By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Free barn style birdhouse plans give you a complete build: a gabled roof, a small loft-style body and a front entry sized for common cavity nesters. This guide walks through the dimensions, a cut list, the assembly order and the finishing steps. Plan on a single weekend and roughly one 1×6 cedar or pine board plus a few scraps.
Plan the Dimensions Before You Cut
A barn style house is a rectangular box with a pitched roof that overhangs the front and back. The dimensions below suit wrens, chickadees and bluebirds when the entry hole is set correctly. Check your local species guidelines before you finalize the hole size, since most cavity nesters need between 1-1/8 and 1-1/2 inches.
Shopping for one? See our guide: 3 Best Free Printable Octagon Birdhouse Plans Frees (2026): Our Picks.
| Part | Qty | Dimensions (inches) | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front and back walls | 2 | 5-1/2 x 9-1/4 (front tapers to 7-1/4 at roof line) | 1×6 cedar |
| Side walls | 2 | 5-1/2 x 8 | 1×6 cedar |
| Floor | 1 | 5 x 5 | 3/4-inch cedar |
| Roof panels | 2 | 6 x 7 | 1×6 cedar |
| Ridge trim | 1 | 1 x 1 x 6 | scrap |
Cut and Dry-Fit the Pieces
Cut each part to the sizes above, using a miter saw or a table saw with a crosscut sled for square ends. Mark the front wall with the entry hole center about 6 inches from the floor. Drill a pilot first, then use a hole saw or spade bit sized for your target species. Dry-fit the walls and floor before you glue anything. If the box does not sit square, adjust the cuts now.
Assemble the Body and Roof
Attach the side walls to the floor with exterior wood glue and two 1-1/4-inch stainless deck screws per side. Add the front and back walls next, keeping the top edges flush so the roof sits level. Use a square to check each corner before the glue sets.
For the roof, join the two panels at the ridge with a slight overlap, then screw them to the walls. Glue and screw the ridge trim along the seam to shed water. Leave the roof attached with screws rather than glue so you can open the box for annual cleaning.
Drainage and Ventilation
Drill four 1/4-inch drain holes in the floor and two 3/8-inch ventilation holes near the top of each side wall. Skip this step and moisture builds up inside, which is one of the most common reasons nest boxes fail early.
Finish, Mount and Maintain
Use an exterior stain or a water-based primer and paint on the outside only. Leave the interior bare so the wood stays natural and the birds can use it as they like. Mount the house on a pole or post 5 to 10 feet off the ground, with the entry facing away from prevailing winds.
Checklist Before You Hang It
- All screws are stainless or coated exterior-rated.
- Entry hole diameter matches your target species.
- Drain and vent holes are drilled.
- Roof overhangs the front by about 1 inch.
- Exterior finish is dry before the box is occupied.
Common Mistakes
- Using treated lumber, which can harm birds. Stick with untreated cedar, pine or cypress.
- Drilling the entry hole too large, which lets predators and competitors in.
- Skipping drain holes, which traps moisture and encourages rot.
- Mounting the house in direct afternoon sun, which can overheat the interior.
- Cleaning out nests in the middle of the breeding season, which can disturb active birds.
If you want more options after this build, compare the designs in Wood Birdhouse Plans Free: 6 Easy Builds With Cut Lists or the smaller Wren Birdhouse Plans Free: Build a Cedar House in One Weekend. For larger species, Large Birdhouse Plans Free: 4 Builds for Owls, Kestrels and Wood Ducks covers bigger boxes.
Recommended Gear
- A stainless steel exterior screw set keeps the box from rusting and splitting at the joints. View on Amazon
- A hole saw kit in several sizes lets you match the entry hole to the species you want to attract. View on Amazon
- A quality exterior water-based stain protects the outside without coating the interior. View on Amazon
FAQ
What wood is best for free barn style birdhouse plans?
Untreated cedar is the most common choice because it resists rot and does not need chemical treatment. Pine and cypress also work well if they are untreated and at least 3/4 inch thick.
What entry hole size should I use?
Wrens and chickadees typically use 1-1/8 inch holes, while bluebirds use about 1-1/2 inches. Confirm the size for your target species before drilling.
Should I paint the inside of the birdhouse?
No. Leave the interior unfinished so the wood stays natural and breathable. Paint or stain only the exterior.
Conclusion
With these free barn style birdhouse plans, you can build a sturdy, well-ventilated nest box in a single weekend. Match the entry hole to your target species, drill drainage and vent holes, and keep the interior unfinished. Clean the box once a year after the nesting season ends.
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About Audrey Hayes
Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our woodworking guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
