homestead.fyi / NFT-4

4-Channel NFT Rack

An NFT rack with 4 channels of 4 in PVC, 10 ft long, on a 2x4 stand with a 27 gal reservoir and a pump, for 52 plants.

Draft plan, generated from the model. Not yet build-tested.
4Channels
52Plants
1:40Slope
145 x 17 inFootprint
8 to 12 hrBuild time
~$399.26Materials, part estimate

Drawings All dimensions in inches

3D viewfinished
3D view
3D view, framingsiding and roof removed
3D view, framing
Front elevation
Front elevation 145 in 56 1/2 in
Right elevation
Right elevation 17 in 56 1/2 in
Plan viewfrom above
Plan view 145 in 17 in

Cut list: lumber Long-point lengths; angles noted

QtyStockLengthPartCut
12x4107Level 1 rail fronton edge, between the legs
12x4107Level 1 rail backon edge, between the legs
12x4107Level 2 rail fronton edge, between the legs
12x4107Level 2 rail backon edge, between the legs
12x456 1/2Leg left front
12x456 1/2Leg right front
12x456 1/2Leg left back
12x456 1/2Leg right back
12x49 3/8Level 1 cross highlaid flat across the legs
12x49 3/8Level 1 cross lowlaid flat across the legs
12x49 3/8Level 2 cross highlaid flat across the legs
12x49 3/8Level 2 cross lowlaid flat across the legs

Lumber cutting diagram Lengths chosen for the lowest cost; 1/8 in kerf, 1/2 in end trim

2x4 x 10 ft
Level 1 rail front 107Level 1 cross high 9 3/8
2x4 x 10 ft
Level 1 rail back 107Level 1 cross low 9 3/8
2x4 x 10 ft
Level 2 rail front 107Level 2 cross high 9 3/8
2x4 x 10 ft
Level 2 rail back 107Level 2 cross low 9 3/8
2x4 x 10 ft
Leg left front 56 1/2Leg right front 56 1/2
2x4 x 10 ft
Leg left back 56 1/2Leg right back 56 1/2

Shopping list $365.26 checked / $34.00 estimated

ItemStoreQtyEachLineNote
2x4x10 stud, SPFHome Depot6$5.46$32.76see lumber cutting diagram
4 in PVC pipe, 10 ftHome Depot4$30.96$123.8410 ft lengths, cut to 114 in
4 in PVC end capHome Depot8$3.98$31.84
Submersible pump, 250 gphHappy Hydro or Amazon1$28.95$28.95
27 gal storage tote with lid (HDX, black and yellow)Home Depot1$8.98$8.98reservoir
3 in net pots, 25 packAC Infinity or Garden Supply Guys3$16.99$50.9725 pack
2-3/4 in hole sawHome Depot1$22.00$22.00
3/4 in PVC fittings, assortedHome Depot1$12.00$12.00tubing and T-fittings
Hydroponic nutrient: General Hydroponics Flora trio, 1 quart eachPremier Hydro Shop1$44.84$44.84
Black spray paint 12 oz (Rust-Oleum)Home Depot2$6.98$13.96
Exterior wood screws #9 x 2.5 in, 1 lb boxHome Depot1$11.47$11.47
UV zip ties 11 in, 100 ct (also used for tie wire)Home Depot1$17.65$17.65straps
Total before tax~$399.26
Filled dot: price read from a store listing on Oct 20, 2026. Hollow dot: estimate. Prices come from the master price list, so they change when it changes.

Build steps

  1. Cut 4 lengths of 4 in PVC to 114 in and cap one end of each with a slip cap, drilled with a 1/2 in hole near the bottom for the outlet tubing. Glue the end caps on.
  2. Mark 13 holes along the top of each channel, 8 in apart, and cut each with a 2-3/4 in hole saw. Sand the edges.
  3. Spray the channels with two coats of white or silver paint to keep light out and algae down, or wrap them in reflective tape.
  4. Build the stand: four 2x4 legs, with flat crosspieces at each end of each level, the low end 2.9 in lower than the high end, so the channels have a 1:40 slope.
  5. Lay the channels on the stand and strap them down. Run a 1/2 in tube from the pump to the high end of each channel through a T-fitting, and drop the low ends into the reservoir.
  6. Fill the reservoir, add nutrient, run the pump and check the flow in each channel. It should be a thin film about 1/8 in deep, 1/2 gal a minute per channel.

Before you start