How to Build a Compost Bin: Step-by-Step Guide with Photos

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Making your own compost is a terrific way toreduce waste , and createfree innate fertilizerfor your garden ! If you ’re concerned in setting up a Modern compost pile , you ’ve get to the right place . This tutorial will walk you through the step - by - step process we have to build up a compost bank identification number – including the supply need , our DIY compost bin design and design , and lots of photo to lead you along the way . There is acondensed printable versionat the end of this mail service too !

We ’ve been composting for over a decennary using a salmagundi of little organization . Yet the recent addition of four mini - donkey to our homestead prompt us to finally build the big3 - bay compost bin of our dreams . They generate a lot of manure , which will make stellar compost !

A woman is standing in front of a 3 bay compost system that is made of wood and hardware cloth. Two of the bins are partially filled with compost.

Once we come up with the purpose , it was quitesimple to buildthe compost bin … so we ’ve already done the hardest part for you ! It reminded me a deal ofbuilding a raised garden bedsince we used many similar materials and whole step . Even if you do n’t follow our exact design , I hope you find out this helpful as a general template and divine guidance !

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DeannaCat is kneeling next to a mini donkey name Winnie, beyond is the completed 3 bay compost bin system. The left and middle bay are at various stages of being filled.

The Best Compost Bin Size

Compost bins occur in many conformation , size , and panache . On our homestead , we use everything from a compactworm binandcompost tumblersto large 3 - embayment compost bank identification number .

To make a traditional passive or slow compost slew , it ’s proficient to provideat leasta three - by - three foot space . Yet foroptimal microbic activity and decomposition , a compost pile should be at least4x4x4 feet . That allows for enough material to be piled up to make a red-hot compost pile too , which is what we design to do !

If distance set aside , it ’s ideal to bring home the bacon an arena forseveral piles(usually separated by walls or “ bays ” ) so that the compost can be circumvolve and turned . Aclassic 3 - bay compost systemincludes one section to actively add clean textile to , one part that ’s regularly being turn but not added to , and a last section to hold finished compost – quick and waiting to use in your garden .

A single bay compost bin made of a pallet and 2x4 boards is halfway filled with decomposing food waste and straw. A compost tumbler is next to the bin to show a variety of ways to compost.

In today ’s lesson we ’ll build a compost bin with 3 alcove , though you cantweak this tutorialto make just a single bay , two - bay , or smaller 3 - bay compost bin as well . We used to have just a single bank identification number at our old urban homestead – and it did the job !

Our New Compost Bin Plans and Design

Below are photos and draft of our 3 - bay compost intention . The compost bin featuresthree 4x4x4 bays , and takes up a total footprint of about 12×4 substructure . I ’ve also included a incentive lottery of a 2d simplified compost bank identification number design that you could expend if you favor ( yet note the lumber dimensions and operating instructions will change slightly ) .

Our compost bin intent featuresremovable boldness boardsthat can be added via racetrack or one-armed bandit along the frontside of each bay tree . By doing so , you could pile up the compost overnice and mellow rather than rent it spill out the otherwise heart-to-heart front side . This helps maximise the use and capacitance of the compost bin , and is also optimal for speedy decomposition and live composting !

Donkeys, Gates, and Design Flexibility

Please note that we designedour DIY compost binwith a few very specific needs in creative thinker . In improver to being durable , working , and attractive , we needed our compost to bedonkey - proof !

Our four 250 - poundminiature donkeysLOVE to rub up against Sir Henry Wood posts and construction , yet we ask to build the compost bin in their grass orbit for easy manure management . So , we choseextra sturdylumber and also added additional accompaniment braces to stand firm their rubbing .

In increase to the removable front wood slats , we also add hingedgatesto the front side of each compost bay to keep the donkeys out ( which we can alsotake completely offand on with informality ) . As a incentive , the gates will discourage some other critter activity as well !

A diagram of a three bin composting system. You start with green and brown material in one bin and slowly move it through the cycle of bins depending on the stage of decomposition. Once it gets to bin three it should be finished compost.

That said , we had to ensure the width of each compost bay ( or space between the walls ) was very accurate , since the gate need to outfit on the front side of each . The bulwark also had to be very straight so the gates could hang square and level . Though they ’re evenhandedly scant , the gate do putadded weightand pressure on the compost bin walls , so I only commend adding them if necessary .

Since most of you folks wo n’t have such specific quirks to work around , feel free to be more flexible and creativein your compost bin design and make ! For example , it ’s not a bighearted deal if your bays are n’t all precisely the same size or perfectly flat .

Supplies Needed to Build a Compost Bin

Here are the tools and supplies we used to build a compost bin , along with some alternative materials you could practice too . See the printable “ how - to ” at the end of this mail service for a concentrate supplying listing and instructions .

