From Sketch to Structure: Building Our Custom Chicken Coop and Run
We Built Our Own Chicken Coop—And Here’s How It Went!
For the past four weeks, we’ve been busy working 3–5 hours a day, five days a week building a DIY chicken coop and run for our sweet little flock. That’s why I’ve been a bit quiet lately—but I’m excited to catch you up!
As you may remember, I brought home a new group of chicks this past March. They’ve been such a joy—adorable, curious, and growing fast! One of the most fun things about raising hybrid chicks is the surprise of seeing how their feathers come in. It’s like a little mystery box with wings!
After a couple of weeks, we knew it was time to give them a permanent home, so we weighed our options:
But First, Meet our Country Chicks!
From Top Left to Right: Reba, June, Patsy, Dolly
Bottom left to Right: Loretta, Tanya
Option 1: Buy a Lean-To Shed and Convert It
We found a pre-built 4’x8’ Leonard shed that seemed like a good fit. But with a price tag over $2,000—plus the cost of modifications like a chicken door, nesting boxes, run, and roosts—it started to feel a bit out of budget. And it wasn’t elevated, which we really wanted.
Option 2: Buy a Coop Kit
We looked at a ready-to-go coop kit from Tractor Supply for under $1,000. It had everything we needed, except for the run. But we couldn’t inspect it beforehand, and we didn’t want to take a chance on quality for that price.
Option 3: Build It Ourselves
This is the route we chose! Since we’d have to build a run anyway, we decided to just go all in. I sketched out a rough design on my tablet, got the thumbs up from my husband, and then we dove into YouTube tutorials and planning.
While we didn’t have much experience building something of this size, my husband’s basic knowledge of tools and construction helped a lot. We drew everything to scale, ordered our materials, and got to work.
We tackled it step-by-step, working most days except Wednesdays and Sundays, and even though it was hard work, it was incredibly rewarding. We hit small goals each day, and slowly but surely, our coop came together!
The Plan:
The Process:
Why We’re So Glad We Built Our Own
Quality Control: We chose sturdy materials and know it’s built to last.
Custom Design: We were able to include features we loved from other coops we saw online.
Skills + Confidence: We learned a lot and now feel more confident tackling other DIY homestead projects.
Cost Savings: We saved a significant amount by doing it ourselves.
If you’re considering backyard chickens and have the time and tools, we 100% recommend building your own coop. The experience, bonding time, and pride in the finished product make it totally worth it!
Supplies We Used to Build Our DIY Chicken Coop and Run
Here’s a look at the main materials and hardware we used to build our backyard chicken coop and run. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it covers most of the key components:
Lumber & Structural Materials
2"x4"x8' treated lumber
1"x4"x8' treated lumber
1"x2"x8' treated lumber
4'x8' plywood sheets
15/32"x4'x8' primed wood siding panels
4'x8' radiant barrier roof sheathing panels
Protection & Siding
1/2"x4'x100' galvanized hardware cloth (for predator-proofing)
Roofing tar paper (moisture barrier)
24" horizontal plastic roof closure strips
26"x8' clear corrugated PVC roof panels
Hardware & Fasteners
Simpson Strong-Tie 1-7/16"x2-1/2" galvanized framing angles
Simpson Strong-Tie 2"x1 1/2"x1 3/8" galvanized angles
Simpson Strong-Tie H2.5A 18-gauge ZMAX galvanized hurricane ties
1" hex-head wood screws with EPDM washers (for roof panels)
#8x1-3/4" star drive dual flat head coarse thread screws
#9x3" star drive dual flat head coarse thread screws
#9x3" #2 Phillips bugle head coarse thread coated exterior screws
#10x1" zinc-plated Phillips flat head wood screws
Coop Details
Small square window (for ventilation and natural light)
💡 Note: This isn’t a full list of every nut and bolt, but it’s a solid overview of the core materials we used. If you’re planning your own chicken coop build, your exact needs may vary depending on your design.
Looking to get started with your own flock? Learn how to make your own DIY Brooder.