I don’t know how to build things but I’ll try anyway

[ziggywiggy1]

So I ordered more chicks, which necessitates a larger coop. I decided I want to build my own coop but even after I thought I did a lot of research and bought a bunch of wood, I realized I’ve already made a ton of mistakes. First-I bought 2x4s for building the frame of the coop, I didn‘t realize 2x3s existed and now as I’m watching more videos now everyone is talking about 2x3s. Second-I realize I’ll have to set posts in the ground because I live on the side of a hill and I don’t have a level place to build like a table foundation that I can move in place so I’ll have to go pole barn style. And 4x4s are heavy. I don’t mind doing this, it’s just another layer of planning where the posts should go. Thirdly-nailing things sucks, I already went out and bought screws. Fourth-it’s going to take a lot longer to build than I thought. Luckily the chicks don’t get here til the end of February and won’t be outside until, a couple months after that so I can take my time. There’s no rush, I just have to temper my impatience . It’s about the journey and learning right?

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

As someone who converted an expensive but non-purpose built building into a coop and, later, built my own coop, I'll go with purpose-built every time. Yes, it's a learning process, but I'm of the "if you're going to do something, do it properly" camp. My purpose-built coop was built with 2x4s and it's rock solid - I personally wouldn't go with 2x3s, even if it saves a bit of money in the short term.

 

[avjudge]

. . . Fourth-it’s going to take a lot longer to build than I thought. Luckily the chicks don’t get here til the end of February and won’t be outside until, a couple months after that so I can take my time. There’s no rush, I just have to temper my impatience . It’s about the journey and learning right?

That's one thing you can count on in life - it will take at minimum 2x what you expect. This holds for so many things - construction projects, painting, wiring, even prepping for a recipe. I laugh at the "prep time" listed on recipes.

And construction projects are way worse than 2x if you're a perfectionist like me.

 

[Boise-girls]

2x4s are stronger and usually finished better. If you're seeing recommendations for 2x3s, it's probably because they're cheaper, not better. Keep the 2x4s you've already purchased!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

^^^ that.

2x3s aren't structural, are rarely pressure treated, and are usually made from very fast growth whitewoods, meaning prone to twisting and warping. They do have some limited uses, but 2x4s are superior in almost every respect. Screws superior to nails in essentiall every way but speed of instalation.

In other words, as mistakes go, you could have made MUCH bigger ones.

As to your hill? Lots of solutions, but they are very fact specific - including digging a hole, filling it with concrete and rebar, and attaching your coop to your rocky pylon. If you need to raise the concrete above grade, use an old 5 gallon bucket with the whole of the bottom removed to give a clean, strong form above grade, set to whatever depth necessary, and levelled. They make attachment points/brackets (sadly, expensive) that are then set into the curing concrete which allow you to attach lumber while preventing concrete/wood contact. You want a minimum depth at least 8" below the freeze line (which is excessive for a coop, but good practice - and you aren't digging that many holes, anyways.)

 

[Ted Brown]

Fourth-it’s going to take a lot longer to build than I thought. Luckily the chicks don’t get here til the end of February and won’t be outside until, a couple months after that so I can take my time. There’s no rush, I just have to temper my impatience . It’s about the journey and learning right?

I recommend that you make a list of the major phases of your build (foundation, floor, framing, etc.) and estimate the time you think it will take for each phase. Your estimates may be off but you can adjust as you progress.

Time often passes more quickly than we think, particularly when we feel we "can take our time". A plan will help you to recognize when it is time to progress more quickly.

Enjoy the journey!

 

[woodworm]

I hadn't built anything other than flat pack furniture before building my coop a couple of years ago but with a little time and a handful of helpful YT videos I managed.

I'd still take 4x2 over 3x2 now.

 

[Tonyroo]

Definitely 2×4 are way sturdier. Since your coop will be a fixed structure you want it to hold up in the long run.

Make sure you paint or stain the wood surfaces, it helps to keep the weather from degrading the wood and bugs don't like it.

Keep us updated with your progress, and if you need assistance on how to people here can help.

 

[Rangergord]

I would recommend some preserved wood 4x4 posts to go with the 2 x4 . A post frame building starts with 4 posts for the foundation, then the roof can be put on before finishing up with the walls and the floor. Check out the free book below with construction details. I built my coop a few months back using this technique that is used for most farm buildings today. Check out my post history for pics if you like.
https://www.scribd.com/document/389070041/Post-Frame

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC!

Where, in general, are you located? Climate matters and it matters most when it comes to housing.

Thirdly-nailing things sucks, I already went out and bought screws.

YES!

And if you don't have something like this to use to put those screws in already you'll find that it's one of the best investments you can make:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-20-...s-Impact-Driver-1-Battery-Included/1001239964

First-I bought 2x4s for building the frame of the coop, I didn‘t realize 2x3s existed and now as I’m watching more videos now everyone is talking about 2x3s.

I agree with the above comments. 2x3 work has it's place -- in fact, I would use 2x2s for structures intended to be lightweight, portable, and TEMPORARY. But for anything you mean to build once and not have to replace 2x4s are the thing.

You're *probably* doing something much smaller, but you might find the build thread for my new coop interesting because it's post and beam and built on a hillside: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/large-open-air-coop-in-central-nc.1443812/