How to Build a Goat Shed By Yourself

Versatile and hardy animals, goats require little in terms of housing. A three-sided goat shed provides protection from drafts and rain, the two major causes of serious goat illnesses such as pneumonia. Using 2-inch lumber and panels of 3/8-inch sheathing grade exterior plywood, you can easily build a simple three-sided goat shed by yourself. With finished measurements of 4-by-8 feet, not only is this goat shed a quick, one-person project, but it also requires little cash input.

Things You'll Need

• 2 95-inch pieces of pressure-treated 2-by-4 inch lumber (bottom framing)
• 1 47-inch piece of pressure-treated 2-by-4 inch lumber (bottom framing)
• 4 49-inch pieces of pressure-treated 2-by-4 inch lumber (vertical corner framing)
• 2 95-inch pieces of 2-by-4 inch lumber (top framing)
• 1 47-inch piece of 2-by-4 inch lumber (top framing)
• 4 41-inch pieces of 2-by-2 inch lumber (vertical side supports)
• 3 47-inch pieces of 2-by-4 inch lumber (horizontal roof supports)
• 4 4-by-8 foot 3/8-inch sheathing grade exterior plywood (sides, back, and roof)
• Jigsaw
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Carpenter's square
• Nails

Instructions

1. Purchase the lumber that you will need for your self-built goat shed. Framing consists of 2-by-4 inch lumber. Be sure the parts of the framing that will be in contact with the ground are pressure-treated. The three sides and roof are 3/8-inch sheathing grade exterior plywood.

2. Lay the three pieces of pressure-treated lumber for the bottom framing along the ground on their 2-inch side in a U-shape. Cut a vertical 2-by-4 inch section out of one side of both ends of all four vertical corner framing pieces using a jigsaw. Match the notch on one end of each of the four pieces to the corners of the bottom framing and nail them in place vertically. Nail the three pieces of bottom framing together, as well. You now have a bottom U-frame with four boards rising vertically from the corners.

3. Lay the three pieces of lumber for the top framing along the top notches in the vertical corner framing pieces. Do this one at a time and nail each board into place. You now have the basic frame for your goat shed.

4. Nail the four vertical side supports parallel to the corner framing pieces in increments of just over 2 feet. These supports run perpendicular to the top and bottom framing. Use care in nailing them to the top and bottom framing to ensure that they don't crack.

5. Position one of the horizontal roof supports along the top of the shed entrance for framing. Nail it into place. Position the remaining two horizontal roof supports along the roof in locations that correspond to the vertical side supports and nail them into place.

6. Nail three full sheets of plywood onto the sides and top framing to create sides and a roof for your goat shed. Measure and cut the final sheet of plywood into two 4-by-4 foot pieces with your jigsaw. Position one of the square plywood pieces on the back of the shed and nail it into place. Make sure the edges are flush with the roof and sides in order to ensure no drafts and rain leakage.

Tips & Warnings

• Arrange your lumber pieces into groups to help make your work go faster.

• Exercise care when lifting the plywood pieces in order to avoid throwing out your back or pulling a muscle.

Resources

• Examples of other simple goat sheds