Converting Metal Shed?

[aart]

Here's an excellent thread about converting a metal shed to a coop.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/from-tool-shed-to-coop.1321135/

 

[RW1984]

No current photos on my phone no, however I can try and paint a picture for you.
I made the foundation out of wood and leveled it on top of cinder blocks.
Once I built the shed I realized there is a support beam in the middle of the shed walls which will interfere with framing a bit.
So to maximize space I measured the height from the 2x4 on the floor to the roof and subtracted enough 1 3/4 of an inch for the top 2x4 of the frame.
Once I found out how tall the 2x4s in the frame were supposed to be I measured the height of the support beam and how thick it was.
I cut a notch out of the 2x4s at that height and made it just deep enough to hug that center support beam.
I then just framed it like a normal building.

 

[bwebster]

Pictures well painted. Did you fasten framing to the metal walls at all?

 

[RW1984]

Pictures well painted. Did you fasten framing to the metal walls at all?

Not initially no. Since I framed the whole interior and made a little walk in area with a second door for chicken feed/bedding storage I just connected them to each other.
Done properly they hold each other up remarkably well and it’s difficult for me to brute muscle them around.
Once I added my window in though I did screw the shed into the frame around that location to keep it from being moved about and letting additional rain in.
I used some L hooks I bent and some tin to create an awning of sorts
If I would have gone straight wood the coop would be so much better though haha
Next time I make one I plan to do that. Learned a lot this time around

 

[bwebster]

Thanks everyone. I am going to start the process soon. @RW1984 I already have the metal shed so perhaps I'll also advise someone not too in the future when I am done lol. I'm going to frame out the inside and yada yada.

Did you anchor yours?

 

[RW1984]

Thanks everyone. I am going to start the process soon. @RW1984 I already have the metal shed so perhaps I'll also advise someone not too in the future when I am done lol. I'm going to frame out the inside and yada yada.

Did you anchor yours?

No, after I built the frame for the floor and put plywood down on it I built the shed and then installed the floor kit it cane with and put plywood on top of that. Since there was no anchor that came with the shed I just took some long screws and connected the top sheets of plywood to the bottom sheet. After that I coated it all with rubber several times and called it a wrap.
I figure with that, the framing of the walls, it’s gonna have to be a seriously strong wind or storm to bring it down

 

[bwebster]

No, after I built the frame for the floor and put plywood down on it I built the shed and then installed the floor kit it cane with and put plywood on top of that. Since there was no anchor that came with the shed I just took some long screws and connected the top sheets of plywood to the bottom sheet. After that I coated it all with rubber several times and called it a wrap.
I figure with that, the framing of the walls, it’s gonna have to be a seriously strong wind or storm to bring it down

That is my idea also. Thanks. Kinda sounds like we may have the same shed. Arrow brand?

 

[bwebster]

Update:. After purchasing lumber for platform foundation and inside framing, decided to return the shed and use the money for roof and walls. Already have enough wood for 3/4 of the whole thing!

 

[RW1984]

Update:. After purchasing lumber for platform foundation and inside framing, decided to return the shed and use the money for roof and walls. Already have enough wood for 3/4 of the whole thing!

Haha! Would it be rude to say I told you so?
Yes mines an arrow shed also by the way.
I’m glad it worked out for you

 

[RW1984]

Keep us posted, I’d love to see how it looks when done