Homestead Builds
Build the structures your homestead runs on.
Step-by-step DIY plans for the coops, garden beds, and simple tools we use every day on our farm near Asheville.
- A dozen proven builds
- Easy-to-follow plans
- Digital, print, or video course
- Free US shipping on printed books
Practical designs. No fluff.
After nearly 20 years of homesteading, Justin has worked out a set of practical builds that form the foundation of his homestead. After countless requests for plans, he partnered with engineer and carpenter Chris Slattery, of the Polyface Designs book with Joel Salatin, to turn them into clear, step-by-step plans.
Easy to use structures, simple to build, and some of the most affordable options for the essential structures of a homestead.
Every chicken build is designed to put your birds to work fertilizing, tilling, and turning compost, so the structure does more than house animals.
What you can build
Start with the project your homestead needs next.
Chicken Tractor
The most versatile coop we build. Use it as a brooder, a nursery, a home for up to 12 hens let out during the day, or a pen for up to 15 meat chickens.
ChickShaw 5.0
Our flagship build. Holds up to 36 hens while they fertilize and debug the yard or pasture.
ChickShaw Mini-Me
The micro version of our flagship build. Holds up to 24 birds.
Raised Beds + Add-Ons
The base of a front yard kitchen garden, with cat and dog guards and a pergola option for growing vining crops vertically.
TurkeyShaw
Grow up to 20 pastured turkeys in a simple four foot cube on wheels.
MeatShaw
A wall-less, floorless shelter for up to 125 meat birds. Doubles as a sheep, goat, or pig shelter.
Compost Corner Chicken Run
Gets chickens off a bare, muddy run and onto deep bedding they turn into compost for free.
Pretty Shaw
A coop so good looking even your HOA neighbors will not complain.
Brooder
Turn reusable tubs and troughs into a brooder, with plans for feed and water platforms and protective lids.
Compost Sifter
Sift finished compost for the garden, or sift creek sand to collect grit for your birds.
Poultry + Produce Dry Racks
A simple PVC rack for air drying butchered birds, plus a rack for curing onions, garlic, and sweet potatoes.
More than plans
The course package adds almost 30 short carpentry videos with Chris, plus Justin's course on putting each build to work.
Carpentry Masterclass
- Understand the basic tools for the job
- Handpick quality lumber at the store
- Cut boards chopped, mitered, and ripped
- Drill wood without splitting it, and drill through metal
- Check for square so everything fits snug
Homestead Builds: The Course
- Put your coops to work fertilizing and working pasture
- Find which build fits your situation
- Lay out your homestead for efficiency
- Use every feature of each build
- Troubleshoot common problems
Pick the version that fits how you build
Digital Plans
- Homestead Builds e-book
- Files emailed immediately
- No physical book shipped
Physical Book
- Printed Homestead Builds book
- All the plans in the e-book
- Keep it beside you on the job
- Free shipping in the USA
Book + Video Course
- Printed Homestead Builds book
- Carpentry Masterclass with Chris Slattery
- Homestead Builds: The Course with Justin
- Free shipping in the USA
Free shipping on the printed book and course package anywhere in the USA. See each product listing for package details and international shipping.
Common questions
Can I buy just the digital plans?
Yes. Choose the $39 e-book. Digital files are emailed immediately, and no physical book is shipped.
Do I need carpentry experience?
The plans are written step by step so anyone can follow them. If you want extra help, the video course package includes the Carpentry Masterclass with Chris Slattery.
Which project should I start with?
Start with the structure that solves your next real need, whether that is housing your chickens or making room to grow vegetables.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. The printed book and the book + video course package ship free anywhere in the USA. International shipping rates are shown at checkout.
Less figuring it out. More getting it built.
Plans, a printed book, or the full video course. Printed books ship free in the USA.
Choose your format