Tools

Hardware

Lumber

Wire Mesh

Compost needs to breathe ! To provideadequate air flow , we built our compost bin with minimum wood and lined the wall with hardware cloth rather . You ’ll need about 25 to30 feetof4 - invertebrate foot wide 1/2″ hardware clothfor our size of it binful .

ironware cloth isideal for a compost bindesign for several reasonableness : a ) it stays taught and wo n’t stoop or bow out under the weight of the compost b ) the gaps are small enough to hold little bit of compost IN while also keeping vermin OUT , and c ) it ’s galvanized and wo n’t rust , so it ’ll last forever !

You could also employ chicken wire to build a compost ABA transit number , though if you do , I would supply more wood spline around the exterior to put up additional support . Also keep in mind crybaby telegram is prostrate to degrading over fourth dimension , and varmint can match through the hole .

A three bay compost bin constructed of wood 4x4’s and 2x6’s has been lined with hardware cloth. The first two bins are at varying stages of being filled while the third bay is still empty. Build a compost bin to create quality compost for your garden and trees.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Choose a Location + Site Prep

Where to put a compost bin?A compost pile should be located close enough to your garden or house foreasy accession and use of goods and services , but not so skinny to home that potential odor or flies would be an issue . ( Though a properly maintained compost mint should not reek ! )

The compost bin should also be locate onfairly level land . Since it ’s quite large and heavy , we built our compost bin in place and used a landscaping pitch to smoothen out the terra firma airfoil first . You could also reconstruct the low side walls on a insipid work surface elsewhere , then gather the compost bin in its final position .

Finally , it ’s best to leave the bottom of the compost binopen to the native soil below ( as oppose to bestow landscape fabric , wire , or other materials below it ) . This allow opportunity fordrainage , good microbe exchange , natural earthworm action , and also draw it easier to turn or scoop out the compost without getting snagged up on something on the bottom .

A slight angle view of a three bay compost bin constructed of wood 4x4’s and 2x6’s has been lined with hardware cloth. The first two bins are at varying stages of being filled while the third bay is still empty.

FAQ: Should a compost pile be in the sun or shade?

A compost pile can be locate in eithersun or shade , and there are professional and cons to each . A gay location will aid to warm the compost , speeding up decomposition nicely . Yet a lot of Sunday will also dry out out the atomic reactor more promptly , requiring it to be water more often as needed . In the spook , the compost will stay nice and damp but will fail down slower .

Step 2: Measure and Cut Wood

Next , cumulate all your lumber , take and mark mensuration , and rationalise the board to the desired size for your DIY compost bin design .

Step 3: Build Compost Bin Outer Walls

TIP : Before procure with screws , check that everything issquareusing a carpenter square or measuring tape . With a tape , I measure the distance between the 4x4s at both the top and bottom to ensure they ’re equal . I also care to assist hold everything tight in position while Aaron screws everything in .

Step 4: Install Back

Step 5: Add Inner Walls

Next the compost bin needstwo inner walls , space 4 feet apart . Ours are 43.5″ asunder when measuring inside - to - inside of each 4×4 , as shown in our conception drawing .

If you ’d like , you may go out front to ill-use 6 and add hardware fabric to the back and side walls first ( as you ’ll see we did in the photograph below ) , as long as the computer hardware cloth wo n’t occlude where you ’re attach the two privileged walls .

To build up the compost bin intimate walls , you could either assemble them separately(like the outer walls ) and then attach them to the back wall of the bin , or build them onto the back add-in in - topographic point . We select to build them in - situation since one of the inside wall 4x4s was already link to the back .

The 3 bay compost bin design drawn out of graph paper, each section has the length and width in inches as well as a color coded key to shown which sized boards were used where.

Step 6: Add Hardware Cloth

TIP : Since hardware material be given to bubble , I found it was easiest to curb the cutting piece of computer hardware material in place , straight and centeredon the paries where we want it . Then we stop up it with screws along themiddlefirst ( one in each wall board ) and lento work our way out , adding screw from the centre towards both turning point of the wall , take or pulling the computer hardware cloth teach and unruffled as we went .

Step 7: Removable Face Boards

Now it ’s fourth dimension to create the slot or “ tracks ” for the obliterable front boards to skid into .

TIP : When quantify and cutting the facial expression gameboard , give yourself a small bit of wiggle room . edit them long enough so they ’ll stay gather into the desired track , but not so long that they ’ll be tight and difficult to get in and out .

Step 8: Finishing Touches

At this point , your raw DIY compost bin is basically ended and ready to utilize ! However , we choose to impart a few finish touch sensation to ours .

And that’s how it’s done.

Next , you may be inquire … how do I actually apply this thing ? I anticipate I will follow up soon with a scout on how to apply a 3 - bay laurel compost bin , along with how to make a hot compost pile . In the interim , do n’t drop the related articles listed below . Also please consider divvy up or pinning this post if you found it useful , andleave a review ! Thank you so much for learn . Happy composting !

