Anyone use expanded PVC for coops?

[GemmaA]

Hi folks!

The husbeast and I are working on plans for our first chicken coop and run, and we are wondering if anyone has ever used expanded PVC as build material. Here is the stuff I mean:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-x-48-in-x-96-in-White-PVC-Sheet-Panel-190360/205079515

We've used this to build reptile enclosures before and it's really easy to work with. Benefits include being lightweight compared to wood and regular plastic, being waterproof, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, etc.

Just curious if anyone can think of reasons why it would NOT be suitable? The plan would be to use this for the coop, and then we'd do the standard wood posts + hardware cloth for the run.

 

[Rickba]

My thought would be the chickens, especially roosters, will be able to peck holes in it. Not to mention how easy it would be for predators to get through to your chickens. Raccoons seem to be able to get through most anything and this stuff's not very strong. A pred'r could chew through it in no time.

 

[aart]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-x-48-in-x-96-in-White-PVC-Sheet-Panel-190360/205079515

We've used this to build reptile enclosures before and it's really easy to work with. Benefits include being lightweight compared to wood and regular plastic, being waterproof, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, etc.

No price on link, says not available for delivery.
One Q&A's say not available as of Feb, 2017??

You've used it...does it have a smooth hard surface?
Is it 'foam' like or solid PVC?
Is it waterproof?

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Following, always interested in material options.

 

[R2elk]

No price on link, says not available for delivery.
One Q&A's say not available as of Feb, 2017??

You've used it...does it have a smooth hard surface?
Is it 'foam' like or solid PVC?
Is it waterproof?

It is solid PVC and as such is completely waterproof and it is quite expensive at well over $360 per the 1/2"x4'x8' size sheet that the link displayed.

I would not waste my money on that type of material when conventional building materials are so much cheaper.

 

[R2elk]

Hi folks!

The husbeast and I are working on plans for our first chicken coop and run, and we are wondering if anyone has ever used expanded PVC as build material. Here is the stuff I mean:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-x-48-in-x-96-in-White-PVC-Sheet-Panel-190360/205079515

We've used this to build reptile enclosures before and it's really easy to work with. Benefits include being lightweight compared to wood and regular plastic, being waterproof, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, etc.

Just curious if anyone can think of reasons why it would NOT be suitable? The plan would be to use this for the coop, and then we'd do the standard wood posts + hardware cloth for the run.

The listed weight for a 1/2"x48"x96" sheet of white PVC is 120 lbs. and price per sheet is $368 not including freight shipping.

The nominal weight for a 1/2"x48"x96" marine plywood is 50 lbs. and price per sheet of $36 available at your local lumberyard.

Definitely not lighter than wood and at least 10 times more expensive.

 

[aart]

@R2elk Am very familiar with many different kinds of plastics,
used them a lot in my work as a Pharm Equip designer,
their weight and cost can be significant.
They can be incredibly resilient, but can be tricky to cut and fasten, and way too costly for a chicken coop.

Who knows what the HD product linked in the OP actually is/was.
This especially made me suspect that it may not be solid PVC:
"Processed with a weather-resistant formula".

Also curious about @GemmaA' use of the word 'expanded'.

Just caught this

The husbeast

 

[R2elk]

@R2elk Am very familiar with many different kinds of plastics,
used them a lot in my work as a Pharm Equip designer,
their weight and cost can be significant.
They can be incredibly resilient, but can be tricky to cut and fasten, and way too costly for a chicken coop.

Who knows what the HD product linked in the OP actually is/was.
This especially made me suspect that it may not be solid PVC:
"Processed with a weather-resistant formula".

Also curious about @GemmaA' use of the word 'expanded'.

Just caught this

The link in the OP's post is clearly to a 1/2"x48"x96" white PVC panel. It is not a link to expanded PVC.

At 44 lbs. per 1/2"x48"x96" sheet of expanded pvc it is equivalent in weight to most lumber of similar size. At $125 before shipping per sheet it is till approximately 3 to 4 times more expensive.

http://www.eplastics.com/PVCWHT0-500FOAM48X96

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Is expanded pvc the same as corrugated plastic? I'm working on a plan to fully enclose my run for winter. (Really forever then add bigger run in spring but don't tell the hubs).

 

[HoopyFrood]

If you were going to make a coop taller than 3 or 4 feet, I doubt even 1/2" solid PVC would be rigid enough if you live in a windy area. You would need to frame it with lumber anyway.

3/8" plywood is quite rigid and lightweight. I got outdoor treated 4' x 8' sheets of it for $17 each.

I love the idea of PVC sheathing, but insanely cost prohibitive for me!