Easy framing kits

[NTRotty]

Anyone use either the Quick Framer or Fast framer kits for coop or greenhouse construction ??

 

[peepswiththepoof]

I haven't tried them myself...although I've considered it. If you do decide to use one, please let me know how it goes!

 

[SSO202]

My wife and I used it to build our first coop. It is really easy to do if you follow the materials list and directions. The hardest part is getting it "square" and doing the roof. I have very little building experience and I think it went very well.

 

[elmo]

I used the "easy up" framing kit (picture on my BYC page). The connectors are made of heavy plastic...I'm not sure how durable they're going to be. All in all, I wouldn't use a kit again.

The other kits are metal connectors, although I've read some reviews suggesting the metal might not be that thick or heavy duty. Home improvement stores carry Simpson Strong Tie connectors which serve the same function. You could do a price comparison to see whether it's cheaper to simply buy the connectors you need yourself rather than buying them as a kit (that's all the kit consists of, just connectors).

 

[joletabey]

I think the connectors are worth looking into- I am certainly going to do it if I build again- I had a HORRIBLE time trying to figure out angles, and my coop is a travesty. I am surprised it's standing, actually.

 

[mikecnorthwest]

I used a Kreg jig to build my coop. It makes it extremely easy to join wood using pocket holes and screws. The joints are rock solid. You can see how it looks on my BYC page.

 

[Rozzie]

For years, I've wanted an excuse to use one of these Starplate kits.

http://www.strombergschickens.com/starplate_building_system/starplate_index.php

I'm mulling this over again...what could I reasonably pretend I need...

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Me, too! The only thing that stops me is the realization that you have to cut a lot of triangular pieces to cover the structure, either with wire or wood or whatever. I don't use power tools, so that's a lot of work with the wire cutters or hand saw.

 

[Pineywoods Peepers]

Quote:
My husband got one of those Kreg jigs a few weeks ago (he's been wanting one for years but just never pulled the trigger), and he LOVES it! And it has come in VERY handy in coop construction. He used it on the screen door between the storage area and the chicken area. On the hardware screens that will cover the windows. On the nest box doors. Just about anything he can think of to build with pocket screws, he's doing it.

He even built a kitchen island (though it's not mine

) with it last week. Pretty handy little gadget...

Rachel

 

[featherz]

We used this one:

http://www.amazon.com/2x4basics-Shed-Peak-Style-Roof/dp/B000E3XNC0

It turned out pretty well. The connectors are fine (sheet metal) although the directions are more 'pictoral' than explanatory. Our shed coop is a little rickety but it's much better than we could have managed without a list and some connectors. Here's the inside, painted with OOPS paint (thus the wonderful color):