New Octagon Coop Construction Underway - Progress

[Z80GameCoder]

This is side component 1, it will attach to the main component to form a + shape. We designed the joists this way to fit the plywood board, which is 4' x 8'. We can do the floor with three boards this way. Using the least amount of plywood. These are about 2' 10" by 4', so they will make a 9' 7 7/8" span at right angles to the main component.

 

[Z80GameCoder]

Plus! Here we have attached the two side components to the main one. Things are taking shape, but this is not the shape we are looking for now, is it? No. No it is not.

 

[Hoosierchickens]

Very cool! I can't wait to watch it go up.

 

[Z80GameCoder]

Octagon! There you go. That's more like it. An octagon. It needs more support though. We are sticking with 16" centers for joists, so let's add some more, eh.

And we're ... Done For The Day! There's the base then, all level and plumb, and we are really tired for it. We've cut, mitred, clamped and screwed for hours. It's worth it though. I did a quick run to Lowe's and picked up six more 2" x 4" x 8' PT to finish off the base. We're going to tie the legs together at the bottom, and add some cross joists to give it a rock solid feel.

Work stopped today as there is a rain storm moving through. We need the break too.

 

[John-DownEastNC]

NICE JOB! I'm sure your gals will be real happy with your efforts! And your math will impress them, too!

Say; where you at?? We are about to get a doosey of a storm, too. Wind is already blowing a gale out here.

 

[Z80GameCoder]

We're in rural Gettysburg, PA.
Storm is passing through now.
Really wet and some thunder/lightning.

The forecast is not looking good for the next 10 days.
We may have to get creative with the construction.
Like paint everything before assembling outdoors, and doing that during the dry intervals.
Time is not on our side for getting this done, it's a real challenge.
However, we are nothing if not tenacious.
We didn't chose to do this because it was easy ...

 

[2DogsCoop]

Looking good, I am a PA native now living in FL. Can't wait to see your coops progress.

 

[Z80GameCoder]

Base Completed! We tied the base together forming the area for the under coop run. This makes the whole thing look and feel really solid. Very pleased with the result so far. We just need to add a few short braces in the floor joists for extra strength. I walked around on the top and the centre has a little give to it. I am sure with the plywood on it would be fine, but we'll add extra support anyway. I'll take some close up shots to show detail of how the wood is actually put together. A lot of the wood is being measured in place, marked, and then cut. We're not relying on just measurements or math to get the right sizes.

 

[Z80GameCoder]

The missus suggested making the run go up to the edge of the house, which is vinyl siding, and leaving off framing and hardware cloth for that side. As the house would provide the side for the run there. Anyone got any thoughts on this? It's likely a small difference in wood and hardware cloth, but it would probably more than double the run area.

 

[loubapache]

Great job so far.

Last year, I put up a packaged vinyl gazebo next to our pond and you can see in this photo.

Best of luck to you as I know you will have many difficult and careful cuts later.

There are our two female ducks in the lower-left corner. The white Pekin passed away but we got two more this year.