would be best to do
this before glazing!).
Introduction

4
B
A
It is necessary to leave sufficient working room around your greenhouse when you're putting it up
and also to allow for the possible need to replace a piece of glass in the future. If possible try and
leave a space of 2ft/610mm around the greenhouse.
Locate the greenhouse where there is maximum amount of sunlight and avoid if possible any shade
from trees, fences or other buildings. Over-hanging branches can be a particular nuisance and should
be avoided.
Choose a site where the greenhouse is relatively easy to get to and convenient to bring water to and
possibly a supply of electricity.
Finally, and most importantly, choose a site where your Alton Greenhouse will look right so that it
will complement your garden.
Base Preparation
1
Slab Base Size (Recommended)
Note: The base should always be larger than your
building.
The measurements given in ‘A’ and ‘B’ should only
be used as a guide.
Greenhouse
Width
Greenhouse
Length A (mm) B (mm)
12 ft - 3877mm 6 ft - 1976mm 4270 2700
12 ft - 3877mm 8 ft - 2606mm 3600
12 ft - 3877mm 10 ft - 3236mm 3600
12 ft - 3877mm 12 ft - 3866mm 4500
SOIL
50mm
5 : 1
3’ X 2’ Slab (2” thick)
(910mm X 610mm)
Recommended

5
25mm Pan Head
(Stainless Steel)
40mm Pan Head
(Stainless Steel)
50mm Countersunk (Stainless Steel)
80mm Countersunk (Stainless Steel)
Fixes all
capping and
metalwork
Secures
Timber
Cladding
Fixes glazing
bars to ridge
and cills
Secures the
roof and side
glazing bars to
the eaves in
one go!
19mm Pan Head
(Stainless Steel)
Fixes the
ridge hinge
(aluminium
option)
25mm Countersunk
(Stainless Steel)
13mm Self Tapping
Used on door metalwork and
roof vents
EV0329 EV0328 EV0330 EV0331 EV0332 EV0333 EV0334
Overview
2
This manual uses a 12 ft wide x 8 ft long greenhouse as
an example throughout the manual. Look out for tables
and extra diagrams showing the varying sizes. You can use
the image on the front cover as a reference as to what the greenhouse
should look like as you go along.
If you are going to treat the greenhouse yourself then it would be best to do it before
you begin building the frame.
Set out your metal base on your prepared site, but don’t fix this down until the greenhouse
is complete. Follow the manual and build the sections as recommended.
When screwing through one piece of timber into another it is always recommended to predrill the
first piece. This will prevent the timber from splitting which could weaken the structure.
You can build the sides flat on the ground and then with help or using a prop position the first one
ready for installation. You then work your way around the greenhouse connecting each section. The
rear gable is the next section to install, followed by the other side and then the front gable. Once you
have completed the gables and sides you can install the ridge and the roof.
To build you new greenhouse you will need the following tools:
Spirit Level Pencil
PZ2 Screwdriver Bit Cordless Screwdriver ( 2 would be ideal, 1 to drill and 1 to screw)
4mm Drill Bit 7mm Masonry Bit
Hammer Dril Hammer
Step ladders
There are 7 different types of screws used in the construction of the greenhouse. These are as
follows, with examples of where to look out for them:

6
Overview
2
Glazing the structure is very simple but be very careful of the edges of the glass as the pane will
break into tiny peaces if you catch an edge on a hard surface such as concrete. You should also wear
suitable gloves when handling the glass (this also helps to keep it clean). It is good practice to pre-
load the bar capping with screws and position this around the greenhouse ready for you when you
arrive with the glass.
During glazing you will also need to fit the louvre vents so make sure you have these built and ready
to slot in. These fit between 2 pieces of glass and are held in place by the capping system.
Take time over fitting the door track and bottom runner as this will be most noticeable if you don’t
get it right. This is the one part of the building you will touch and use regularly.
Then fit the roof vent. This is done from the inside, gain access through the opening on a set of
steps.
All you have left to do now is fit the gutter and downpipes, think about where you might site a
waterbutt when doing this.
Extension and Partition instructions are in separate booklets. Be sure to follow these instructions at
the correct time in the build. For an extension this will be during the initial stages before you build
the front end. The partition can be added while constructing the roof. If you have a partition and an
extension remember the partition can not be positioned at the join of your main building and the
extension.
You can always add a Partition or an Extension at a later date so consider this when you are siting
your greenhouse.
Option of gluing joints. This is not required for strength but you may do it if you wish. However bare
in mind if you ever intend to move or adapt the greenhouse in the future this would make it very
difficult. The best glue for this would be Poly Urethane Wood Adhesive. Take care when applying
this, you only need a very small amount as the glue expands to fill the joint. If you use too much it
may seep out of the joint and could be unsightly! Try a test piece before you start.
Read through the rest of this manual before starting, you are less likely to miss something doing this
and you will have a better understanding of how it all works.

