Alton VICTORIAN DURHAM User manual

07/1407/19
DURHAM
7HB
7 x 12
7 x 8
DURHAM PORCH HB

2
Contents:
Introduction
Base Preparation / Dimensions
Overview
Base Assembly
Rear Assembly
End Gable Assembly
Porch Assembly
Frame Assembly
Door Assembly
Roof Assembly
Mid Rail Assembly
Half Board Installation
Louvre Installation
Glazing (part 1)
Gutter and Downpipe Installation
Glazing (part 2)
Roof Vent Installation
Optional Cresting
End Caps and Finials
Finish Installation
Optional Auto Louvre Installation
Parts Lists
Section
-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Page
3
4-5
6-7
8
9-10
11-15
16-21
22-25
26-28
29-35
36-38
39-40
41
42-46
46-49
50-52
53-55
56
57
58
59-60
61-64
7’ Wide Victorian HB Cedar Greenhouse
Assembly Instructions

3
 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 / back of manual.
 Remember this is a natural timber product, the wood may soak up some water and some
staining may occur. Your Evolution greenhouse is factory dipped in a clear spirit based
preservative. We recommend that you re-apply some clear treatment annually particularly on
the most exposed areas. If you want to avoid this and give your greenhouse a more
permanent finish you could apply an oil based product (refer to manufacturers
recommendations for recoating).
Introduction
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.
HELPLINE: 0116 267 7091
Safety Warning

4
Base Preparation
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 to 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.
We cannot emphasis how important it is to have a proper base for your Alton Greenhouse to be
erected upon. It is essential that the BASE IS FLAT, LEVEL AND SQUARE AS WELL AS BEING
SUBSTANTIAL enough to take the weight of the greenhouse including its 3mm glass. A slabbed
base which is larger than the greenhouse is the ideal solution. The gaps between the slabs allow for
any water which may enter the building to percolate away easily.
Note that the door opens inwards so you should not have any higher ground or obstacles inside the
arc of the front door.
IMPORTANT: Do not anchor your greenhouse down until it is fully assembled including glazing
unless you are 100% sure your base is square and level. If not your glass will not fit properly.
1

5
SOIL
50mm
5 : 1
3’ X 2’ Slab (2” thick)
(910mm X 610mm)
2” thickness (50mm)
Recommended
Slab Base Size (Recommended)
Note: The base should always be larger than
your building.
Note: If a membrane is used this may hinder
drainage.
1
Base Dimensions
EXTERNAL GREENHOUSE DIMENSIONS (mm)
Model sizes listed are nominal, use ‘mm’ measurements.
i.e.: an 7 x 12 is the model 7'5" x 12'7"
MODEL A (mm) TOTAL WIDTH B (mm) LENGTH C (mm) DIAG D (mm) PORCH E (mm) PORCH DEPTH F (mm) RETURN LENGTH G (mm) WIDTH
VICTORIAN
(7)
DURHAM
(HB)
7 x 8
2259
2566 3194
1902 357
332
7 x 12 3827 4273.5 962.5
1902
7 x 16 5087 5431 1592.5
7 x 20 6347 6626 2222.5
7 x 24 7607 7841 2852.5
7 x 28 8867 9069 3482.5

6
2
Overview
This manual uses a 7ft x 12ft greenhouse as an
example throughout. Look out for tables and extra
diagrams showing the varying sizes. You can use
the images 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 pre-
drill the first piece. This will prevent the timber from splitting which could weaken the
structure.
To build your 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 Drill Hammer
Wooden/Rubber Mallet Tall step ladders x 2
Tape Measure
There are 9 different types of screws used in the construction of the greenhouse. These are as
follows, with examples of where to look out for them:
EV0329
13mm
SELF TAP
EV0328
20mm
PAN HEAD
EV0330
25mm
CSK HEAD
EV0331
25mm
PAN HEAD
EV0332
40mm
PAN HEAD
EV0333
50mm
CSK HEAD
EV0367
50mm
PAN HEAD
EV0334
80mm
CSK HEAD
EV0339
100mm
CSK HEAD
Fixes the vent
hinge to the
ridge cover cap.
Used on
roof vents.
Transit screws
and on roof
vents and door.
Fixes all cap-
ping and metal-
work.
Secures Timber
Cladding.
Fixes glazing
bars to ridge
and cills.
Used on upper
porch casting.
Secures corner
joints and the
roof glazing
bars to the
ridge.
Fixes the roof
glazing bars to
the eaves and
side glazing
bars in one go.
BUILDING
SIZE QUANTITY
7x8 6 16 46 204 154 43 7 52 9
7x12 12 32 46 261 168 52 7 60 13

