How to Build Chicken Coop Out of Pallets? – Homestead Gardener

Building a shelter for your flock on your own, is deeply satisfying. Apart from the fascinating experience you can cut on down on the cost of buying fancy chicken coops.

Pallets are one of the most cost-effective building materials you can get your hands on—and often, they’re completely free. You’ll find them stacked behind grocery stores, hardware shops, warehouses, or even listed online by folks just looking to get rid of them.

What makes pallets even better is their versatility. With a bit of clean-up and some basic tools, these sturdy wooden frames can be repurposed into the foundation, walls, and even nesting areas of a tough, weather-resistant chicken coop.

If you’re eco-conscious and looking for a budget-friendly way to house your flock, building a chicken coop from wooden pallets is a perfect solution. It’s a smart way to reuse materials that would otherwise go to waste—giving them a second life while saving you money.

How to Build Chicken Coop Out of Pallets?

Incredible thing about building your own chicken coop is that you get to design it exactly how your want – tailored according to your space, style and size of your flocks.

Plus, it’s a great opportunity to repurpose materials and reduce waste, especially when you’re using something as abundant and underappreciated as wooden pallets.

DIY chicken coops also give you full control over the structure—whether it’s ensuring proper ventilation, making it easy to clean, or adding features like nesting boxes or a run.

Important: Before you start building, the most crucial thing to consider is your chickens’ basic needs: safety, ventilation, space, and protection from the elements and predators.

Make sure your coop design allows for at least 3–4 square feet per bird inside the coop, and at least 8–10 square feet in the run area.

Think about weatherproofing, airflow, and easy access for you to collect eggs and clean the space.

Also Read: How to Clip Flight Feathers on Chickens?

What You’ll Need to Build a Pallet Chicken Coop

Materials:

• 6–10 wooden pallets (heat-treated, not chemically treated)
• Plywood or OSB sheets (for roofing or flooring)
• 2×4 lumber (for framing or additional supports)
• Chicken wire or hardware cloth (for windows and run)
• Hinges and latches (for doors and access points)
• Screws and nails (preferably exterior-grade)
• Roofing material (tin sheets, shingles, or waterproof tarp)
• Paint or wood sealer (optional but recommended)

Tools:

• Hammer or nail gun
• Power drill and bits
• Circular saw or handsaw
• Pry bar or crowbar
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Safety gloves and goggles

Step-by-Step: How to Build a Chicken Coop Out of Pallets

Step 1: Choose the Right Spot

Your coop’s location is key to both chicken comfort and your daily chores. Start by picking a flat, elevated area that drains well—this helps prevent waterlogging during heavy rain and keeps the interior dry and clean. Avoid low-lying or muddy spots, which can lead to mold, disease, and structural damage.

Ideally, choose a location that gets morning sunlight to help warm your flock early in the day, but also offers some afternoon shade to protect them from heat stress. Positioning near a tree or installing a shade structure can help.

Also think practically—place the coop somewhere that’s easy for you to access for feeding, cleaning, and collecting eggs, even during bad weather. Bonus points if it’s near your water source or compost bin, making daily chores more efficient.

Step 2: Source and Prep Your Pallets

You’ll need 6–10 solid wooden pallets, depending on the size of your coop. Look for ones marked “HT” (heat-treated)—these are safe to use around animals. Avoid “MB” pallets, which were treated with methyl bromide, a toxic chemical unsafe for chickens.

Once you’ve gathered your pallets:

• Inspect each for damage, rotting, or warped wood.
• Use a pry bar to remove any protruding nails.
• Give each pallet a light sanding to smooth out splinters or rough edges—especially where your chickens might roost or nest.
• If pallets are wet or dirty, let them dry in the sun for a few days before using them.

If you want a uniform look, consider painting or staining the pallets ahead of time with an animal-safe, non-toxic wood finish.

Step 3: Build the Coop Base

The base needs to be strong enough to support the entire structure and resist predators from underneath. Lay 2 to 3 pallets side by side on level ground to form the floor. Screw them together securely using 3-inch wood screws.

For added strength and to prevent sagging, reinforce the bottom with 2×4 framing—attach lengthwise along the underside to keep everything sturdy.

If your pallets have large gaps between slats, cover the base with a sheet of plywood or OSB (or layer straw on top later). This not only adds strength but makes cleaning easier and more hygienic for the hens.

Optionally, elevate the entire floor a foot off the ground on concrete blocks or short stilts. This protects the wood from ground moisture and discourages burrowing pests.

Check this: How to Keep Chickens Safe from Predators?

