8 Tools for Building a Cinder Block Chicken Coop

Building a permanent, predator-proof home for a backyard flock requires materials that can withstand both determined pests and harsh weather. While wooden coops eventually rot or warp, cinder blocks provide an indestructible foundation that keeps chickens safe and comfortable for decades. Having the right masonry tools on hand transforms this heavy-duty DIY project from a frustrating chore into a smooth, satisfying build.

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Why Cinder Blocks Make Great Chicken Coops

Cinder blocks, or concrete masonry units, offer unmatched protection against predators like weasels, raccoons, and foxes that can easily chew through wood or wire. They also provide excellent thermal mass, keeping the coop cooler during scorching summer days and retaining warmth when winter temperatures plummet. This natural temperature regulation reduces stress on your flock and helps maintain consistent egg production year-round.

Unlike wood, concrete does not rot, warp, or harbor mites in deep grain crevices, eliminating the need for regular painting or staining. A block coop is a one-and-done structure that easily stands up to high-pressure washing and sanitizing, which is crucial for maintaining flock hygiene over the years. It is a heavier upfront investment in labor, but the longevity of the structure far outlasts traditional timber coops.

Planning Your Cinder Block Chicken Coop Layout

Before mixing any mortar, the site must be perfectly level and well-drained to prevent the heavy structure from settling unevenly over time. A gravel base or a poured concrete footer is essential to support the immense weight of the blocks and prevent frost heaving. Skipping this step will inevitably lead to cracked mortar joints and structural failure down the road.

Standard cinder blocks measure 8x8x16 inches, so planning the footprint in multiples of 8 inches minimizes the need for difficult block cutting. Remember to plan for ventilation windows near the top and a secure doorway, as retrofitting openings into a cured block wall is incredibly difficult. Proper planning ensures you buy the exact number of blocks and bags of mortar needed, saving time and unnecessary trips to the hardware store.

Masonry Trowel – Marshalltown 19-11 Durasoft

A masonry trowel is the primary extension of a builder’s hand, used to scoop, place, and spread mortar onto the blocks. Without a high-quality trowel, achieving a consistent mortar bed is nearly impossible, leading to weak joints and structural gaps. A good trowel must feel balanced in the hand to prevent wrist strain over a long day of laying block.

The Marshalltown 19-11 Durasoft brick trowel is forged from a single piece of high-carbon steel, ensuring it will not bend or snap under the weight of heavy mortar. The Durasoft handle reduces hand fatigue during long days of scraping and buttering blocks, while the blade’s precise taper offers excellent flexibility and balance. This tool is built to handle the abrasive nature of concrete without wearing down prematurely.

Beginners must learn the correct wrist flick to keep mortar on the blade, which takes a bit of practice. This 11-inch trowel is perfect for hobby farmers looking for a lifetime tool, though it may feel slightly heavy for those with smaller hands who might prefer a 10-inch model. Keep the blade clean by rinsing it frequently in a bucket of water during use.

• Blade length: 11 inches
• Material: Forged high-carbon steel
• Handle: Resilient Durasoft grip to reduce vibration

Spirit Level – Stabila 37424 Type 196 Level

Gravity is the ultimate enemy of a masonry wall, and even a tiny fraction of an inch off-level at the base will multiply into a leaning, unstable wall by the top course. A reliable spirit level ensures every block is perfectly plumb (vertical) and level (horizontal) as the wall rises. Relying on cheap plastic levels will lead to errors that are costly to fix once the mortar cures.

The Stabila 37424 Type 196 Level features a heavy-duty aluminum frame with precision-milled measuring surfaces that guarantee accuracy over years of rough use. Its locked vials are calibrated for life, meaning they will not shift or lose accuracy even if dropped onto a concrete pad. The shock-absorbing end caps protect the frame and can be removed for measuring tight into corners.

At 24 inches, this level is the ideal size for checking individual blocks and short runs without being too unwieldy in tight coop corners. It is a premium investment, but for anyone serious about building straight, safe walls, it is indispensable. Budget builders who only plan to use it once might find the price tag steep, but its lifetime durability makes it a staple for future farm projects.

