DIY Your Coop: Paint & Stain Inspiration from Real Chicken Owners

There’s something special about a freshly painted chicken coop—it’s like a fresh haircut for your flock’s home. Whether you’re dreaming of a coop that blends into your backyard garden or one that becomes the centerpiece of your yard, DIY your coop is the perfect way to show off your personality and protect your investment.

At Chicken Coop Company, we love seeing our customers make their coops their own. From bold color choices to charming custom art, your creativity never fails to impress. So today, we’re sharing a little coop-spiration from three incredible flock owners who decided to paint their coop and turn it into something truly special.

But first—why paint your coop in the first place?

Why You Should Paint Your Coop

Beyond the aesthetics, painting or staining your chicken coop plays a major role in maintaining its longevity. Just like you’d seal a deck or shed, painting your wooden coop helps protect it from sun damage, moisture, and the wear and tear of weather.

Our coops are made from high-quality fir, which is durable, lightweight, and ideal for backyard chicken keeping—but it still needs a layer of protection. Whether you go with a vibrant color palette or keep things natural with a wood stain, the added barrier helps your coop stand strong season after season.

Plus, it’s fun. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just looking to spend a weekend with a paintbrush and your favorite playlist, painting your coop is a great way to bond with your space (and your flock).

Custom Painted Coops We Love

We’ve seen everything from pastel pink masterpieces to rustic woodland scenes, and we’re thrilled to highlight a few customer creations here. These backyard chicken keepers prove that function and flair go hand-in-hand.

Coop Model: The Rhode Island Homestead 
This tropical-inspired coop makeover features hand-painted trim, a bottle cap palm tree from @notfinefurniture, and supervision by their trusty bulldog, Spicy McHaggis.

Coop Model: The Leghorn 

This chic, modern coop uses crisp white trim, deep wood tones, and matte black accents to emulate the clean, cozy look of farmhouse style.

Want to Keep That Fresh-Coop Look? Try Our Chicken-Safe Wood Stain

If you love the original look of your coop or just want a protective refresh, we’ve got you covered. We’ve partnered with Sherwin Williams to make it incredibly easy to stain your coop with the exact color it came in right out of the box.

Here’s what makes our stain option a favorite:

Matches the Original Wood Finish
Our semi-transparent stain is color-matched to the original tone of your Chicken Coop Company coop, so you can refresh the look without changing a thing.

Protects Against the Elements
This exterior woodscape polyurethane semi-transparent stain helps shield your coop from moisture, UV rays, and general wear and tear—extending its life.

Chicken-Safe & Easy to Get
When you purchase the stain through us, you’ll receive a receipt via email. Bring that into any Sherwin Williams store and walk out with a quart of Chicken Coop Company Coop Stain.
No additional payment. No shipping. No stress.

Best part? You’ll get 10% off the retail price by purchasing directly through our site.

Use the Sherwin Williams store locator to find a store near you and pick up your stain anytime.

Top Tips for Painting Your Chicken Coop

Ready to grab a brush and DIY your coop? Before you start your coop makeover, here are some pro tips to make your paint job last longer and keep your flock safe and happy:

1. Pick the Right Paint or Stain

Always use exterior-grade, non-toxic, and water-based products labeled as safe for animals. We recommend sticking with a chicken-safe stain or paint to avoid any exposure risks—especially on areas where your hens roost or peck. Our exclusive Sherwin Williams Coop Stain is a perfect choice if you want protection without changing the natural look of your coop.

2. Choose Your Color Palette Thoughtfully

Whether you're going bold or blending into the garden, choose a palette that complements your space. Earth tones, farmhouse neutrals, and soft pastels are popular with many of our customers, but we’ve also seen gorgeous blues, playful greens, and even rainbow roofs! Bright colors can add personality, but make sure your choices still reflect sunlight and don’t absorb too much heat.

3. Don’t Skip the Prep

Start by cleaning your coop thoroughly and allowing it to dry. Sand any rough edges or old finishes if needed. If you’re painting a lighter color over dark wood, a good primer will help you get a clean, even finish.

4. Focus on High-Wear Areas

Pay extra attention to edges, corners, and any spots exposed to constant weather or moisture. The roof, nesting box lid, and run framing are all areas that benefit from extra coats or protective sealant.

5. Let It Cure Before Reintroducing Your Chickens

Give the paint or stain time to dry and off-gas completely before letting your flock back in—usually 24 to 48 hours depending on temperature and humidity. Even non-toxic paint can be irritating if it hasn’t fully cured.

6. Add Personal Touches

Want to take it a step further? Add stenciled names, painted flowers, weatherproof signs, or even a mural. One customer added a handmade palm tree art piece to their run enclosure—and it’s now a favorite feature in our Chicken Coop Community!

Your Coop, Your Style

Whether you go bold with a paintbrush or keep it classic with stain, deciding how you want to DIY your coop can reflect your creativity and care. We love seeing your customizations and how you turn a basic wooden coop into something uniquely yours.

Want to be featured in an upcoming blog or on our social media? Tag us @chickencoopcompany or send us a photo of your coop makeover—we’d love to see your flock’s stylish digs!

Ready to start your coop glow-up? Find out coop stain here!