7
Overview
2
You can build the sides and gables 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. Once you have completed the gables and sides you can install the ridge and the roof.
Glazing the structure is very simple but be very careful of the edges of the glass as the panes will
break into tiny peaces if you catch an edge on a hard surface such as concrete. You should also wear
suitable gloves and goggles when handling the glass (this also helps to keep it clean). It is good
practice to pre-load the cedar 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.
Now that the sides are glazed the gutters and downpipes need to be installed before the majority of
the roof glass otherwise the roof sheets impede their attachment, think about where you might site a
water butt when doing this.
Once the roof is glazed fit the roof vents. This is done from the inside, gain access through the
opening on a set of steps.
Longer Models
If your building is longer than 12’ i.e. has extensions then please also refer to the separate extension
manual before you begin construction. Extensions are available in 4’ and 8’ nominal lengths which
can go each side of either an 8’ or a 12’ central core.
A 16’ building for example is comprised of a 8’ core with a 4’ extension either side of it, i.e. end gable
+ 4’ extension + 8’ core + 4’ extension + end gable.
A 28’ model for example is comprised of a 12’ core with a 8’ extension either side of it, i.e. end gable
+ 8’ extension + 12’ core + 8’ extension + end gable.
Option of gluing joints. This is not required for strength but you may do it if you wish. However bear
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.

8
EV0306M
EV0611M
EV0293M
Dia. 1
EV0611M
EV1172M
EV1171M
D174M
EV1170M
EV1169M
EV0293M
7 x 12
example
3
7 x 8 Model
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Porch Front EV0293M 497 2
Porch Short LH EV1169M 330 2
End Gable Base EV0611M 1801 2
Joining Bracket EV0311M - 8
Base Bracket D174M - 12
Porch Short RH EV1170M 330 2
Side Base 8 EV0304M 2471 1
7 x 12 Model (shown)
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Porch Front EV0293M 497 2
Porch Short LH EV1169M 330 1
End Gable Base EV0611M 1801 2
Joining Bracket EV0311M - 8
Base Bracket D174M - 13
Porch Short RH EV1170M 330 1
Porch Long LH EV1171M 960 1
Porch Long RH EV1172M 960 1
Side Base 12 EV306M 3731 1
EV0311M
D174M
Internal
Diagram 1
Base Assembly
Lay out your aluminium base sections as the diagram
shows. Use the twist-in crop head bolts in the bolt
channels for attaching the base brackets (D174M),
diagram 1. The base brackets should always be
positioned either side of the door, in the corners, in
the middle of the end gables and equally spaced
down the side. Use the joining brackets (EV0311M) in
each corner with a standard bolt to join the sections
(diagram 1). The top holes will take a 25mm screw
when the side cills are fixed to it later. Look for the
length of building you have in the tables below to
check what you should be using.
NB. For Extensions refer to separate manual.
4’ base extension = EV1173M (1262mm), 8’ base extension = EV0307M (2520mm)

9
Rear Assembly
4
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0016 2476 1
EV0419 2564 1
EV0501 1624 3
Side 8
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0018 3736 1
EV0421 3824 1
EV0501 1624 5
Side 12 (shown)
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
To start building your greenhouse begin by laying out the components for your rear side 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 (e.g.EV0018)
(diagram 2, page 10). 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 50mm CSK screws (EV0333). Now slot the eaves rail into position (e.g. EV0421).
There is no need to fix this yet as it is done at a later stage.
EV0018
EV0421
EV0501
Dia. 2
Dia. 3
EV0501 EV0501
Internal
EV0501
7 x 12
example
EV0501
625mm EV0501
EV0501
Side glazing
bar orientation
TOP
BOTTOM INSIDE

