Construction has begun **UPDATED 4.1

[will hunt for food]

2x6 rafters with a 2x8 ridge board?

 

[acheeknmanbestfren]

Just a 2 x 6 ridge board - with such a short span I really don't need anywhere near that much load carrying ability, just like to beefy look of the 2 x 6 rafters. Will be craftsman style finish-wise.

Good thing is I haven't had to buy anything except the hardware cloth yet - been working from my existing wood pile!

 

[will hunt for food]

I agree. I like the 2x6 rafters. If you want to make a soffit, it give more flat surface to work with on the tails. the reason why I asked about the 2x8 ridge board is because that is a general rule of thumb to go larger than the rafters. The plumb cut on the rafter will not hang below the ridge board

 

[acheeknmanbestfren]

Yep - 2 x 8 would give full contact with the plumb cut. I chose to install the rafters such that the bottom of the rafter mates with the 2 x 6 ridge board leaving the top of the rafter open for ventilation.

I'm not sure yet if I want to build enclosed soffits or just cap the end of the rafters. Probably just cap the ends for asthetics - we'll see.

I am having fun building it though!

 

[will hunt for food]

It sure looks like you are doing a great job. I have a pile of wood, and getting ready to build. I love to turkey hunt though, and that will start in a couple of weeks. Too much going on!

 

[acheeknmanbestfren]

Thanks!

 

[acheeknmanbestfren]

Well, here's an update on progress. Only have the run top (going to make it in 4 sections that are hinged so I can fold them back for easier clean out access) and a few more pieces of trim before I can prime and paint, then the roof covering and viola! Oh, forgot, I also need to add the droppings boards - instead of vinyl, I will be using shower board for easy cleaning.

The run is modular in design so it can be moved or expanded easily.

For the access to the area under the coup I hinged and added locks so I can open them for cleaning and food/water (I plan on having water and a feeder down there at opposite ends of the run).

 

[will hunt for food]

Very nice! The design looks well thought out. How much is shower board, what size sheets does it come in, how do you cut it and are you going to "glue it down? Sorry for all the questions.

I finally got mine started!

 

[flopshot]

i kind of wish i had elevated mine after looking at your setup. better use of space. looks good !

 

[acheeknmanbestfren]

Quote:
The shower board is about $12.50 per sheet (readily available at Lowes or Home Depot). Comes in sheets that are just a little larger than 8' x 4'. It cuts well on the table saw though you'll want an outfeed table of some sort as it's pretty flimsy (otherwise I'd just use a circular saw). You could glue with some basic construction adhesive but I'm just going to screw it to 1/2 plywood.