Building my coop - need advice on materials !

[Pitikok]

Hello !
I'm currently building my chicken coop, trying to follow plans I found online. I don't have any chickens yet, so I'm not in a rush to build the coop
Here are the plans I'm following :
http://www.homegardendesignplan.com/2017/10/m300-chicken-coop-plans-construction.html

I have built the frame, I'm wondering now what material to use for the floor and walls (inside and outside) -any recommendations ?
The plans I'm following say to use OSB - is that a good choice ? I have access to Lowe's or Home Depot to get materials, if that helps

Here's a picture of my progress so far !


Thank you !

 

[21hens-incharge]

It looks like they have the inside sheeted with the OSB and siding on the outside. Personally.....I would skip the OSB and not sheet the inside. Sheeting it creates a wall cavity where mice and mites can hide and be impossible to get rid of.

How many birds are you planning on?
What part of the world are you located in? Knowing that will allow us to better advise you.

 

[tsperry88]

LP Smartside is a good choice for the exterior. Its looks like OSB on the back, but it is highly resistant to water unlike OSB. I used a similar type subfloor in my home that my builder friends said they had left scraps in a bucket of water for 12 months and it was still solid. For the floor use 3/4 plywood. If you want to sheet the inside walls, 3/8 or slightly thinner plywood is fine.


https://www.lowes.com/pd/SmartSide-...tual-0-315-in-x-48-563-in-x-95-875-in/3058153

 

[Sixandahalfacres]

Where are you located? Do you need to insulate? If you get cold winters you may want to think about insulating and then sheeting with 3/8” plywood on the inside. Personally I always use plywood when building things, looks nicer and is nicer to paint too.

 

[Pitikok]

It looks like they have the inside sheeted with the OSB and siding on the outside. Personally.....I would skip the OSB and not sheet the inside. Sheeting it creates a wall cavity where mice and mites can hide and be impossible to get rid of.

How many birds are you planning on?
What part of the world are you located in? Knowing that will allow us to better advise you.

I'm located in Maryland (DC area). I'm planning to have 6 to 8 birds.

 

[tsperry88]

I'm located in Maryland (DC area). I'm planning to have 6 to 8 birds.

I am just a couple hours south of you and chose not to insulate. Functionally there is no reason to sheet the inside of the coop. I'm a little OCD on aesthetics and used 3/8 plywood on the interior of my coop and LP smartside on the outside.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Skip the inside sheathing, you don't need it.

Personally, I'm fond of Hardieboard for the outsides. Its heavier, yes, and a bit more difficult to cut and screw, but its also nigh indestructable and much more water resistant than any plywood, even the exterior grades (which are the only ones you should consider). Pricing should be w/i $5 or so per 4x8 panel of a decent exterior appearance piece of plywood anyways, so you really aren't increasing cost, just labor hours.

Hardie Panel $40
1/2" T1-11 Exterior Plywood $35

(I used "Maryland" as "set my store" for Lowes. The Byrnie store didn't have the Hardiboard, but the other stores in the area did. Personally, I prefer Home Depot, but pricing should be similar. Down here in FL, the Hardie is cheaper, Plywood is about the same. No explanation for the price disparity)

I'd use it on the walls and the floor - In fact, i did for my hen house. And my barn (which has no floor)

Also, there is some 3/8" thick (nominal) plywood which looks similar, about $15 per panel cheaper. Don't use it. For all that its "exterior", get it wet before its well primed and painted, it starts to bow, bubble, buckle, and split. Same if water wicks in a cut edge between joints. You are wasting time and labor if you use it, because you will quickly have to replace it.

 

[JMB7718]

We used this multipurpose panel we found at our Lowes. You have to paint it right away that's the only thing. It's textured, but it looks pretty good and is holding up good. We also have it on the outside walls of a run-in shed. But it's a fairly cheap way to go if you're looking to save a little and are not to picky on how fancy you want to get.

Here is the link to the siding:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/LP-LP-Multi-Use-Panel-Application-As-4-ft-x-8-ft/1002550422

For the floor we went with plywood and polyurethaned it. I saw a coop on a thread on this site that used a vinyl flooring which I thought would be a good idea and easy to clean (something to think about).

Good Luck with your Build!

 

[tsperry88]

We used this multipurpose panel we found at our Lowes. You have to paint it right away that's the only thing. It's textured, but it looks pretty good and is holding up good. We also have it on the outside walls of a run-in shed. But it's a fairly cheap way to go if you're looking to save a little and are not to picky on how fancy you want to get.

Here is the link to the siding:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/LP-LP-Multi-Use-Panel-Application-As-4-ft-x-8-ft/1002550422

View attachment 2324810View attachment 2324832


For the floor we went with plywood and polyurethaned it. I saw a coop on a thread on this site that used a vinyl flooring which I thought would be a good idea and easy to clean (something to think about).

Good Luck with your Build!

I didn't know that panel existed. I assume it's similar to what I used just without the t1-11 look. I researched LP smartside when building my home. I really liked it, but went another route due to cost and poor planning.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Hello !
I'm currently building my chicken coop, trying to follow plans I found online. I don't have any chickens yet, so I'm not in a rush to build the coop
Here are the plans I'm following :
http://www.homegardendesignplan.com/2017/10/m300-chicken-coop-plans-construction.html

I have built the frame, I'm wondering now what material to use for the floor and walls (inside and outside) -any recommendations ?
The plans I'm following say to use OSB - is that a good choice ? I have access to Lowe's or Home Depot to get materials, if that helps

Here's a picture of my progress so far !
View attachment 2324786

Thank you !

I keep looking at the plans and wondering why the drawing has the nest boxes at almost 20" deep. Can you confirm if that is what the plans you are working from have?

I think if you draw it out on graph paper for the siding cuts you should be able to get it all out of just 5 sheets and still have some scrap.