7
Base Assembly
3
EV0304M
EV0301M
EV0304M
EV0296M
Lay out your aluminium base
sections as the diagram shows.
Insert bolts in the bolt channels for
attaching the base brackets
(HE300), diagram 1. The base
brackets should always be
positioned either side of the door,
in the corners, in the middle of the
rear and equally spaced down the
sides. Use the joining bracket in
each corner to join the sections
(diagram 1). The top holes will take
a 25mm screw when the
side cills are fixed to it.
Also fit the front door cill
with 2 plates (HE512M),
diagram 2.
Look for the length of
building you have in the
table below to check
what you should be
using.
NB. For Extensions
refer to separate
manuals.
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0296M 1283 2
EV0303M 1846 2
EV0301M 3779 1
6ft
Part Name
Front
Side
Rear
Joining Bracket EV0311M - 4
Base Bracket D174M - 9
Door Cill EV0288M 1216 1
Plate HE512M - 2
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0296M 1283 2
EV0304M 2476 2
EV0301M 3779 1
8ft
Part Name
Front
Side
Rear
Joining Bracket EV0311M - 4
Base Bracket D174M - 9
Door Cill EV0288M 1216 1
Plate HE512M - 2
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0296M 1283 2
EV0305M 3106 2
EV0301M 3779 1
10ft
Part Name
Front
Side
Rear
Joining Bracket EV0311M - 4
Base Bracket D174M - 11
Door Cill EV0288M 1216 1
Plate HE512M - 2
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0296M 1283 2
EV0306M 3736 2
EV0301M 3779 1
12ft
Part Name
Front
Side
Rear
Joining Bracket EV0311M - 4
Base Bracket D174M - 11
Door Cill EV0288M 1216 1
Plate HE512M - 2
example
8 x 8
example
D174M
EV0296M
EV0288M
EV0311M
D174M
EV0304
EV0301M
Internal
Diagram 1
EV0288M
HE512M
EV0296M
Internal
Diagram 2
Dia. 2
Dia. 1

8
To start building your greenhouse begin by laying out the components for your sides flat on the
ground like the diagram below. Use the tables below to identify your building length and the
components with the part numbers and sizes. First of all drill pilot holes through the bottom of each
mortise on the cill section (diagram 3, page 9). Then slot each glazing bar into the mortise holes.
These are designed as a tight fit so you may need help with this or maybe use a solid object to push
against. Once firmly in position fix with the 50mm screw. Now slot the eaves rail into position (e.g.
EV0021). There is no need to fix this yet as it is done at a later stage.
Side Assembly
4
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0015 1846 2
EV0020 1934 2
EV0030 1588 4
6ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0014 1216 2
EV0019 1304 2
EV0030 1588 2
4ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0016 2476 2
EV0021 2564 2
EV0030 1588 6
8ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0017 3106 2
EV0022 3194 2
EV0030 1588 8
10ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0018 3736 2
EV0023 3824 2
EV0030 1588 10
12ft
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
EV0016
EV0021
EV0030
Dia. 3
Dia. 4
EV0030 EV0030
example
Internal

9
Side Assembly
4
Diagram 3
EV0016
EV0030
EV0016
EV0030
EV0030
EV0021
Diagram 4
Make sure the side bars are pushed all the
way in, you may find they need a light tap
with a wooden mallet or something similar.
(If you are going to glue your joints this is the
first point you would do this. )
50mm Screw
Pilot hole, it is
easiest to drill
down through the
middle of the
mortise to make
sure you get the
hole in the correct
position
Internal
Internal

10
Dia. 5
Dia. 6
EV0057
Dia. 7
Rear Assembly
5
To install this section you will need a helper to hold the side in position or strap it to a set of steps.
Drill two pilot holes in the bottom of the side corner bar as in diagram 6. The height of these holes
should be about 15mm on the side face and 25mm on the rear face measured from the end of the
bar, try to keep these at different heights to each other so the screws don’t intersect each other.
Now offer the side corner to the eaves bar slotting the tennon into the mortise shown in diagram 5,
do not fix this joint as it will be done at a later stage. Screw the bottom of the corner glazing bar to
the end of the cill (80mm screw) making sure the rebate for the glass lines up with the front face of
the side cill (diagram 6).
Once the side corner bar is in place this will give you the correct position on the aluminium base and
you can fix the base to the side cill with 25mm screws (diagram 7).
Diagram 5
Diagram 6
80mmScrew
Keep faces in line
EV0057
EV0057
16mm
16mm
Side
Face
Rear
Face
15mm
25mm
Diagram 7
25mmScrew
EavesBar
SideCill
SideCill
SideBase
EV0030
External
External
Internal
(OutsideEdge)
Internal

