Question about framing

[suzyQlou]

I'm building my first coop, and I'm trying to learn some carpentry as I go. My coop will be a small 3x4 foot coop for 3 hens. I'm planning on copying some coop examples that use a frame like this (there is a nesting box on the side, and I'd add a slope to the front for the roof once I master SketchUp):

I notice, however, that my shed, and any bigger structures use frames built with the 2x4's flipped the other way. More like this, with the 4 inch side on the bottom:

Since I've seen very stong-looking coops built either way, I'm thinking it doesn't matter. Does it? Will the frame be strong enough either way? Are there any other advantages/disadvantages?

 

[patandchickens]

It's partly because of how stud walls are usually put up, versus building something smaller all-of-a-piece;

and partly because the top plate of the wall (also the bottom, in your smaller structure where the wall is up on legs) is more strongly supported when it is *atop* the vertical members than when it is merely beside them (when it's on top, it's held up by the compressive strength of the 2x4 studs; when it is screwed or bolted to the SIDE of the vertical members, it is only held up as strongly as the fasteners and the wood's resistance to splitting around them.

For a small coop, it really makes no nevermind which way you do it, I'd pick what's convenient

Note that there are some minor ramifications for how siding and floor go on; not that one is better than the other but they are subtly different.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[PapaChaz]

i've seen people build much bigger structures with the 2x4's going 'the wrong way' LOL IE: laying flat instead of standing on edge, and seen them hold up just fine, provided the on center spacing is adequate to support. as for what you're building, as small as that is, it really don't matter. my granddaddy would have a duck fit if he saw me frame something that way though, as would my shop teachers!

 

[TN_BIRD]

With a small coop, it won't matter.

I'd guess the traditional method is used for a few reasons. One would be because it's hard to get 8 feet in the air on a ladder and nail down on the studs (much easier to stand and hit nails just above your head) but since you are only talking about 5 feet tall, it won't matter.

 

[elmo]

May I make a suggestion? Go ahead and make the coop 4' by 4'. Sheet goods come in 4' x 8' dimensions and you can get them to cut those in half right at most home improvement stores. That way you won't be wasting any materials.

And it's always good to have a tad more room.

 

[latebloomer]

Quote:
great advice on the sheet goods. i'm working with standard material dimension in mind for my project. it just makes things that much easier.

 

[latebloomer]

and nice use of sketch-up.

 

[The Driver]

Quote:
X2!

 

[suzyQlou]

Thanks for the reassurance and advice. I will probably go ahead and use my sideways frame because I know exactly how it will fit together. It also keeps things lightweight. I'm going to be moving this thing daily, so that's important to me.

I will think about expanding to 4x4. I'm a little afraid I won't be able to reach in well enough to clean it, though. I have my chicks in a 4x4 space right now, and I have a hard time reaching to the back of it. I guess I could use a rake or something to extend my reach. Back to the drawing board for me. Of course, if I have 16 square feet instead of 12, I'll start thinking I need another chick. What a slippery slope that would be, lol.