Backyard chickens can pay for themselves in eggs – but the coop is the upfront cost most people underestimate. So how much does it really cost to build a chicken coop in 2026? Here is what drives the price and how to keep it down.
What a chicken coop costs
The biggest factors are size and materials. A small backyard coop for a handful of hens is an affordable weekend build; a large walk-in coop with an attached run costs more for the extra lumber, roofing, and hardware cloth. As a rule of thumb:
- Small coop (2-4 hens): the lowest-cost build – a modest lumber budget plus wire, hinges, and roofing.
- Medium coop (6-8 hens): mid-range, especially once you add nesting boxes and a proper run.
- Large walk-in coop (12+ hens): the priciest DIY option, but far cheaper than buying an equivalent pre-built coop.
Where the money goes
- Framing lumber (2x4s, plywood) – the bulk of the cost.
- Hardware cloth for a predator-proof run – do not cheap out here with chicken wire.
- Roofing (shingles or metal), hinges, latches, and a secure lockable door.
- Nesting boxes and roosting bars – simple to build from the same lumber.
DIY vs. buying a coop
Pre-built coops sold online are convenient but often flimsy and expensive for the space you get. Building from a plan gives you a sturdier coop, the exact size you need, and a much lower cost – the trade is your time. A good plan with a full cut list is the difference between building once and buying twice.
How to build a coop for less
- Build the right size, not the biggest. Use the 2 to 4 square feet per bird rule so you do not over-buy lumber.
- Repurpose materials – leftover framing, reclaimed siding, and offcuts work well for a coop.
- Prioritize spending on hardware cloth and a solid door (predator protection) over cosmetic touches.
- Use a detailed plan so you buy exactly what you need and waste nothing.
Ready to build?
Match the coop to your flock, spend on predator-proofing, and build from a plan to keep costs down. See our roundup of the best chicken coop plans, our chicken coop size guide, or read the full step-by-step guide to building a chicken coop.