Step 4: Construct the Walls

Stand four pallets upright to form each wall—two long sides and two shorter ends. Arrange them vertically or horizontally depending on the height you want. Use brackets or scrap wood at the corners for added stability, and anchor the walls together using long screws and L-brackets at joints.

Be sure to:

• Leave space for a main door on one side.
• Include at least one window or vent opening on the opposite wall or up near the roof for airflow.

To strengthen the wall structure, screw vertical 2×4 studs inside each corner and at the midpoint of longer sides. These give your walls rigidity and serve as supports for roofing or internal features like nesting boxes.

Step 5: Add the Roof Frame

A good roof protects against rain, sun, and snow. Build a slanted or gable-style roof using 2×4 lumber—this allows water to run off easily and prevents buildup.

Frame the roof directly onto the top of the wall structure:

• Use angled 2×4 rafters or a simple lean-to design sloped toward the back.
• Add horizontal cross-braces between rafters for support.

Once framed, screw plywood or corrugated tin sheets on top. If using tin, make sure to overlap pieces for a watertight seal. You can also install shingles or a waterproof tarp if you’re in a pinch—just ensure it’s tightly fastened.

Pro tip: Overhang the roof by at least 6 inches on all sides to shield walls from rain and allow for ventilation below the eaves.

Check this:

Step 6: Secure the Openings

Install a door using a modified pallet, plywood panel, or framed lumber. Mount it with heavy-duty outdoor hinges and add a secure latch or sliding bolt—raccoons and other predators can easily flip simple latches.

For windows or vents, cut openings in the pallet walls or between slats, then cover them from the inside with hardware cloth (¼-inch mesh). Chicken wire is not predator-proof—hardware cloth is much stronger and keeps out snakes, rats, and raccoons.

Make sure all entry points are snug—check for any gaps or holes larger than a quarter, and seal them with wood scraps, flashing, or mesh.

Step 7: Add Nesting Boxes and Roosts

Now it’s time to furnish your coop. Chickens need:

• Nesting boxes for laying eggs
• Roosting bars for sleeping off the ground

Use wooden crates, plastic bins, or build custom boxes from pallet scraps. A good rule is 1 nesting box per 3–4 hens. Line boxes with straw or pine shavings and place them in a quiet, dim corner of the coop.

Install roosting bars 2–4 feet off the ground, spaced at least 12–18 inches apart. Use rounded 2×2 or 2×4 lumber with the wider edge facing up for comfort. Position them higher than nesting boxes to prevent chickens from sleeping in the boxes.

Step 8: Build the Chicken Run (Optional but Recommended)

A run gives your chickens safe outdoor access and reduces boredom and pecking issues. Build a rectangular frame using posts or pallets, and cover it with chicken wire or hardware cloth.

Make it:

• At least 8–10 square feet per bird
• Tall enough to walk in (if possible) for easy maintenance
• Secured with a top covering to prevent aerial predators (use netting, wire, or roofing)

Important: Dig a trench and bury the bottom edge of the wire 8–12 inches deep, then bend it outward in an “L” shape. This prevents predators from digging under.

Step 9: Paint, Seal, or Weatherproof

To protect your hard work, apply an outdoor wood sealer, weatherproof paint, or non-toxic wood preservative to all exposed surfaces. This extends the life of your coop by shielding it from rain, UV rays, and pests.

Choose light colors if you’re in a hot climate to reflect heat, or darker tones for colder areas to absorb warmth. Reapply paint or sealer every 1–2 years as part of routine maintenance.

Step 10: Add Bedding and Let the Chickens Move In

You’re almost there! Add a thick layer of straw, pine shavings, or shredded leaves to the coop floor and nesting boxes. This provides insulation, absorbs moisture, and makes cleaning easier.

Set up a gravity-fed waterer and feeder inside the coop or run, making sure they’re raised off the ground to reduce mess.

• Check for sharp edges
• Make sure doors/latches are secure
• Confirm there’s no standing water or drafts

Then, open the gate and let your flock explore their brand-new, homemade palace.

Also Read: 7 Ways to Break a Broody Chicken

Conclusion

Building a chicken coop out of pallets isn’t just a great way to save money—it’s a hands-on, eco-friendly project that turns scrap wood into a safe, comfortable home for your flock.

With a little planning, some basic tools, and a bit of sweat equity, you can create a sturdy, functional coop that meets your chickens’ needs without breaking the bank.

Plus, there’s a real sense of satisfaction in knowing you built it yourself—from scavenging pallets to driving in the last screw. It’s a project that not only supports your chickens but also reflects the resourcefulness and self-reliance that come with homesteading.

So gather those pallets, roll up your sleeves, and get building. Your chickens will thank you—with fresh eggs and happy clucks every day.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting