Siding material, ventilation, and other coop questions.

[black_cat]

When building a coop, can you just use plywood for siding? I mentioned it and was told that plywood wasn't meant to be used for things like that because it will not hold up well. Is this true? Is there something that you need to treat the wood with? Would painting it first help? How does this work?

 

[KariHayes]

I personally wouldn't use plywood for an exposed coop. Plywood is layers of wood glued together, not solid wood. Painting it isn't going to stop the layers of glue from being affected by the elements, especially moisture.

 

[black_cat]

I personally wouldn't use plywood for an exposed coop. Plywood is layers of wood glued together, not solid wood. Painting it isn't going to stop the layers of glue from being affected by the elements, especially moisture.

Ok, thank you! What would you use instead?

 

[RobertaD1]

We used T1-11. It is used a lot on exterior out buildings. Just have to seal it.

 

[3KillerBs]

Ok, thank you! What would you use instead?

There is such a thing as exterior grade plywood (best painted anyway).

There are also various types of exterior siding boards such as T1-11 and Hardie board. Also metal siding and vinyl siding and things like cedar shakes or shingles.

Different materials are appropriate in different climate. You might ask at your local building supply store.

 

[KariHayes]

Ok, thank you! What would you use instead?

I used corrugated tin on all sides including the roof except for 1 sheet in the middle. I used a clear piece to let light in.

 

[black_cat]

There is such a thing as exterior grade plywood (best painted anyway).

There are also various types of exterior siding boards such as T1-11 and Hardie board. Also metal siding and vinyl siding and things like cedar shakes or shingles.

Different materials are appropriate in different climate. You might ask at your local building supply store.

Thank you for helping out! We have hot summers and cold winters so I want something that will keep heat in in winter but not overheat in summer. I will check out all of those options, but so far T1-11 looks pretty great!

 

[KariHayes]

I used corrugated tin on all sides including the roof except for 1 sheet in the middle. I used a clear piece to let light in.

I will say this about the T-11 stuff the others have mentioned. I wanted to use this on the sides, but I built this coop in May of this year and Lowes was sold out with no idea of when they would get any in. So I had to go with tin.

 

[black_cat]

I will say this about the T-11 stuff the others have mentioned. I wanted to use this on the sides, but I built this coop in May of this year and Lowes was sold out with no idea of when they would get any in. So I had to go with tin.

Thank you for telling me! So far they have some in stock but I will make sure to look at other options in case they run out.

 

[3KillerBs]

Thank you for helping out! We have hot summers and cold winters so I want something that will keep heat in in winter but not overheat in summer. I will check out all of those options, but so far T1-11 looks pretty great!

We've had good luck with it.