How to build a small chicken coop

This step by step diy project is about how to build a small chicken coop. Building a small backyard chicken coop is a complex project, but the construction will be durable. We have designed this insulated chicken coop to require the least amount of work and skills. Therefore, you can tackle this project, even if you are an amateur builder.

It is essential to use weather-resistant lumber when building the chicken coop, so make sure you select the components with attention. Moreover, take accurate measurements before making the cuts, otherwise the components might not fit together. Adjust the size of the chicken coop according to your needs, but make sure you follow the instructions described in this article.

Projects made from these plans

Small chicken coop

  

It’s that easy to build an insulated chicken coop!

Small chicken coop plans

Building-a-small-chicken-coop

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 30″ long, 3 pieces – 17″ long, 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 20″x30″ long BASE
• B – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 20″ long, 2 pieces – 17″ long 2xSIDE WALLS
  
• B – 1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 27″ long, 4 pieces – 17″ long, 1 piece – 10″ long, 2 pieces – 8 1/2″ long FRONT WALL
• B – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber –  27″ long, 2 pieces – 17″ long, 1 piece – 24″ long  BACK WALL
• C – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 20″x25 3/4″‘ long, 2 pieces – 31 1/2″x43 1/2″ long EXTERIOR WALLS
• D – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 20″x30″ long CEILING
• F – 2 pieces of 1/4″ plywood – 20″x16 1/2″‘ long, 2 pieces – 20″x27″ long INTERIOR WALLS

• recommended materials

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Post hole digger, Concrete mixer

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Part 1: How to build a small chicken coop
• Part 2: Building a chicken coop roof
• Part 3: Chicken coop run plans

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How to build a small chicken coop

Building-the-floor-frame

The first step of the project is to build the frame of the floor. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to cut the components at the right dimensions. Drill pilot holes through the rim joists and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the intermediary joists. Align the edges and make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the floor insulation

Fit 1 1/2″ insulation sheets to the frame of the floor. Use a saw to adjust the sheet to the dimensions highlighted in the diagram.

Fitting the floor

Attach 3/4″ plywood sheets to the floor frame, as show in the diagram. Drill pilot holes though the plywood sheets and secure them into place with 1 1/4″ screws. Make sure the edges are flush before inserting the screws and leave no gaps between the components.

Building-the-side-wall-frames

Build the side walls out of 2×2 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs. Make sure the corners are square and add glue to the joints. Align the edges with attention for a professional result.

Building the back wall

Continue the project by assembling the back wall of the chicken coop. Cut the components at the right dimensions and assemble them together with screws. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs. In addition, drill pilot holes through the studs and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the middle horizontal support.

Building-the-front-wall-frame

Build the front face of the chicken coop in the same manner described above. Make sure you align everything thoroughly before inserting the screws. Check if the corners are square before inserting the screws.

Assembling the frame of the chicken coop

The next step of the project is to assemble the frame of the small chicken coop. Lay the wall frames to the floor and lock them into place with 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and leave no gaps between the components. Lock the adjacent walls together with 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the walls are plumb and the top plates are perfectly horizontal.

Building-the-exterior-wall-panels

Build the exterior walls out of 3/4″ plywood. Use the diagram to make the cuts to the sheets. Smooth the cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper.

Attaching the exterior walls

Attach the plywood sheets to the exterior of the structure and lock them into place using brad nails. Align the edges before inserting the screws and leave no gaps between the components.

Insulation boards

Cut the 1 1/2″ thick insulation sheets at the right dimensions using the information from the diagram.

Fitting the insulation

Fit the insulation sheets to the walls, as shown in the free chicken coop plans. Make sure there are no gaps between the studs and the sheets, to prevent heat losses.

Building the inner walls

Build the interior walls out of 1/4″ plywood. Make the cuts with a circular saw and smooth the edges with fine grit sandpaper.

Fitting the inner walls

Fit the interior walls to the structure and lock the components to the studs by using finishing nails. Make sure there are no gaps between the components and work with attention.

Attaching the ceiling

Next, build the ceiling for the chicken coop out of 3/4″ plywood. You could also use 1/4″ plywood, but it wouldn’t be rigid enough to support any weight, if you want to build a storage compartment under the roof. After fitting the plywood sheet with screws and nails, we recommend you to attach a piece of insulation board.

How to buiild a small chicken coop

After building the frame of the chicken coop we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, check if all the components are locked together tightly and aligned properly.

Top Tip: Don’t forget to take a look over the rest of the project, if you want to learn how to build the roof for the chicken coop.

This woodworking project was about small chicken coop plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook to be the first that gets our latest updates and submit pictures with your DIY projects.

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