How many chickens can a 4x8 coop hold?

A 4x8-foot coop provides 32 square feet, comfortably housing 6 to 8 chickens at 4 square feet per bird.

Many municipalities have specific regulations for backyard poultry. Check local zoning and HOA rules.

Best flooring for a chicken coop?

Plywood covered with vinyl flooring remnant and topped with pine shavings is easy to clean and moisture-resistant.

intermediate

3-4 days

$300 - $800

How to Build a Chicken Coop: Backyard Flock Housing Guide (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Building Projects Team

|Last updated May 26, 2026|Sources & methodology

Raising backyard chickens starts with providing a safe, comfortable home. A well-designed coop protects your flock from predators and weather while making egg collection and cleaning easy. This guide covers a practical 4x8-foot coop for 4 to 8 hens.

Key Takeaways

Raising backyard chickens starts with providing a safe, comfortable home.
A well-designed coop protects your flock from predators and weather while making egg collection and cleaning easy.
This guide covers a practical 4x8-foot coop for 4 to 8 hens.
Use 1/2-inch hardware cloth instead of chicken wire since raccoons can reach through chicken wire.
Allow 4 square feet of coop space and 10 square feet of run space per hen.

Tools Needed

circular saw, miter saw, drill/driver, staple gun, tin snips, tape measure, speed square, level, hammer, utility knife

Materials List

2x4 framing lumber, 3/4-inch plywood (floor and walls), T1-11 siding, 2x3 roost bars, hardware cloth (1/2-inch), hinges, latches, asphalt shingles, roofing felt, exterior screws, staples, paint or stain

Step-by-Step Instructions

Build the Floor Frame

Construct a 4x8-foot floor frame from 2x4s. Cover with 3/4-inch plywood. Elevate 12-18 inches off the ground.

Frame the Walls

Frame four walls with 2x4s. Include openings for access door, chicken pop door, windows, and nesting box panel.

Install Siding and Roof

Sheath walls with T1-11 siding. Build a sloped shed roof with rafters, plywood, felt, and shingles.

Add Ventilation and Windows

Install hardware cloth over window openings with hinged shutters. Add ventilation openings near the roofline.

Install Nesting Boxes and Roosts

Build 12x12x12-inch nesting boxes (one per 3-4 hens) with exterior access. Install 2x3 roost bars 18-24 inches up.

Build the Run and Secure

Frame a run with 2x4s and wrap all sides with 1/2-inch hardware cloth. Bury cloth 12 inches underground.

Paint and Finish

Apply exterior paint or stain. Install predator-proof latches on all doors.

Recommended Species

Pressure-Treated Pine (floor and ground contact), Construction-Grade SPF, Cedar (siding)

Recommended Sizes

2x4 framing, 3/4-inch plywood, 2x3 roost bars

Pro Tips

Use 1/2-inch hardware cloth instead of chicken wire since raccoons can reach through chicken wire. Allow 4 square feet of coop space and 10 square feet of run space per hen. Make the coop tall enough to stand inside. Install vinyl flooring on the plywood floor for easy cleaning.