Question for knowledgeable builders in here

[fireguy56]

Hi Fiddlebanshee, You're not alone on the "over budget" thing. My friends and family think I am crazy for spending so much on a coop. But , better to build correctly and be done with it. With your snow load, ya doing the right thing. I've been told I went alittle overboard on our coop (10' x 12') and run (34' x 20'). Run is totally enclosed with chain link, just glad we don't get much snow down here like ya get in Maryland. By the way, visited that area several times while in classes at National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg. Beautiful scenery. Good luck with run.
Erik

 

[Farmer_Dan]

If you are using 2X6's or bigger, you probably aren't going to be able to lift the thing by hand, so IMO knock yourself out and go with the code all the way. If you do plan on lifting the thing..... Lightweight metal might be a better option for the structural supports.

my2c

 

[Farmer_Dan]

re-reading your OP.

Definitely use heavier lumber, this thing is not going anywhere and you don't want the weather to be the one that makes it go somewhere.

 

[fiddlebanshee]

@FarmerDan == Yea, nobody is lifting that thing to anywhere. It's going to weigh several tons.

@fireguy == Yes, we're close to Emmitsburg as we are on the ridge that Camp David sits on, just north of Frederick, at 700 ft elevation. I'm going to enclose the entire run with hardware cloth -- yea, talking about going overboard, but very much worth it.

 

[ECBW]

2x8 is quite heavy. 2x4 might work, IF BRACED PROPERLY. It has a lot to do with trusses, collar beams, ceiling joists, rafter slope and spacing. Even the type of lumber makes a difference.

Your run is huge. So making sure that it will not collaps is paramount. No fun having a 2x8 landing on your head. Taking advise from tradesman or engineer is definitely a good idea. Some towns might even require a PE stamp.

There are design handbooks that would show standardized designs.

 

[swatskee]

2x8's for sure for the roof or perhaps 2x6?

 

[silkiechicken]

I'm no expert but I don't think I'd trust any 2x4 over even an 8 foot span if not heavily braced. I used 2x4 for my coop roof, but the span was a hair over 6 feet, placed 16 OC and snow isn't really an issue. Would have gone with 2x6's if the span was 8 feet, so 2x8 doesn't seem like overkill at all.


As for over budged. I am so far under budget!

The key was to price everything on lowes and then double the cost. LOL.

 

[Opa]

I would go ahead and stick with your original plan to use 2x4s. Why would you want to rob your carpenter friend of a perfectly good "I told you so"?

 

[Farmer_Dan]

My rule of thumb is to use 2X4 for a 4' span, 2X6 for a 6' span, 2X8 for an 8' span, etc...

You could go less, but then it's going to give you lots of bounce when you walk on it and, yes, the snow, it creeps up on you and has the amazing crushing power.

 

[Dutch552]

I'd go with a 2x8 for the ridge and 2x6's for the rafters. Brace with a collar brace/beam and you'll be set for heavy snow. Typical for Amish construction of smaller outbuildings and pole barns in my area. I'm building my coop right now and have already learned to throw the budget out and build it right the first time.