11
Rear Assembly
5
EV0013
EV0060
Pilot hole
50mm
Diagram 8
Dia. 9
(page 12)
EV0060
EV0061
EV0013
Dia. 8
Locate the rear cill and rear gable glazing bars (these are
different to the front gable glazing bars as they do not have
the mortise for the door header).
Start by drilling pilot holes in the cill section through the
mortise holes as before (diagram 8). Also drill 2 holes
in the top of the gable glazing bars through the
lap joint location. These should be 25-30mm
apart and the first hole should be a
similar distance from the very top
edge (see right)
Assemble the gable glazing bars with
the rear cill flat on the ground as
you did with the side sections.
Again with the aid of a helper or using
a prop position the rear end onto the
aluminium base. Locate the end of
the cill into the mortise on the side
corner bar (diagram 9, page 12).
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0013 3796 1
EV0044 2153 1
EV0045 2153 1
12ft Rear
Part Name
Cill
Roof Corner R
Roof Corner L
Side Corner R EV0056 1650 1
Side Corner L EV0057 1650 1
Gable Bar R EV0060 1994 1
Gable Bar L EV0061 1994 1
Mid Gable Bar EV0076 2502 1
Gable Bar L EV0065 2288 1
Gable Bar R EV0064 2288 1
30mm
30mm
EV0061
Internal
Internal
NB there
are no
mortise
holes on
these
gable
bars.
EV0072
EV0076
EV0073

12
Rear Assembly
5
You can now install the first roof corner bar. Position the notched end onto
the eaves bar (diagram 11). Next locate the lap joint at the top of the gable
glazing bar. First of all secure the lap joint with two 40mm screws
though the pilot holes you drill previously (diagram 10).
You then need to drill a pilot hole through the roof corner bar.
You want the screw to go through the tennon in the end
of the side glazing bar so make sure you keep the drill
as vertical and true as possible. The hole should be
about 42mm from the end of the bar (diagram 9).
Once you have done this fix it with a 80mm
screw. This will secure the roof corner
bar to the eaves bar and the eaves
bar to the side corner bar in
one go.
Dia. 11
Dia. 10
Dia. 12
Once you have fixed the joint
with the 80mm screw
(diagram 9) fix the rear cill to
the aluminium base with
25mm screws.
80mmScrew
EV0013
EV0057
EV0301M
Diagram 9
External

13
Now fit the right hand corner bar. Drill 2 pilot
holes in the bottom of the bar (diagram 12).
See diagram 6 for the position of these holes.
Fit the side bar over the tennon of the rear cill
and fix it with the 80mm screw. You can then
also screw the base to this with a 25mm screw.
Rear Assembly
5
EV0073
EV0045
40mmScrew
EV0045
EV0057
80mm Screw
Diagram 10
Diagram 11
42mm
80mm Screw
EV0056
EV0013
EV0301M
Diagram 12
Side
Face
Back
Face
EavesBar
SideBase
Internal External
External

14
Now fit the right hand roof corner bar to the gable glazing bar (diagram 13). Be careful of this part
when you have fixed it to the gable bar as it is unsupported at either end. Once you have installed
the side section it will firm up.
Rear Assembly
5
40mmScrew
EV0060
EV0044
Diagram 13
Dia. 13
NB. If you have an
extension refer to the
separate manual at
this stage.
Internal
Take the second side section and place it on the base. Slot
the eaves bar into the roof and side corner bar. Fix this with
a 80mm screw as before in diagram 11. Fix the Side corner
bar to the side cill as in diagram 6, use a 80mm screw.

