How to build a chicken coop plans free

This step by step woodworking project is about how to build a chicken coop plans free. Building a lean to chicken coop out of wood will enhance the look of your yard, while supplying your family with fresh meat and eggs. If you are an absolute beginner when it comes to raising chickens, you should start with a smaller chicken coop, as the one shown in this article requires a significant investment.

Before starting the actual construction of the chicken coop, we recommend you to look over the design alternatives and too choose the design that really fits your needs. For example, if you want to build a basic construction with a small surface, you have to take a look at these a-frame chicken coop plans. Taking into account this project requires a significant investment, you might be better off with a simple chicken coop.

In order to build the coop in just an weekend and to get a professional result, we recommend you invest in high-quality materials. Choose pressure-treated lumber and check if all the slats are straight and in a good condition. Use T1-11 sheets for the exterior siding and add 1×4 trims to the corners of the structure and around the edges of the opening, in order to enhance the look of the chicken coop. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a chicken coop free pans

Building a chicken coop plans

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 5 pieces – 45″ long FLOOR FRAME
B – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long FLOORING
C – 6 pieces of 2×4 – 71″, 2 pieces – 96″, 2 pieces – 69 1/2″, 1 piece – 31″ FRONT WALL
C – 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 82 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 96″ long BACK WALL
C – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 71″ long, 4 pieces – 41″ long, 4 pieces – 20″ long SIDE WALLS
D – 7 pieces of 5/8” grooved plywood – 48″x96″ long SIDING
E – 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 49 3/4″ long RAFTERS
F – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′, 40 sq ft of tar paper, asphalt shingles ROOFING
G – 1×4 trims cut at different sizes TRIMS

33 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10 ft
7 pieces of 5/8” T1-11 – 4’x8′
1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
40 sq ft of tar paper, asphalt shingles
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses, Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws

Time

One Week

Part 1: How to build a chicken coop free plans
Part 2: How to build a chicken nesting box

Building the floor of the coop

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the floor of the chicken coop. As you can see in the plans, you need to build the frame from 2×4 or 2×6 lumber. Cut the joists at the right size, drill pilot holes trough the rim components and insert 3 1/2″ galvanized screws into the regular joists. Check if the corners are right-angled before attaching the 3/4″ plywood sheets. Use 1 1/4″ screws to lock the plywood into place tightly.

Front wall plans

Afterwards, you should assemble the wall frames of the chicken coop. Cut the 2×4 lumber and assemble them together, as in the plans, using 3 1/2″ galvanized screws. It is essential to pre-drill the components before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. Leave enough space for the door opening, otherwise you won’t have room to enter into the chicken coop.

Building the back wall

Building the back wall is a lot easier, but you should remember that the top of the studs should be cut at 15 degrees. Use a carpentry square to make sure the corners are right-angled.

Building the side walls

Continue the woodworking project by assembling the side walls. As you can notice in the image, we recommend you to leave space for small windows, as to let the light get inside the construction. Frame the window as in the plans, in order to create a rigid structure.

Attaching the wall frames

Place the wall frames on top of the floor, drill pilot holes trough the bottom plates and insert 4 1/2″ screws into the joists. Make sure you pay special attention to these steps, as you need to plumb the walls and to check if the corners are right-angled. Drill screws into the adjacent walls, in order to add support to the construction.

Building the roof structure

Attaching the rafters

After building the frame of the chicken coop, we recommend you to build the 2×4 rafters and to fit them into place. Drill pilot holes trough the rafters and insert the screws into the top plates of the coop. Make sure you space the rafters as in the image, in order to support the weight of the roof efficiently.

Attaching siding to front wall

The next step of the backyard project is to attach the siding to the walls. Adjust the size of the 5/8″ siding to the right size, by using a circular saw and lock the sheets to the frame with galvanized screws. Make sure you cut out the door opening in a professional manner (drill a starting hole and cut out the piece with a jigsaw), as we are going to use it for the front door.

Attaching siding to the back wall

Attach the sheets to the back wall, making sure you align the sheets to the top plates. Insert 1 1/4″ screws into the studs, every 8″.

Attaching siding to side walls

In addition, we recommend you to attach the siding to the side walls, in the same manner described above. Cut out the window openings, as well as the opening for the nesting boxes, on one side of the chicken coop.

Attaching the trims

Attach the 1×4 trims to the edges of the chicken coop, using finishing nails and waterproof glue. It is not compulsory to attach the trims to the exterior of the chicken coop, but it will most certainly add value to the construction.

Fitting the roofing

Attaching the roofing

Attach a piece of 3/4″ plywood to the rafters, tar paper and asphalt shingles. Make sure the strips of tar paper overlap at least 2″, in order to protect the structure from bad weather. Start laying the 3 tab shingles from the bottom left section of the roof.

How to build a chicken coop free plans

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. In order to get a professional result, fill the holes and the gaps with wood filler and let it dry out for a few hours. Check if there are protruding screws and fix this issue, if necessary.

My best tips on building a chicken coop shed:

Building a chicken coop shed is a great way to provide your chickens with a secure, comfortable space to live and lay eggs, while also keeping predators at bay. A well-built coop shed offers shelter from the elements, easy access for cleaning, and adequate space for your flock to thrive. Here are my best tips for building a chicken coop shed that’s practical, safe, and easy to maintain.

