Free Chicken Coop with Run Plans

This step by step diy project is about 4×8 free chicken coop with run plans. I have designed this backyard chicken coop that has a lean to roof, so you can have fresh eggs and perhaps meat at any time you want. The 4×6 coop has a 2×4 nesting box to the front, so you can harvest the eggs with ease. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Free Chicken Coop with Run Plans

Building-a-chicken-coop

Cut & Shopping Lists

A– 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 5 pieces – 45″ long BASE
B – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 96″ long SKIDS
C – 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 48″x96″ long FLOOR
D – 1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 72″ long, 1 piece – 74 3/4″ long, 1 piece – 57 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 51 1/2″ long, 45 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 39 1/2″ long 2xSIDE WALL
E – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 39″ long, 2 pieces – 5 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 45″ long, 1 piece – 34 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 4 1/2″ long BACK WALL
F – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 45″ long, 2 pieces – 57″ long, 1 piece – 42″ long, 2 pieces – 33″ long, 2 pieces – 14 1/2″ long FRONT WALL
G – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 72″x42″ long, 2 pieces – 18 1/4″x72″ long, 1 piece – 32 1/2″x48″ long, 1 piece – 42″x48″ long WALLS
H – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 55″ long, 2 pieces – 20″ long, 2 pieces – 15 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 24 1/2″ long PURLINS
I – 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 48″x55″ long, 1 piece – 33 1/4″x55″ long ROOF
J – 35 sq ft of tar paper, 35 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
K – 1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 24″ long, 1 piece – 22 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 18 3/4″ long, 1 piece – 24 1/4″ long, 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 24″x25 1/2″ long 5xNESTING FRAMES
K – 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 21 1/2″x48″ long NESTING BOX
L – 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 25″x49″ long, 10 sq ft of tar paper, 10 sq ft of asphalt shingles LID
M – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 16″ long, 1 piece – 29 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 9″ long, 2 pieces – 22 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 16″x22 1/2″ long CHICKEN DOOR
M – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 34 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 39 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 29 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 34 1/2″ long, 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 34 1/2″x34 1/2″ long BACK DOOR
N – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 16 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 22 1/2″ long TRIMS

5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
7 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
16 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8′
4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 10′
7 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8′
3 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8′
hinges for large door and lid
hinges for chicken door
piano hinge
latch for large door
45 sq ft of tar paper, 45 sq ft of asphalt shingles
2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
4d nails, 2″ nails, 1 1/2″ nails
wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

One Weekend

PART 1: 4×8 Free Chicken Coop with Run Plans
PART 2: 8×8 Chicken Run Plans

Free Chicken Coop Plans – Video

How to build a 4×8 backyard chicken coop

floor-frame-chicken-coop

The first step of the project is to build the floor frame for the 4×8 chicken coop. Cut the joists from 2×4 lumber, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the 96″ long joists and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components. Place the joists every 24″ on center and make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the skids

The next step is to use 4×4 lumber for the skids. Use a miter saw to make the 45 degree cuts to both ends of the skids, so you can easily move the coop from one place to another. Fit the skids under the frame and align everything flush. Use rafter ties or screws to lock skids to the floor frame of the coop. Use 1/2″ plywood for the floor frame. Fit the sheet of plywood to the frame and align the edges flush. Insert the 1 5/8″ screws to secure the floor to the frame, every 8″ along the joists. Use pressure treated lumber, as the skids will be exposed to the elements.

Front-wall-chicken-coop

Use 2×2 lumber for the front wall of the 4×8 chicken coop. Cut the components as shown in the plans and lay them on a level surface. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush. Frame the window for the coop.

Side-wall-frames—4×8-coop

The next step of the project is to build the side frames for the coop. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs.

Back-wall-frame—4×8-chicken-shelter

Continue the project by framing the back wall. As you can see in the diagram, you should leave an opening for the door. You can make adjustments to suit your needs. Everything is easy, so you shouldn’t be scared to modify my plans.

Assembling the frame of the chicken coop

After building the frames for the backyard chicken coop, you have to attach them to the floor. Join the frame of the coop together tightly. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the floor. In addition, join the adjacent walls together tightly with 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square before inserting the screws.

Fitting the side panels to the chicken coop

Use 1/2″ plywood for the exterior walls. Mark the cut lines on the sheets and use a circular saw to get the job done. Fit the panels to the sides of the coop frame and insert 2″ nails to lock them in place.

Front wall panel – chicken coop plans

Cut the front wall panel and attach it to the coop.

Back wall panel – diy chicken coop

Repeat the process for the back wall panel.

Fitting the roof purlins

Continue the outdoor chicken coop project by attaching the 1×4 purlins to the top of the structure. Center the purlins to the coop, leaving 3″ overhangs on both sides. Use 1 5/8″ screws to secure the purlins to the frame of the coop.

Fitting the roof sheets to the chicken coop

Use 3/4″ plywood sheets for the roof. Cut the sheets to the dimensions shown in the diagram and then attach them to the coop. Insert 1 5/8″ screws every 8″ along the purlins.

Fitting the roofing

Cover the coop with tar paper and then install the asphalt shingles. Start from the bottom and then go all the way up to the top.

Fitting the trims to the window – chicken coop

Fit the 1×4 trims around the front window. Use 1 1/2″ nails to secure the trims into place tightly.

Door jambs – chicken coop

Fit the 1×4 jambs around the chicken coop door. Align the edges flush and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock the jambs to the frame of the coop.

Building the chicken coop door

Build the chicken coop door from the panel you cut out when building the exterior side panel. Use 1×4 trims to the doors. Insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock the trims trims to the door panel.

Fitting the chicken door

Fit the door to the opening and attach the hinges to lock it into place.

Back door jambs – chicken coop project

Attach the 1×4 jambs around the back door opening. Align the edges and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock the jambs into place tightly.

Back-door-for-4×8-coop

Build the large back door using the same techniques described above.

Fitting the door

Fit the door to the back of the chicken coop and use hinges to lock them to the jambs. Install a latch to lock the door into place tightly.

Frames-for-nesting-box

Use 2×2 lumber for the nesting box frames. Make the cuts with a miter saw and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock everything tightly. Make 5 identical frames.

Fitting the nesting box frames

Fit the frames to the front of the coop, as shown in the plans. Place the frames equally spaced, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place.

Side panels for nesting box

Use 1/2″ plywood for the nesting box panels. Make the cuts and then lock them to the frames with 1 5/8″ screws.

Fitting the back panel to the nesting box

Fit the panel to the nesting box. Align the edges and insert 1 5/8″ screws to secure the panel.

Fitting the lid to the nesting box

Use 1/2″ plywood for the lid of the nesting box. Fit the lid to the coop and use a piano hinge to lock it into place.

Fitting the asphalt shingles to the lid

Cover the lid with tar paper and then install asphalt shingles.

How to build a simple chicken coop

Make sure you take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint to protect the coop from the elements and to enhance the look of the project.

Free chicken coop with run plans

In addition, you need to take a look over PART 2 of the coop project where I show you how to build the 8×8 run. It is a super simple project so you don’t have anything to lose except for a few minutes.

chicken coop with run plans

This basic 4×8 chicken coop is easy to build and extremely durable. This coop is the perfect candidate if you want to go further and add insulation between the studs. Moreover, if you like this design, you should know that the project is designed with cost efficiency in the mind. I have tons of other chicken coop designs, so make sure you look over them to get some more building inspiration.

If you want to get PREMIUM PLANS for this project, in a PDF format, please press GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support.

This woodworking project was about 4×8 chicken coop plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.