• Length: 24 inches
• Vial type: Acrylic glass vials calibrated for life
• Frame: Heavy-duty ribbed aluminum profile

Masonry Hammer – Estwing E3-20BLG Bricklayer

Not every block fits perfectly, and you will inevitably need to split blocks to fit corners or create openings for doors and vents. A masonry hammer allows you to score, chip, and clean up block edges with precision, saving you from wasting expensive materials. It is also useful for tapping blocks into place without cracking the concrete shell.

The Estwing E3-20BLG Bricklayer hammer is forged in one piece, eliminating the risk of the head flying off during heavy strikes. It features a patented shock-reduction grip that absorbs the punishing vibrations of striking concrete, protecting your joints from repetitive strain. The sharp, durable chisel end allows for clean, controlled splits along scored lines.

Using a brick hammer requires safety glasses to protect against flying concrete chips, and users must learn to strike with the chisel end to score a line before delivering the final splitting blow. This tool is a must-have for anyone laying block, though it requires a steady hand to avoid shattering the block entirely. It is not designed for driving common nails, so keep a standard claw hammer nearby for woodwork.

• Head weight: 20 oz
• Construction: Solid American steel forged in one piece
• Grip: Molded shock-reduction grip

Mason’s Line – Marshalltown Braided Nylon

Eyeballing a wall is a recipe for a curved, wavy structure that looks terrible and lacks structural integrity. A mason’s line acts as a perfectly straight guide stretched between the corners of the coop, ensuring every block in a course is laid at the exact same height and alignment. It keeps the project on track without requiring constant re-measuring with a level.

Marshalltown Braided Nylon line is superior to twisted lines because it will not unravel when cut or sag under tension. The bright neon coloring makes it highly visible against grey cinder blocks, preventing accidental bumps that could knock a fresh block out of alignment. It is resistant to water, rot, and oil, making it tough enough to survive messy farm construction sites.

This line must be pulled incredibly taut to work effectively, which requires secure line blocks or pins on the corners. It is an inexpensive but vital tool for builders of all skill levels, though it must be kept clean of mortar buildup to remain easy to wind and reuse. It is not suitable for heavy lifting or towing, but it is the gold standard for layout work.

• Material: Braided nylon
• Length: 250 feet
• Color: High-visibility neon orange or green

Mortar Tub – Bon Tool 84-203 Poly Mortar Tub

Mortar dries out quickly once mixed, so you need a dedicated vessel that keeps the mixture workable while you lay blocks. A proper mortar tub allows you to easily scoop mortar with your trowel without catching on corners or tearing the container. Mixing directly on the ground or in a makeshift bucket leads to dry, contaminated mortar that weakens your joints.

The Bon Tool 84-203 Poly Mortar Tub is made from high-density polyethylene that resists cracking under heavy loads and cold weather. Its smooth, sloped interior prevents mortar from getting trapped in corners, making it easy to scrape clean with a trowel before the leftover mix hardens. The reinforced rim allows you to lift and move the tub without it buckling under pressure.

This tub holds up to 10 gallons of material, which is the perfect size for a small-scale coop project without being too heavy to move when full. It is ideal for DIYers who want an easy-to-clean container, but it does require a flat, stable surface to prevent tipping on uneven farm ground. Always wash it out immediately after use to prevent hardened concrete from bonding to the plastic.

• Capacity: 10 gallons (approx. 1.5 cubic feet)
• Material: Heavy-duty polyethylene
• Shape: Flat bottom with sloped sides for easy scooping

Brick Jointer – Kraft Tool Double Hub Jointer

Laying the mortar is only half the job; you must also seal the joints to prevent water from penetrating the wall. A brick jointer compacts the mortar into the joints, creating a neat, concave finish that sheds water and strengthens the bond between blocks. Unjointed mortar will quickly crumble and allow moisture to seep into the coop, leading to damp, unhealthy conditions for your chickens.

The Kraft Tool Double Hub Jointer features two different-sized ends, typically 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch, allowing you to match the joint thickness of your specific project. Its hardened steel construction glides smoothly over the mortar, leaving a professional, water-tight finish without wearing down from the abrasive sand. The offset design provides plenty of knuckle clearance to prevent scrapes against the rough block.

Timing is critical when using a jointer; if the mortar is too wet, it will smear, and if it is too dry, it will crumble. This tool is essential for anyone building an outdoor structure exposed to rain and frost, though it does require a bit of patience to master the correct pressure. Clean the tool with a wire brush after each session to keep the steel smooth.