1. Plan and Design the Chicken Coop Shed

Determine Coop Size: The size of your coop shed depends on how many chickens you plan to keep. A good rule of thumb is to allow 3-4 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per chicken in an attached outdoor run.
Choose the Location: Pick a location with good drainage to prevent the coop from getting muddy. It should also be in a sunny spot to keep the coop dry, but shaded areas are great to avoid overheating in hot weather.
Consider Ventilation and Light: Chickens need fresh air and natural light to stay healthy. Plan to include windows, vents, or even an open mesh area in the design for airflow, while also allowing sunlight to reach the coop’s interior.

2. Gather Materials and Tools

Pressure-Treated Lumber: Use pressure-treated wood for the frame and base of the coop shed to resist rot and insects.
Plywood or Siding: Choose plywood for the walls or siding that is weather-resistant, such as T1-11, cedar, or even metal sheets for durability.
Chicken Wire or Hardware Cloth: Chicken wire can be used for the outdoor run, but hardware cloth is better for predator protection. It should be 1/2-inch mesh or smaller.
Tools: You’ll need basic tools like a saw, hammer, screws, nails, drill, measuring tape, level, and a staple gun for attaching wire.

3. Build a Solid Base and Floor

Raise the Coop Off the Ground: Raising the coop shed on a wooden base or concrete blocks prevents rot and keeps predators from digging underneath. Make sure the base is level and elevated by 12-18 inches to keep it dry.
Install a Durable Floor: Use plywood or solid wood for the floor, making it strong enough to support the weight of the chickens and bedding. Consider a sloped floor for easy cleaning, or install a removable tray for waste collection.

4. Frame the Walls and Roof

Build the Coop Frame: Start by building the frame for the walls using 2×4 pressure-treated lumber. Ensure the walls are tall enough to allow you to walk in for cleaning (around 6-7 feet high).
Sloped Roof Design: A sloped or gabled roof helps shed water and snow while providing extra height for ventilation. Cover the roof with durable materials such as corrugated metal, shingles, or waterproof roofing panels.
Add Windows and Vents: Cut openings for windows or vents to provide airflow and natural light. Install windows with hardware cloth or mesh screens to prevent predators from entering while allowing air to flow.

5. Build Nesting Boxes and Roosting Bars

Nesting Boxes for Egg Laying: Plan for one nesting box per 3-4 chickens. Nesting boxes should be placed about 18-24 inches above the floor, in a dark, quiet area of the coop. You can build the boxes out of plywood and line them with straw or hay for comfort.
Roosting Bars for Sleeping: Chickens prefer to sleep perched on roosting bars, which should be positioned 2-3 feet above the floor. Use round or smooth-edged wooden bars that are about 2 inches wide for comfort, with enough space for each chicken to roost.

6. Secure the Coop Against Predators

Use Hardware Cloth for Safety: Install hardware cloth instead of chicken wire around the base and windows of the coop. Chicken wire is not predator-proof, while hardware cloth prevents raccoons, foxes, and other predators from breaking in.
Bury the Fencing: To prevent digging predators, bury the hardware cloth at least 12 inches deep around the perimeter of the coop and run. Some people create an “L” shape with the mesh, burying it outward from the coop for extra protection.
Lockable Doors and Latches: Install secure, lockable doors for both the coop and run to keep your chickens safe at night. Use predator-proof latches, such as carabiners or spring-loaded latches, to prevent raccoons from opening them.

7. Install an Outdoor Run

Attach a Run for Outdoor Space: Chickens need access to an outdoor run for exercise, scratching, and foraging. Build a run using 4×4 posts and surround it with hardware cloth or chicken wire. Make sure the run is covered to protect the chickens from aerial predators like hawks.
Provide Shade and Shelter: Add a shaded area in the run by extending the roof or using a tarp or shade cloth to protect your flock from the hot sun. Make sure part of the run is sheltered from rain and snow as well.

8. Ensure Proper Ventilation and Drainage

Add Vents to Prevent Moisture: Poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup, causing mold and disease. Install roof vents, gable vents, or ridge vents to allow warm air to escape and keep the air inside the coop fresh.
Install Gutters for Drainage: If you live in a rainy area, consider installing gutters on the coop roof to direct rainwater away from the coop. This will help prevent water buildup around the base of the coop.

9. Add Easy-Access Features

Access Doors for Cleaning: Build an access door large enough for you to easily reach inside the coop for cleaning. A hinged floor or tray can also make removing waste easier.
Feed and Water Stations: Install feeding and water stations that are easy to refill and clean. Hanging feeders and waterers are great for keeping the floor clean and preventing spills.
Create a Pop Door for Chickens: Install a pop door (small door) that allows the chickens to go in and out of the coop freely. The pop door should be lockable to keep predators out at night.

10. Finishing Touches and Maintenance

Paint or Stain the Coop: Once the coop is built, protect the wood by painting or staining the exterior with weather-resistant products. This will extend the life of the coop and give it a polished look.
Install Lighting (Optional): If you live in an area with harsh winters or short daylight hours, consider installing a light inside the coop to extend the laying season. Use low-wattage bulbs to simulate daylight.
Maintain the Coop Regularly: Regular cleaning is essential for keeping your chickens healthy. Remove old bedding, clean the nesting boxes, and check the coop for any signs of damage or predator entry points.

Building a chicken coop shed is a rewarding project that provides your chickens with a safe, comfortable home while giving you easy access for maintenance. By following these tips—ensuring good ventilation, predator-proofing the coop, and building for ease of use—you’ll create a durable, functional space that keeps your flock happy and healthy. Whether you’re raising a few hens for fresh eggs or creating a larger home for a growing flock, a well-built coop shed is essential for successful backyard chicken keeping.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a chicken coop free plans and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets or latest projects.

<< Previous | Next >>

PRINT PLAN

EXPLORE MORE IDEAS: