How We Built Our Own Chicken Coop

A DIY Backyard Coop That’s Functional, Affordable, and Built to Last

By Lindsay Metternich

Raising chickens was something we dreamed about for years—but the price tags on pre-built coops? Not so dreamy.

So we did what any slightly stubborn, resourceful family would do: we built our own.

With a weekend, a pile of lumber, and a little trial and error, we created a backyard chicken coop that’s safe, easy to clean, and (if I may say so myself)… kinda adorable.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how we did it—what we used, how we built it, and the must-know lessons we learned along the way.

🧰 Materials We Used

We built our coop to house 4–6 hens comfortably, with space for roosting, nesting, and scratching around.

🪚 Lumber & Structure:

• (4) 4x4 posts for corners

• 2x4s for framing (floor, walls, roof)

• Plywood sheets (walls, floor, roof)

• Hardware cloth (½-inch, predator-proof)

• Roofing material (we used metal panels)

🔧 Hardware & Finishing:

• Wood screws and galvanized nails

• Hinges and latches

• Exterior paint or stain

• Door handles and hooks

• Chicken wire for run area

• Straw, bedding, and nesting box filler

🛠️ How We Built It

1. Design + Planning

We sketched out a simple design with a 4x6 ft coop and a 6x8 ft run. We decided on an elevated base for better drainage and easier cleaning access.

2. Build the Base + Frame

Using pressure-treated wood, we constructed the base and attached plywood for flooring. Then we framed out the walls, leaving openings for a human-sized door and two windows.

3. Add Walls + Roof

We enclosed the coop with plywood panels and installed a sloped metal roof for rain runoff. Inside, we added roosting bars and a 3-compartment nesting box.

4. Secure Openings with Hardware Cloth

We used ½-inch hardware cloth for all vents and windows to keep predators out. It’s much sturdier than chicken wire and essential for safety.

5. Raise It Up and Add Features

We set the coop on concrete blocks and added a pop-door with a ramp, interior feeder and waterer, and latches on all access points. The run was enclosed with additional hardware cloth and chicken wire buried 12" underground to deter digging predators.

6. Paint + Personalize

We painted the exterior in a soft sage green, added white trim, and installed small details like hooks, a solar light, and a nameplate (yes, we named our coop).

🐣 Key Features We Added

• Removable nesting box lid for easy egg collection

• Ventilation windows for airflow

• Pop door with ramp so chickens can access the run

• Locking latches to keep out raccoons and curious kids

• Sand floor in the run for easy cleanup and low odor

🧠 Lessons We Learned (So You Don’t Have To)

1. Use hardware cloth—always. It keeps predators out.

2. Overbuild the frame. Weather and wear add up.

3. Taller is better. Makes cleaning and egg collection easier.

4. Add wheels or skids if you want mobility in the future.

5. Plan for drainage. Soggy coops are no fun for anyone.

6. Ventilation matters. Chickens need airflow in all seasons.

📦 Total Cost Breakdown

Item	Estimated Cost
Lumber	$150–200
Roofing panels	$50
Hardware cloth	$70
Hinges/latches	$30
Paint/stain	$25
Nesting box supplies	$20
Misc. screws/tools	$20
Total	~$400

Compared to pre-made coops (which can easily cost $800–$1,500), our DIY version gave us more space, better materials, and room to personalize.

🏡 Final Thoughts

Our chickens are happy, healthy, and laying like champs—and there’s something deeply satisfying about watching them flap around a coop you built with your own hands.

If you’re thinking about building your own, go for it! Start with a simple design, overbuild where it counts, and tailor it to your needs. You’ll be glad you did.