Audrey HayesBy Audrey Hayes

Updated November 2026

Barn style birdhouse plans give you a small, weather-tight nest box with a sloped roof, a gabled loft, and a front door that opens to a single cavity. This guide walks you through a build that uses 1×6 cedar or pine, takes roughly an afternoon, and produces a house suited to chickadees, wrens, and bluebirds. You will finish with a complete cut list, assembly order, and the placement details that determine whether birds actually move in.

Cut List and Materials for Barn Style Birdhouse Plans

Use rough-sawn or planed cedar, pine, or cypress, and avoid pressure-treated lumber, which can leach chemicals birds may contact. Cut the following pieces from a single 1×6 board about 6 feet long, plus a 1×4 for the roof trim if you want a deeper overhang.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Birdhouses with License Plate Roof Plans for Backyard Builders (2026).

  • Front and back walls: two pieces, 1/2 inch thick, 7 1/4 inches tall by 5 1/2 inches wide, with the top edges cut at a 45-degree angle to meet the roof.
  • Side walls: two pieces, 1/2 inch thick, 9 inches tall at the peak, 7 1/4 inches at the base, 5 1/2 inches wide.
  • Floor: one piece, 3/8 inch thick, 5 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches, with four 1/4-inch drainage holes.
  • Roof panels: two pieces, 1/2 inch thick, 7 inches by 7 inches, set at a pitch that creates a 2-inch overhang on each side.
  • Entrance hole: drill a 1 1/2-inch hole in the front wall, centered about 6 inches above the floor for chickadees.

Assembly Steps for the Barn Roof and Walls

Dry-fit every joint before you apply any glue. A square box with a clean roof line is the difference between a house that sheds water and one that traps it.

  1. Pre-drill all screw holes with a 3/32-inch bit to prevent splitting the cedar.
  2. Attach the side walls to the floor first, using two 1 1/4-inch exterior screws per side.
  3. Join the front and back walls to the sides, keeping the top edges flush so the roof sits level.
  4. Fasten the roof panels with the seam at the peak. Leave a 1/8-inch gap at the ridge for ventilation.
  5. Drill four 1/4-inch drainage holes in the floor and two 3/8-inch ventilation slots near the top of the side walls.

Finishing and Mounting Your Birdhouse

Leave the interior bare and unfinished so birds can grip the walls. Exterior paint or stain should be applied only to the outside, and it should be a light, non-toxic color. Mount the house on a post or fence rail 5 to 10 feet off the ground, facing away from prevailing winds and afternoon sun.

Clean the Box Each Season

Open the house after nesting season ends and remove old nesting material. Many species will reuse a clean box the next year, and parasites often build up in leftover debris.

Common Mistakes With Barn Style Birdhouse Plans

  • Skipping the floor drainage holes, which lets rainwater pool and soak the nest.
  • Using a sealed roof with no ventilation, which can overheat the cavity on warm days.
  • Choosing an entrance hole that is too large, allowing starlings or squirrels to enter.
  • Painting or sealing the interior walls, which removes the grip birds need to climb in and out.
  • Mounting the house in direct afternoon sun, which can raise interior temperatures dangerously.
  • A cordless drill with a driver bit set makes pre-drilling and screwing quick and consistent. View on Amazon
  • A hole saw or spade bit set in the 1 1/2-inch range gives you clean, accurate entrance holes. View on Amazon
  • Exterior-grade wood screws resist rust and handle outdoor humidity better than interior screws. View on Amazon

FAQ

What birds will use barn style birdhouse plans?

The 1 1/2-inch entrance and 5 1/2-inch interior suit chickadees, titmice, and house wrens. Bluebirds can use a similar box with a slightly different entrance and floor depth.

Can I use plywood instead of solid lumber?

Exterior-grade plywood works, but solid cedar lasts longer and holds screws better. Avoid interior-grade plywood, which delaminates when wet.

Do I need to add a perch?

No. Perches give predators a foothold and are not needed by cavity-nesting songbirds, so leave the entrance clean.

Conclusion

These barn style birdhouse plans give you a durable nest box you can build in a single afternoon with basic tools. Cut accurately, drill proper drainage and ventilation, and mount the house away from harsh sun. With those details right, you will have a house birds can use for many seasons. For more designs, see Free Barn Birdhouse Plans: A Step-by-Step Build With Cut List and Wood Birdhouse Plans Free: 6 Easy Builds With Cut Lists.

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Audrey Hayes

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.