How to Build a Compost Bin (Wood 3-Bay Compost Bin Design)

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

A basic 3 bay system sketch with more general numbers and drawing without a key.

A 3 bay system fully built with small gates attached to the front of each bay. The closes bay has the gate wide open to show the front wood boards as well as the built up compost in the bay itself.

Three miniature donkeys are standing around a partially built wooden frame. One of them is sticking their head through a section in between two boards.

Four miniature donkeys area long the backside of the almost fully built compost system. The third bay doesn’t yet have the gate attached to the front of it.

The cut lumber that will be used to build the compost bin. Each board is laid out in sections depending on the size of each board. From 8 foot 2x6’s, to 4 foot 4x4’s, and two different lengths of smaller 2x6’s. Aaron is standing next to a wheelbarrow that is being used to store extra smaller supplies that will be needed.

A view of the back of one of the bays that has hardware cloth fully attached along its side.

A 3 bay compost bin made of 2x6’s and 4x4’s that are lined with hardware cloth. There is a welded wire gate attached to the front of each bay to keep out larger animals.

Lumber is laid out neatly stacked on the ground depending on its size.

The inner wall of the system is shown from the backside facing the front. It is in the shape of an upside down “T”. The hardware cloth that has been aproned and attached from the inside is shown as well..

Two 4x4 boards are laid on the ground while three, 2x6 boards are connected on each end to each of the 4x4 boards which creates one of the walls for the system.

One of the complete walls is shown. Two 4x4’s lay on the ground, one on each end while three 2x6 boards are attached horizontally to the 4x4 boards which are at each end.

Aaron is holding one of the completed walls upright while the bottom has an 8 foot 2x6 board attached to the backside which will be the start of the back wall.

A partially built 3 bay compost bin, each of the two outer walls are constructed and connected to the lower 2x6 boards that will be the backside of the bin. One of the 4x4’s along the back wall is connected to the two sections of 2x6 boards along the back wall as well.

The outer and backside walls of the system are complete and standing upright.

The outside of the backside wall is shown to illustrate how two separate 2x6 boards are connected to the same 4x4.

The outer corner of the system is shown to illustrate how the walls are connected to the 4x4 boards that are the posts.

Metal brackets that will be used to connect the 2x6 boards to the 4x4 boards for the inner walls are being connected using screws and an impact driver drill.

Aaron is attaching the middle metal bracket a front 4x4 board for one of the inner walls. The bottom 2x6 board has already been connected to the 4x4 in the front and back wall.

The completed inner wall is shown before hardware cloth is added.

The back wall of the compost system is shown to illustrate how two of the 2x6 boards can be attached to the same 4x4 board along the back wall with each 2x6 taking up half the width of the 4x4. Two screws have been used on each of the 2x6’s to attach the board to the 4x4.

A close up image of the side wall which shows the hardware cloth slightly aproned onto the 4x4 from the 2x4 walls. A wide head cabinet screw is used to hold the hardware cloth in place

One of the inner walls is shown from the side to illustrate the metal brackets that were used at the ends of the 2x4’s that create the wall which connects them to the front wall 4x4.

The back corner of one of the bins is shown to illustrate how the hardware cloth was attached to the 4x4 corner from the back and side wall of the bin.

A straight on image of the 3 bay compost system. Build a compost bin if you want to create your own compost for improved soil health.

One of the inner and far walls of the system showing the front slat that was created by adding a 2x4 board and inch or so away from the front 4x4 board of the wall. The slat will be used to add front boards to create a front wall if needed.

A 3 bay compost bin made of 2x6’s and 4x4’s that are lined with hardware cloth is constructed in front of a copse of trees.

A blue tarp is laid out with seven 12x1 inch boards that are around 4 feet wide sit atop the tarp.

A close up image showing the front slot created in the bin using a 4x4 and a 2x4 so face boards can be added as the compost builds in height.

The first bay of the compost bin is partially full of manure and leaves. The front gate is open and partially visible, there are two face boards inserted into the front of the bay to prevent the manure from falling out of the bin.

A two part image collage on optional additions when you build a compost bin. The first image shows an inside wall with an 8 inch L bracket attached to each of the top of the side wall and the back wall. The second image shows an 8 inch L bracket attached to the top of the outside corner and back of the compost bin to offer extra support and durability.

A 3 bay compost bin made of 2x6’s and 4x4’s that are lined with hardware cloth. There is a welded wire gate attached to the front of each bay to keep out larger animals.

An inside 4x4 of one of the compost bin walls is shown, a latch is keeping one gate closed with an eye hook and just below that is a j bolt which secures the gate in the other bay to the same 4x4. Build a compost bin with a variety of materials that fit your specific needs.

The front area of a compost bay is shown as DeannaCat is lifting off the front gate from its j bolts. Beyond are a few face boards to keep the compost inside the bin which is piled up even above the front board.