Will this base for my "Rubbermaid shed coop" be strong enough?

[prairiepearls]

The shed is 4'x6'x4'high, and the base will be 4'x8'x2'high. NOTE: the base as shown is not finished yet! I know it's not strong enough as shown.

The base is constructed of 2x4s and ½” plywood (the plywood will extend the full length of it when I’m done). My plan is to add a vertical 2x4 post on each long (8’) side of the base, and put 2x4 joists under the plywood, spaced about 19 in. apart.

I looked up spans in my Basic Carpentry Techniques book, and I THINK I’m good, but would love some confirmation:
Would you use more than one 2x4 post on each of those long sides?
Would you space the joists closer?
Would you put in some diagonal bracing?

FYI, the shed itself weighs about 200 pounds; the roosts, nest boxes, feeder, waterer (plus contents), and up to 6 chickens themselves will obviously add to the load, and I will occasionally stand on the floor of the shed (1/2 of the roof slides open).

My brother said he would've used 4x4s for the posts, but I'm trying to keep it light enough to disassemble from the shed and move to another location if necessary. He also suggested blocking between the joists.

Any insights you can give me would be much appreciated. I just don’t want the thing to collapse!

 

[prairiepearls]

PS Thanks, houndit, Kooshie, & 1lpoock, for the BYC primer! Couldn't have posted this without you!

 

[ranchhand]

I am not a pro carpenter but worked in the field for many years. Disclaimer aside now..... I'd beef thet up a LOT. Brother is on the right track.

Good luck! I have a Rubbermaid 8' x 10' x 6' shed as one of my coops- it works very well.

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

I would do it just like you planned, however where the legs are I would put a 2x4 block between the bands (horizontal 2x4's) so that the wood would be load bearing instead of the fasteners(nails/screws).

 

[prairiepearls]

Oooh, Chook a holic, that's a great idea! My brother was suggesting I double up the 2x4 posts, and your idea would accomplish that, too! Thanks!!

 

[prairiepearls]

Quote:
ranchhand, may I ask how you handled ventilation in your Rubbermaid coop?

 

[ranchhand]

Stiil need to add more! Those things are easy to cut at least.

Mine has a small window on each side so I popped the plastic out and replaced it with hardware cloth. It has peak vents front and back, but being that high up they only move heat out. My plan is to cut some horizontal slits in the side walls to bring air in about 12" up, and then expand the peak vents for better air circulation. Hardware cloth on everything, with 1" x 2" lumber to frame each opening. inside and out. And a pop door cut into one of the doors, the pop to be open during the day.

Being a full size shed, it sits on the ground, which is a huge pain. So I may steal your idea and build a frame of PT lumber and raise it a little bit. That way the chickens won't be constantly blocking the door action with their dirt rearranging!

One thing I REALLY wish I'd done is to cover the floor with something like a big scrap of sheet vinyl. The texture in the plastic floor makes it really hard to clean.

I looked at yours again. Wonder if you could drill holes around it close to the floor and then add some slit vents under the eaves? Or even better, put slit vents top and bottom? Just cover everything with hardware cloth.

I am currently halfway through building a coop out of some expanded metal panels DH brought home. I was planning on having it on the ground, but you have inspired me! Much easier to have it on a platform where it can be reached.