Alton Victorian Elmhurst Porch DW Series User manual

07/1407/19
ELMHURST
9DW
9 x 12
9 x 8
ELMHURST PORCH DW

2
Contents:
Introduction
Base Preparation / Brickwork Dimensions
Overview
Rear Assembly
End Gable Assembly
Porch Assembly
Frame Assembly
Door Assembly
Roof Assembly
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
Page
3
4-5
6-7
8-9
10-15
16-23
24-27
28-30
31-37
38-39
40-44
44-47
48-50
51-53
54
55
56
57-58
59-63
9’ Wide Victorian DW Cedar Greenhouse
Assembly Instructions

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 / 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

4
Base Preparation
Refer to the base plan supplied with your order confirmation and on the opposite page for dwarf wall
dimensions.
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 minimum space of 2ft/610mm around the greenhouse.
Note that the door opens inwards so you should not have any higher ground or obstacles inside the
arc of the front door.
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.
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

6
2
Overview
This manual uses a 9ft 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.
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
9x8 6 16 42 259 89 47 5 46 9
9x12 12 32 42 324 107 49 5 54 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
Rear Assembly
3
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0016 2476 1
EV0419 2564 1
EV0489 908 3
Dwarf Rear 8
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Base Plate EV0644 2605 1
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0018 3736 1
EV0421 3824 1
EV0489 908 5
Dwarf Rear 12 (shown)
Part Name
Cill
Eaves Bar
Glazing Bar
Base Plate EV0646 3865 1
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 9). Then slot each glazing bar (EV0489) 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) checking it is
correctly orientated, diagrams 1 and 3. There is no need to fix
this yet as it is done at a later stage.
EV0018
EV0421
EV0489
Dia. 2
Dia. 3
EV0489 EV0489
Internal
EV0489
9 x 12
example
EV0489
EV0489
Side glazing
bar
orientation
INSIDE
EV0489
Eavesbarexternalface
Diagram 1

9
Diagram 2
Cill(e.g.EV0018)
EV0489
Rear Assembly
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. )
EV0489
Eavesbarinternalface(e.g.EV0421)
Diagram 3
Internal
Cill (e.g.EV0018)
EV0489
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
3
Diagram 4 Keep flush
at this point
SideBasePlate
(e.g.EV0646)
SideCill(e.g.EV0018)
The side base plates (EV0644 / EV0646)
should be fitted flush to the ends of the
side cills as shown in diagram 4. Fix with
25mm Pan Head screws (EV0331).
Internal

10
End Gable Assembly (two required on this model)
Part
Number
Size
(mm)
Qty
EV0405 2569 1
EV0482 1854 1
EV0483 1854 1
8ft End Gable x 1
Part Name
Rear Cill
Roof Corner R
Roof Corner L
Side Corner R EV0490 934 1
Side Corner L EV0491 934 1
Gable Bar R EV0494 1866 1
Gable Bar L EV0495 1866 1
Mid Gable Bar EV0461 1275 1
Standard Bar EV0489 908 3
Above Purling L EV0466 518 1
Above Purling R EV0465 518 1
Rear Mid Purling EV0413 851 1
Gable Purling L EV0415 854 1
Gable Purling R EV0409 854 1
Alu Base Plate EV0639 2687 1
As with the side cill you will need to drill pilot holes in
the bottom of the mortise holes (diagram 6).
Assemble the glazing bars (EV0489) with the gable cill
flat on the ground as you did with the rear section.
These locate 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 (diagram 5).
EV0405
EV489
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 Diagram 6
Diagram 5
EV0413
EV0489
Dia. 5
Dia. 6
EV0489
EV0489
EV0489
EV0413
EV0405
Internal
4 Internal

11
End Gable Assembly
Diagram 7
EV0413
Now slot the 2 longer gable bars
(EV0494 / EV0495) into the cill.
These also need to locate with the
middle rear purling (diagram 7) .
EV0494
Next fit both left
(EV0415) and right
(EV0409) purlings to the
standard glazing bars
(EV0489). 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. 4
Dia. 7
EV0495
EV0494
Internal
EV0415
EV0409
Internal
Internal

12
End Gable Assembly
4
Diagram 9
Dia. 9
Dia. 8
EV0490
EV0491
EV0490
EV0490
EV0409
EV0405
You will need to drill a pilot hole in the bottom of each
side corner bar as shown in diagram 8. 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 9), 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 8
80mmScrew
25mm Screw
Internal
Internal Internal
Internal

13
Once the side corner bars are secure slot
the above purling glazing bars (EV0465,
EV0466 and EV0461) 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 10.
End Gable Assembly
4
Pilot
hole
here
Dia. 10
EV0495
EV0483
40mmScrew
Diagram 11
Internal
Dia. 11
EV0466
30mm 45mm
EV0466
Diagram 10
Now slot the two roof corner bars into
place, these should be secured with 40mm
Pan Head screws (EV0332), diagram 11.
EV0483
EV0482
Internal
Internal
EV0461
EV0465

14
4
Dia. 12
Diagram 12
Dia. 13
Diagram 13
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 12 and 13. 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.
End Gable Assembly
EV0415
EV0415
EV0413
EV0413EV0409
EV0409
EV0466 EV0466EV0489
EV0489
EV0494 EV0494
External
External
External

15
4
34mm
Diagram 14
EV0639
Corner Glazing Bar
EV0405
You will need to
accurately measure
from the outside
edge of the corner
bar to get the correct
central position for
the rear base plate.
This should be set in
34mm from each
end, diagram 14.
Use 25mm Pan Head
screws to fix this in
place.
Dia. 14
Internal
End Gable Assembly

16
Diagram 15
50mm CSK Screw
EV0493
EV0005
External
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
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 15 and 16
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 EV0490 934 1
Side Corner L EV0491 934 1
Gable Purling R EV0408 480 1
Gable Purling L EV0414 480 1
Gable Bar R EV0492 1491 1
Gable Bar L EV0493 1491 1
Above door EV0471 561 1
Alu Base Plate R EV0632 566 1
Alu Base Plate L EV0633 566 1
5
Internal
Dia. 15
EV0493
EV0492
EV0005 EV0005
Porch Front Assembly

17
Diagram 16
Porch Front Assembly
Now slot the purling bars into place,
again as with the end assemblies these
will be fixed later.
EV0408
EV0492
5
EV0408 EV0414
Dia. 16
Internal
Internal

18
5
Diagram 18
EV0490
EV0491
Dia. 18
Dia. 17
EV0401
EV0490
EV0490
EV0408
As before (keeping the inside edges flush) drill a pilot
hole close to the inside face of the purlings tenon
(diagram 18), 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 17
80mmScrew
Internal
25mm Screw
Porch Front Assembly
Drill the pilot holes
again as diagram 17
shows. Fix the cill to
the corner bar with
an 80mm screw.
Internal Internal

19
Porch Front Assembly
5
30mm 45mm
EV0493
Diagram 19
EV0493
Ev0481
40mmScrew
Diagram 20
Internal
Slot the roof corner bars onto the gable
bars and fix with 40mm screws
(diagram 20).
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 19.
Dia. 20
Pilot
hole
here
Dia. 19
EV0492
EV0493
EV0481
EV0480
Internal
Internal

20
Diagram 21
EV0492
EV0408
External
Dia. 21
External
5
Porch Front Assembly Flip each gable section over so you can fix the
purling bars with 25mm countersunk screws
(diagram 21).