8'x10' coop, framing?

[Bettacreek]

So, for an 8'x10' coop, 4' tall, George wants to have framing every 16". That adds $52 to final cost, plus more time. We don't have an excess of either, time nor money. Is it really necessary to frame a coop every 16"?! What would be recommended?

 

[Judy]

It shouldn't be unless you have a really heavy roof. A metal roof fastened onto 1x4's across 2x4's is much lighter than shingles.

 

[Bettacreek]

How far apart would you suggest for the framing? Thanks!

 

[Phantom_Rooster]

How far apart would you suggest for the framing? Thanks!

24" should be fine.

 

[jteam]

I 2nd that, 16" OC is more common in residential framing for a house. I don't see a coop needing that much strength. 24" should be more than fine. Check out some of the hardware store pre fab storage buildings, some don't even use 24" much less 16" OC.

 

[chfite]

I used 24" spacing or so, as met the need. Coops aren't large and don't have the wind or torsional load that houses have. Even a house wall of studs is nothing until sheathed for rigidity. We don't have snow load to consider down here.

I built 4 x 8 with emphasis on strength in the corners, floor, and roof, then sheathed with OSB. Framing was for the floor on 24 inch centers, because I need to get inside on the most rare occasion. I framed for doors to mount them sturdily. The roof is on 36 inch centers.

Hardware such as: hinges, hasps, hooks are going to be big expenses. Shingles for the roof will be expensive. The rest of the coop is not nearly so expensive.

I tried to focus on the use of the structure. Chickens aren't heavy, there are no furniture or appliances inside to load the floor.

Chris

 

[schmism]

My experience was slightly different.

I used exterior plywood for sideing. this was by far the most expensive part of the coupe. hardware was second. Most big box stores and especially roofing contractors will have left over bundles of shingles. I picked up 3 left over bundles for $5 each.

frameing 24" OC with regular 2x4 is plenty strong including roof rafters. The only thing i made 16" OC was the floor, but was still 2x4. Gable ends were framed slightly differently to allow for a 30" door. so that had a 30" opening instead of 24.