• Sizes: 1/2" and 5/8" dual ends
• Material: Heavy-duty forged steel
• Design: Offset double-hub for knuckle protection

Wheelbarrow – Jackson M6T22 Steel Wheelbarrow**

Mixing mortar by hand and moving heavy cinder blocks across a farmyard requires a rugged, reliable vehicle. A standard garden cart will quickly buckle under the weight of wet concrete and heavy masonry units. A heavy-duty wheelbarrow serves as both a transport vehicle and a mobile mixing station for your mortar.

The Jackson M6T22 Steel Wheelbarrow features a 6-cubic-foot heavy-gauge steel tray designed to handle heavy loads without flexing. Its dual-brace front pours and heavy-duty wooden handles provide the leverage and stability needed to transport wet mortar over rough, uneven pasture ground. The leg stabilizers prevent tipping when you are shoveling dry mix or scooping out wet mortar.

The pneumatic tire provides excellent shock absorption, but it must be kept properly inflated to prevent flats when carrying maximum loads. This wheelbarrow is a lifetime investment for any homestead, though its weight and size may make it difficult to maneuver in very tight garden spaces. Always rinse the steel tray immediately after mixing mortar to prevent rust and concrete buildup.

• Capacity: 6 cubic feet
• Tray material: Heavy-gauge steel
• Handles: Heavy-duty hardwood

Work Gloves – Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves

Concrete and mortar are highly alkaline and will quickly dry out, crack, and chemically burn bare skin. Additionally, handling rough cinder blocks all day will cause painful blisters and scrapes without proper hand protection. A good pair of work gloves must protect against these hazards while still allowing enough dexterity to handle small tools and line blocks.

Firm Grip General Purpose Gloves offer a perfect balance of durability and dexterity, allowing you to feel the blocks and tools while protecting your hands. The synthetic leather palm resists abrasion from rough concrete, while the breathable spandex back keeps hands cool during hot summer builds. The adjustable wrist strap keeps dirt, sand, and mortar out of the glove.

While these gloves protect against physical wear, they are not completely waterproof, so wet mortar can still seep through if they become saturated. They are ideal for general farm work and masonry, but you should keep a spare dry pair on hand if you plan to work with very wet mixes all day. They are machine washable, making cleanup at the end of the project simple.

• Palm material: Synthetic leather
• Backing: Breathable stretch spandex
• Closure: Hook-and-loop wrist strap

Essential Tips for Laying Strong Mortar Joints

Achieving a strong bond between cinder blocks starts with the consistency of your mortar. It should have a peanut-butter-like texture—firm enough to hold its shape on the trowel but wet enough to spread smoothly. If the mix is too dry, it will not adhere to the blocks, and if it is too wet, the weight of the blocks will squeeze it right out of the joints, causing the wall to sag.

Always "butter" the vertical edges of the blocks before sliding them into place against the adjacent block. Once the block is positioned, use the handle of your trowel to tap it down until it is perfectly aligned with your mason’s line. Immediately scrape off any excess mortar that squeezes out of the joints to keep the wall clean and prevent wasted material.

How to Secure Your New Coop From Predators

While cinder block walls are impenetrable to predators, the weak points of any coop are the doors, windows, and the roof connection. Use heavy-duty steel hardware cloth instead of standard chicken wire for all ventilation openings, securing it with masonry screws and washers directly into the block. Ensure the wooden roof rafters are anchored securely to the top course of blocks using anchor bolts embedded in wet concrete.

Predators like rats and weasels will attempt to tunnel under the walls to gain access to the flock. To prevent this, dig a shallow trench around the exterior perimeter of the block foundation and lay a 2-foot-wide apron of hardware cloth sloping outward. Cover this wire apron with dirt or gravel to create an invisible, dig-proof barrier that stops digging pests in their tracks.

Building a cinder block chicken coop is a labor-intensive project, but the peace of mind it provides is unmatched. With these eight essential tools in your barn, you will be well-equipped to construct a beautiful, permanent structure that keeps your flock safe for years to come. Gather your gear, prep your site, and enjoy the process of building a fortress for your backyard flock.