I'm planning to start a chicken coop project in my moderately sloped yard and need some advice on prepping the foundation. My plan is to use 5-6 inches of gravel topped by 1 inch of sand underneath the frame for stability and to keep it level (similar to what's done for pavers). I'm also thinking of using 4x8 concrete blocks for the foundation, but I'm unsure whether to use solid blocks or hollow ones filled with cement. I'm particularly concerned about whether the sand will wash away and create leveling issues. I've seen some videos suggesting laying landscaping fabric on top of the gravel before the sand, and I'm curious if that's a good idea. Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated!
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It sounds like a solid plan! My approach was a bit different; we opted for 8x8 treated posts for the corners without a floor, allowing us to replace the soil as needed since our yard has sandy soil. It’s been five years and we've had no issues. Keeping the base open can help with drainage, so that's something to consider!
Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm planning to leave the base open with grass and dirt as well. Just wanted to confirm that my plan to use gravel and sand under the cinder blocks for stability is enough. I’m mainly focused on keeping everything stable and avoiding movement.