🖼️
The project:
I designed and built this custom raised chicken coop from the ground up to create a safe, practical and stylish home for our backyard flock. It features weatherboard walls and insulated colourbond roof, custom barn doors, external nesting boxes, opening awning windows with flyscreens, integrated ventilation, easy-clean access and a spacious interior. Every detail was carefully planned and built by hand to maximise functionality while complementing the backyard. The project combined carpentry, painting, hardware installation and problem-solving, resulting in a durable coop that's as attractive as it is practical.
- Materials:
Based on your build and photos, use this materials list. Adjust any sizes or colours to match exactly what you purchased:
- Tools:
Based on the build shown, you likely used:
- Tape measure
- Carpenter’s pencil and marker
- Spirit level
- Speed square or combination square
- Circular saw
- Mitre saw
- Jigsaw
- Drill/driver
- Impact driver
- Drill bits and driver bits
- Hammer
- Nail gun or brad nailer
- Clamps
- Tin snips for flashing or roofing
- Angle grinder with cutting disc
- Staple gun for mesh
- Paint brushes and rollers
- Caulking gun
- Ladder
- Shovel or post-hole digger
- Wheelbarrow or mixing tub for concrete
- Sander or sanding block
- Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves and dust mask
- Step 1:
Plan the layout – Choose the coop size and position, then mark out the posts, doors, windows, nesting boxes, ventilation and access ramp.
- Step 2:
Install the supports – Dig post holes, set the treated-pine posts in concrete and ensure they are level, square and evenly spaced.
- Step 3:
Build the base – Construct the raised floor frame, secure it to the posts and install the flooring.
- Step 4:
Frame the structure – Build and install the wall and roof frames, allowing openings for doors, windows and nesting boxes.
- Step 5:
Install the roof – Fit the roof sheets, fascia and flashing, ensuring sufficient overhang and weather protection.
- Step 6:
Clad and insulate – Install insulation where required, followed by the exterior weatherboards and internal wall lining.
- Step 7:
Build the openings – Make and install the barn-style doors, awning windows, flyscreens and ventilation openings.
- Step 8:
Construct the nesting boxes – Divide the nesting area into compartments and install the hinged external access lid with chains.
- Step 9:
Fit out the interior – Install roosting bars, the access ramp, bedding, feeder and waterer.
- Step 10:
Finish and secure – Fill and sand imperfections, paint the coop, install hinges and locks, and check that all openings are predator-resistant.