10
Diagram 2
Cill(e.g.EV0018)
EV0501
Rear Assembly
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. )
EV0501
Eavesbarinternalface(e.g.EV0421)
Diagram 3
Internal
Cill (e.g.EV0018)
EV0501
50mm CSK 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
Eavesbarexternalface(e.g.EV0421)
External

11
5
6ft End Gable x 1
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Rear Cill EV0404 1821 1
Roof Corner R EV0480 1324 1
Roof Corner L EV0481 1324 1
Side Corner R EV0502 1650 1
Side Corner L EV0503 1650 1
Gable Purling R EV0408 480 1
Gable Purling L EV0414 480 1
Rear Mid Purling EV0413 851 1
Standard Bar EV0501 1624 1
Gable Bar R EV0504 2208 1
Gable Bar L EV0505 2208 1
Mid Gable Bar EV0460 901 1
As with the rear cill you will need to drill pilot holes in
the bottom of the mortise holes (diagram 5).
Assemble the glazing bar (EV0501) with the gable cill
flat on the ground as you did with the rear section.
This locates in the two outer mortise holes and the
middle mortise hole.
Now slot the middle rear purling (EV0413) onto the
central glazing bar, this will be fixed shortly.
EV0404
EV0501
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 Diagram 5
Diagram 4
EV0413
EV0501
Dia. 4
Dia. 5
EV0501
EV0413
EV0404
Internal
End Gable Assembly (two required on this model)

12
End Gable
5
Dia. 6
Diagram 6
EV0413
Now slot the 2 longer gable bars
(EV0504 / EV0505) into the cill.
These also need to locate with the
middle rear purling (diagram 6) .
EV0504
EV0504 EV0505
EV0408 EV0414
Next fit both left and right purlings
(EV0408 / EV0414 to the standard
glazing bars (EV0501). These are
handed parts and it is important to
fit them the correct way round. The
purlings will have rounded edges on
one side and square cut edges on
the other, the rounded edges should
be on the inside of the building
fitting flush with the other
components. The square cut edges
should be outward facing and will
be set in slightly from the rebate
that takes the glass. These simply
slot in place for now.
Internal
Internal

13
End Gable Assembly
5
Diagram 8
Dia. 8
Dia. 7
EV0502 EV0503
EV0502
EV0502
EV0408
EV0404
You will need to drill a pilot hole in
the bottom of each side corner bar
as shown in diagram 7. This should
come through half way up the
mortise slot. Now slot the side
corner bar into place, fix the bottom
of the bar with an 80mm screw.
With the top of the bar lined up with
the end of the purling (keeping the
inside edges flush) drill a pilot hole
close to the inside face of the tenon
on the purling (diagram 8), then fix
with a 25mm countersunk screw.
This is only a transit screw so just
make sure the joint is nice and tight,
a larger fixing will be added later.
20mm
16mm
Diagram 7
80mmScrew
25mm Screw
Internal

14
5
Dia. 9
EV0505
EV0481
40mmScrew
Diagram 10
Internal
Dia. 10
30mm 45mm
EV0505
Diagram 9
Now slot the two roof corner bars into
place, these should be secured with 40mm
Pan Head screws (EV0332), diagram 10.
EV0481
EV0480
Internal
Internal
EV0460
End Gable Assembly
Pilot
hole
here
Once the side corner bars are secure slot
the above purling glazing bars into place.
With all of the gable bars in place drill pilot
holes through the lap joints at the end of
each bar. The holes should be drilled
centrally to the bar and spaced out as
shown in diagram 9.

15
5
End Gable Assembly
Dia. 11
Diagram 11
Dia. 12
Diagram 12
With all the components now in place flip the gable end over so you now have the
outside edge facing you. Be careful doing this as some of the parts are not completely
supported, it is a good idea to have a helper at this point. Now using 25mm countersunk
screws fix the purlings to the glazing bars as shown in diagram 11 and 12. Make sure the
head of the screws are below the level of the timber so that they don’t have any contact
with the glass.
EV0413
EV0413
EV0413
EV0413EV0408
EV0408
EV0460 EV0460
EV0501
EV0501
EV0504 EV0504
External