15
With the parts flat on the ground drill the pilot holes
through each mortise in the cills and as before
through the lap joint on the gable bars. Also drill
pilot holes through the mortise holes on the gable
bars ready for the door header. Fix the front cill to
the gable glazing bar using a 50mm screw.
Slot the tennon of the front cill into the side corner
bar as before (diagram 9). Fix this with a 80mm
screw. Also screw this to the base with 25mm
screws. Keep the gable glazing bar supported while
you get the next parts ready.
Front Assembly
6
Dia. 14
Diagram 14
50mm Screw
EV0073
EV0008
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0008 630 2
EV0044 1446 1
EV0045 1446 1
12ft Front
Part Name
Front Cill
Roof Corner R
Roof Corner L
Side Corner R EV0056 1650 1
Side Corner L EV0057 1650 1
Gable Bar R EV0060 1994 1
Gable Bar L EV0061 1994 1
Door Header EV0109 1276 1
Above Door EV0079 344 1
Gable Bar L EV0073 2288
Gable Bar R EV0072 2288
External

16
Fix the opposite gable bar and
cill in the same way. Before you
install the roof corner bars you
need to fix the door header in
place.
Slot the door header into the
mortise holes and fix with a
50mm screw through each end
(diagram 16).
Make sure the gable bars are
well supported while doing this.
Front Assembly
6
Dia. 16
Diagram 16
EV0068
EV0109
50mmScrew
External
Dia. 15
Diagram 15 External
Drill through the bottom of
the tennon in the door
header (EV0109) then fix the
glazing bar above the door
with a 50mm screw using a
cup washer.
50mm Screw
EV0109
EV0077

17
40mmScrew
EV0068
EV0044
6
Now fit the roof corner bars to the front
end. As before, fix the lap joint at the top
of the gable bar first with 40mm screws
(diagram 17) then secure the bottom end
to the eaves bar with a 80mm screws
(diagram 18).
EV0041
EV0057
80mm Screw
Diagram 18
42mm
Dia. 18
Dia. 17
Front Assembly
Diagram 17
Internal
External

18
With help locate the ridge with the roof corner
bars. Once into position, drill 2 pilot holes into
each end as in diagram 19. Try to keep the angle
something close to diagram 20, through the top
face of the roof corner bars. This is to prevent
the end or the screw coming through the
bottom of the roof glazing bar. This angle will
also give a much better and stronger fixing.
Roof Assembly
7
Diagram 20
Dia. 17
80mmScrew
50mmScrew
Optimum
screw angle
EV0044
EV0045
6ft
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Ridge EV0026 1934 1
Glazing Bar EV0035 2151 4
Eaves Spacer EV0024 586 6
4ft
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Eaves Spacer EV0024 586 4
Ridge EV0025 1304 1
Glazing Bar EV0035 2151 2
8ft
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Ridge EV0027 2564 1
Glazing Bar EV0035 2151 6
Eaves Spacer EV0024 586 8
10ft
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Ridge EV0028 3194 1
Glazing Bar EV0035 2151 8
Eaves Spacer EV0024 586 10
12ft
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Ridge EV0029 3824 1
Glazing Bar EV0035 2151 10
Eaves Spacer EV0024 586 12
Ridge
External
Diagram 19
X-ray
example

19
Roof Assembly
7
The next stage is to fix the first eaves spacer (diagram 21). This should be secured tightly up against
the roof corner bar and fixed with 50mm screws. Now take a roof glazing bar, locate this with the
ridge making sure it is pushed all the way into the mortise in the ridge. Then locate the bottom of
the roof bar with the eaves bar making sure the inside edge sits flat against the eaves bar and drill a
pilot hole vertically down. Make sure this is tight against the eaves spacer then fix this with an 80mm
screw. This screw will go through into the side glazing bar securing the whole joint (diagram 22,
p20).
If you have a partition remember to look at the separate instructions as you need to decide where in
the building you are installing this as the roof bars are different to the standard roof bars.
Dia. 23
Dia. 21
Dia. 22
Diagram 21
NB. If you have a Partition
refer to the separate manual
at this stage.
50mmScrew
EV0024
Dia. 20
External
Keep front
faces flush

20
Roof Assembly
7
Diagram 24 X-ray
Diagram 25
50mmScrew
EV0090
Internal
Once the bottom joint is fixed you can screw the glazing
bar to the ridge (diagram 23). Do this with a 50mm screw
but make sure the glazing bar is all the way into the joint.
Diagram 24 shows an X-ray view of the end of the ridge.
This shows the best angle for the screw. Again you want
to be careful the end of the screw doesn’t come through
at any point. (Don’t worry to much about the screw ends
crossing, if this happens as you are putting the screw in it
will simply push past the other screw).
Repeat this all the way round the roof until the frame is
complete.
80mm Screw
EV0024
EV0035
Keep a
tight fit
EV0035
EV0024
50mmScrew
External
Diagram 23
External
External
Diagram 22
Before you start fitting the bracings check the
distances between the two sides along the
length of the eaves bar. On larger buildings it
may be necessary to tie the two sides together
before attaching the bracing to reduce any sag.
Fix the bottom of the roof glazing bars to
the eaves bar with 80mm screws. Make
sure the inside face of the glazing bar is
flush with the eaves bar (shown below).