1st Cut Bark Slabs for Coop Walls?

[KettermanHillCoop]

That is what i did. My slabs are like cedar siding, horizontal placement. I love the look of it!

Slap up some pics if you can!

 

[Redhead Rae]

I'm more about "free"! Function is a close 2nd though... Do you see any pitfalls in regards to function using this material?

I'd keep an eye out for knot holes and make sure the slabs you are using aren't too thin.

 

[aart]

(In the most friendliest way, of course. )

I'm more about "free"! Function is a close 2nd though... Do you see any pitfalls in regards to function using this material?

Depends on how and where it's installed. If it doesn't function(shed weather properly) it might not be so 'free' down the line, eh?

 

[lazy gardener]

I think it would be functional if trimmed as suggested by @Redhead Rae , and caulked. You could even do double duty by putting batten strips on the inside just for a second layer of security.

I would love to have some slab wood to put a border around the CP fencing around the garden to help keep the BTE wood chips from spilling out. It would also make fantastic raised beds, especially if you had hemlock or cedar available. But, free is free. So, it wouldn't matter a whole lot if it rotted out in a few years. Nothing is free here. We would be paying for it for sure. One year, we got a whole truck load of ash slab to use for fire wood.

 

[PirateGirl]

The bark definitely holds snow and I'd recommend a more traditional roofing material.

Eliminating gaps/drafts can be a bit of a challenge, but the are easy enough to cover from the inside of the coop.

 

[JDN]

Google "Slab Cabin." It can be done. Nothing is ever totally free but wood aint cheap and if you can save there your miles ahead of the game.

 

[OF65]

I think you will have to debark the slabs. Depending on the wood, shrinkage needs to be considered.
We built two chicken coops using slabs. Both rotted quickly. I think from what we learned, that you would have to be very careful about making sure if you put the slabs upright that you stand them the way they grew. We did not paint ours, and maybe a good water resistant paint would have helped. I know also used as a roof was worthless.

 

[KettermanHillCoop]

Google "Slab Cabin." It can be done. Nothing is ever totally free but wood aint cheap and if you can save there your miles ahead of the game.

LOL...being in Pennsylvania...my Google search of "Slab Cabin" comes up a creek called Slab Cabin Run...oh and IPA beer! A reverse search of "Cabins Built From Slabs" put me in the right arena. Thanks for the tip! I'm perusing!

 

[WVduckchick]

Also consider the "critters" that come along with wood. Termites, ants...

I have a mill not far from me too, I stopped and asked about their cut-offs and they showed me the pile (mountain) that I was welcome to take from. I took a few pieces and made some ramps into the coops, but that's it.

But I'm going to follow along for ideas, and hopefully I'll go get a load from them soon!

 

[KettermanHillCoop]

I think you will have to debark the slabs. Depending on the wood, shrinkage needs to be considered.
We built two chicken coops using slabs. Both rotted quickly. I think from what we learned, that you would have to be very careful about making sure if you put the slabs upright that you stand them the way they grew. We did not paint ours, and maybe a good water resistant paint would have helped. I know also used as a roof was worthless.

The roof will be metal with overhangs... I was thinking Vertical placement for water run-off...the natural way. Any thoughts on linseed oil coating?