My first coop build

[annie3001]

looks good. are you planning to keep it right there? just looks like a bit of a slope? also make sure you move it before it gets too heavy!

 

[darkbyrd]

Quote:
It's sloped all right, but it's the flattest place close to power and out of the mud. We have a tractor to do the heavy lifting, which works out nicely

 

[timowaltz]

wow congratulations!

 

[RiddleMe]

Quote:
1) yes, about that.
2) 8'
3) This is actually my plan, my design. Originally I planned the joists to run across the skids. However, the size of the rim joists were slightly smaller than the 2x4's, and would have caused a hump in the floor (or a notch) at the skids. So I put the blocking in instead. If I were to do it again, I probably would run the joists perpendicular to the skids, it would be stronger that way.
4) shed roof, 2' wide salvage metal roof material

This is my first 'real' building project, so I learned alot doing what I did, and still have much more to learn. There were a few mistakes made, none a big deal. Next one will go easier. But what helped alot was having a pack of cedar shims handy. They come in a bundle of 30 or so, and are about 6" long. Very helpful in making up gaps from cutting slightly off, or from warped lumber. Lowes certainly didn't sell me quality 2x4's. Also, the whole thing is put together with 3" exterior deck screws, hopefully making it stronger, and more able to handle the stress of being dragged around.

Yeah, I've ordered lumber before (built a 3-sides runthrough for my horse) and nothing was straight, I swear they pick the most warped stuff to deliver since then the customer either has to bring it back or just use it. I'm going to make multiple smaller lumber runs for this project, so I can pick the boards myself.

What are you going to use for siding and how are you going to orient it, horizontally or vertically? Just trying to picture how the siding seams will line up on your wall studs if you're using 4x8 siding aligned vertically. Though if it's smooth siding material you could put it horizontally with those little Z-shaped metal things to keep the water from going along the seam, then you wouldn't have to cut to fit your stud spacing.

 

[darkbyrd]

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Plywood siding, with exterior paint, and maybe some boards nailed on to give it that board-and-batten look. Good thought about the z shaped metal thingy

 

[RiddleMe]

Quote:
Plywood siding, with exterior paint, and maybe some boards nailed on to give it that board-and-batten look. Good thought about the z shaped metal thingy

That will look really nice, I like the board and batten look idea! Can't wait to see finished pics.