12x12 coop

[Harrisstep]

I’m building a 12x12 coop with a lean-to roof. 4’ on the low end and 6’ on the high end. I’m using 4x4 posts on the corners, and raising it up 2”.

Looking for a few suggestions to my questions:

1. Can I get away with 2x6x12s or even 2x4x12s for the joists @ 24” o.c w/ 1/4” flooring? OSB or plywood (I will be applying laminate or linoleum over it)

2. For the walls; 2x4s 16 or 24” o.c? LP makes this smart siding that I am looking to use.

3. Putting on a metal roof. What size rafters @ what spacing? I live in Michigan so I want to make sure it won’t cave when we get a big snow and/or freezing rain. With that said, can I get away with not putting OSB down? If not, 1/4 or 1/2”?

 

[DobieLover]

I’m building a 12x12 coop with a lean-to roof. 4’ on the low end and 6’ on the high end. I’m using 4x4 posts on the corners, and raising it up 2”.

That is only a 2:12 pitch. A metal roof requires a MINIMUM 3:12 pitch. I would use 5:12 to make sure you have good drainage.

Can I get away with 2x6x12s or even 2x4x12s for the joists @ 24” o.c w/ 1/4” flooring?

You should not use 2x4's for that span and certainly not 1/4" subfloor. It is not strong enough.
How high off the ground are you building it?
Are you planning on making it semi-walk-in style? If you make the shortest wall 5' and the higher wall 8', you could walk in it on the tall side.
I would use 2x6 PTs for the joists. 24"OC is fine but you would have to have at least 1/2" plywood for the subfloor. If you will be close to the ground, I'd use PT plywood.

For the walls; 2x4s 16 or 24” o.c?

You can use 2x4 studs, 24" OC as long as you increase your roof pitch so the snow slides off.

LP makes this smart siding that I am looking to use.

That stuff is heavy. Another reason to beef up your flooring. Are you floating the coop on skids or will it be up on piers/posts?

Putting on a metal roof. What size rafters @ what spacing?

Stick with the 2x6 and space them over the wall studs @ 24" OC.

I live in Michigan so I want to make sure it won’t cave when we get a big snow and/or freezing rain. With that said, can I get away with not putting OSB down? If not, 1/4 or 1/2”?

Follow the roofing instructions. It will tell you what to use. I would also slap a hurricane tie on both ends of the rafters over the load bearing walls. You need to protect from uplift forces too.

 

[Harrisstep]

That is only a 2:12 pitch. A metal roof requires a MINIMUM 3:12 pitch. I would use 5:12 to make sure you have good drainage.

You should not use 2x4's for that span and certainly not 1/4" subfloor. It is not strong enough.
How high off the ground are you building it?
Are you planning on making it semi-walk-in style? If you make the shortest wall 5' and the higher wall 8', you could walk in it on the tall side.
I would use 2x6 PTs for the joists. 24"OC is fine but you would have to have at least 1/2" plywood for the subfloor. If you will be close to the ground, I'd use PT plywood.

You can use 2x4 studs, 24" OC as long as you increase your roof pitch so the snow slides off.

That stuff is heavy. Another reason to beef up your flooring. Are you floating the coop on skids or will it be up on piers/posts?

Stick with the 2x6 and space them over the wall studs @ 24" OC.

Follow the roofing instructions. It will tell you what to use. I would also slap a hurricane tie on both ends of the rafters over the load bearing walls. You need to protect from uplift forces too.

 

[Harrisstep]

Thank you for your response.
It will be 24” off the ground with 4x4 corner posts. Yes, semi walk-in.

 

[Harrisstep]

For the metal lean-to roof. Do I need OSB? If so, what size with 2x6 rafters 24” oc.

 

[TyRi]

For the metal lean-to roof. Do I need OSB? If so, what size with 2x6 rafters 24” oc.

I did an 8x8 coop 1.5ft off the ground on 4x4 posts, 2x6 for everything on the floor 24oc with 3/4 plywood. I had a ton of 2x4s laying around so i did mostly double stack 2x4 24oc walls, 1st 2x4 inside of header joist and 2nd was snugged on top of header, with the LP smart siding (big fan of it). My roof is 6 1/2 down to about 4 with 2x4 rafter and purlins at 18oc that the metal roof is screwed straight to and really have had no issues. So 2x6 at 24oc should be fine. Just wanted to give a vote of confidence if you dont have the space or materials to do 8ft to 5ft, mine is plenty sturdy enough. Just have gone off to push any excess snow off but never have seen any bowing at all. My lean to roof spans the whole side of my shed which is about 18ft and have 4x4s cemented in the ground holding it. If you dont have anything in ground, I would agree you should get some tie downs to make sure your chickens don’t turn into Alice in Wonderland.

 

[TyRi]

In NW Ohio by the way

 

[KyCoop]

Do you mean Dorthy? I think Alice fell down a hole.

This thread did remind me to put my hurricane straps on before fall.

 

[TyRi]

Yes Dorthy from Wizard of Oz not Alice in Wonderland lol. I thought I had a nice reference but got a little ahead of myself