16
Diagram 13
50mm CSK Screw
EV0504
EV0005
Internal
External
Porch Front Assembly
6
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
Dia. 13
The porch front gable is
made slightly differently
to the ends as it is in two
halves. It is a good idea
to build these side by
side to make sure you are
fitting the parts in the
correct orientation.
As before start by fixing
the gable bars to the cills
shown in diagrams 13
and 14.
EV0505
EV0504
EV0005 EV0005
6ft Porch Front
Part Name Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
Front Cill EV0005 507 2
Roof Corner R EV0480 1324 1
Roof Corner L EV0481 1324 1
Side Corner R EV0502 1650 1
Side Corner L EV0503 1650 1
Gable Purling R EV0408 480 1
Gable Purling L EV0414 480 1
Gable Bar R EV0504 2208 1
Gable Bar L EV0505 2208 1
Above door EV0471 561 1

17
Diagram 14
6
Porch Front Assembly
Now slot the purling bars into place, again as with the end assemblies these will be fixed later.
Dia. 14
EV0408
EV0504
EV0414
EV0408
Internal

18
Porch Front Assembly
Diagram 16
EV0502
EV0503
Dia. 16
Dia. 15
EV0005
EV0502
EV0502
EV0408
As before (keeping the inside edges flush) drill a pilot hole close to the inside face of the purlings
tenon (diagram 16), then fix with a 25mm countersunk screw. This is only a transit screw so just
make sure the joint is nice and tight, a larger fixing will be added later.
20mm
16mm
Diagram 15
Drill the pilot holes again as
diagram 15 shows. Fix the cill
to the corner bar with an
80mm CSK screw.
80mmCSK Screw
Internal
6
Internal
Internal Internal

19
30mm
6
45mm
EV0505
Diagram 17
EV0505
Ev0481
40mmScrew
Diagram 18
Internal
Slot the roof corner bars onto the gable
bars and fix with 40mm Pan Head
screws (diagram 18).
Slot the above purling glazing bars
into place ready to take the roof
corner bars. You should now drill
the pilot holes shown in diagram 17.
Dia. 18
Pilot
hole
here
Dia. 17
EV0481
EV0480
Internal
Internal
Porch Front Assembly

20
Porch Returns Assembly
Porch Front Assembly
6
EV0504
EV0408
Dia. 19
External
Your handed porch returns (diagrams 20 internal view, 23
external view) allow you to connect your end gable
assemblies to the front porch assembly. On the 12’ returns
(shown) the verticals (EV0501) are attached in the same
way you attached the same bar in the rear side assembly
(diagrams 2 and 3), note that you only need to attach them
from beneath to the cills (EV0907) they will be fixed to the
eaves (EV0910 / EV0911) later during the assembly of the
roof. On the 8’ returns (not shown) the EV0501 verticals are
not required your cills (EV0906 x 4) and your eaves bars
(EV0908 x 2, EV0909 x 2) can not accommodate them.
The L-shaped reverse corner bars which allow your porch
to protrude from the building are made up of two
components, a handed corner bar (EV0794 / EV0795) with
an additional batten (EV0791) which is attached using
50mm CSK screws, see diagrams 21—24.
Study diagrams 20-25 to see how 50mm CSK and 80mm CSK screws are used to join the pieces
together. Remember as before to always pilot drill holes first, see dimensions for optimum hole
locations. Take your time to ensure that you have measured correctly as the screw heads will be
visible at the end of the build and any errors will result in redundant holes in your timber. The
aluminium porch eaves castings (EV1158M) determine where the screws will attach to the eaves rails.
Flip each gable section over so you can fix the
purling bars with 25mm countersunk screws
(diagram 19).
Diagram 19
Porch Returns
Part Name Part
Number
Qty
7x8 7x12
Standard Bar EV0501 - 2
Porch Internal Batten EV0791 2
Porch Internal HB Corner LH EV0794 1
Porch Internal HB Corner RH EV0795 1
Porch Cill 1’ EV0906 4 2
Porch Cill 3’ EV0907 - 2
Porch Eaves 1’ LH EV0908 2 1
Porch Eaves 1’ RH EV0909 2 1
Porch Eaves 3’ LH EV0910 - 1
Porch Eaves 3’ RH EV0911 - 1
Porch Valley Eaves Casting EV1158M 2
External