Audrey HayesBy Audrey Hayes

Updated November 2026

Good plans to make a birdhouse give you three things: exact dimensions, a cut list you can take to the lumber yard, and a clear assembly order. This guide gives you all three for a simple cedar box with a 1-1/8-inch entrance hole, sized for chickadees and wrens. You can finish it in an afternoon with basic hand tools and a drill.

Materials and Cut List

Use a single 1×6 cedar board about 6 feet long, or a 1×6 pine board if cedar is hard to find. Cedar resists rot and holds up outdoors without paint. Avoid pressure-treated lumber, since the chemicals can harm birds. Use exterior-grade wood glue and 1-1/4-inch exterior screws or galvanized nails.

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

Part Dimensions (actual) Qty
Front 5-1/2 in. wide × 9 in. long 1
Back 5-1/2 in. wide × 12 in. long 1
Sides 5-1/2 in. wide × 8 in. long (angle top edge) 2
Floor 4 in. wide × 4 in. long 1
Roof 6-1/2 in. wide × 7 in. long 2

How to Cut and Prepare the Parts

Start by ripping the 1×6 board to a width of 5-1/2 inches, then crosscut each part to length. Keep the front piece at 9 inches so the roof overhangs the entrance and keeps rain out. The back runs longer, at 12 inches, so the box can be mounted on a post or wall bracket.

  1. Mark the sides with a 5-1/2 inch wide top edge and angle the top corners down toward the back so the roof sits flat.
  2. Drill the entrance hole in the front piece, 6 inches from the top edge, using a 1-1/8 inch Forstner or spade bit.
  3. Cut a 1/4 inch drainage gap at the bottom of each side by drilling holes or notching the floor edge.
  4. Sand all interior and exterior faces with 120-grit paper. Round over the entrance hole edges with light sanding so birds are less likely to scrape their feathers.

Assembly Steps

Assemble the box in a fixed order so each joint is square. Apply glue to every joint, then fasten with two screws or nails per edge. Predrill near board ends to prevent splitting.

  1. Attach the floor inside the sides and back, leaving the drainage gap at the bottom.
  2. Fasten the front to the sides and floor, making sure the entrance hole lines up with the box interior.
  3. Attach the roof panels with a slight overhang on the front, then add a hinged or removable panel on one side for cleaning.
  4. Let the glue cure for 24 hours before mounting.

A stepped drill bit set makes clean entrance holes without splintering the front board. A combination square keeps your cuts square across the whole build.

  • Forstner bit set: Drills flat-bottomed holes that give a clean, accurate entrance. View on Amazon
  • Combination square: Checks square and marks angles on the sides before you cut. View on Amazon

Common Mistakes

  • Using treated lumber or painting the interior, both of which can harm nesting birds.
  • Skipping the drainage gap, which lets water collect and rot the floor.
  • Making the entrance hole too large, which lets predators and competing species in.
  • Mounting the box in full sun, where the interior can overheat in summer.

If you want a different species or a larger build, compare these with Free Plans to Make a Birdhouse: 5 Easy Designs for Beginners and Wren Birdhouse Plans Free: Build a Cedar House in One Weekend, which use similar cedar stock.

FAQ

What size should the entrance hole be?

A 1-1/8 inch hole suits chickadees, titmice, and wrens. Bluebirds need a 1-1/2 inch hole, so check the species before you drill.

Can I use pine instead of cedar?

Yes, untreated pine works well. It will not last as long outdoors, so plan on replacing it sooner or applying a bird-safe exterior finish to the outside only.

How high should I mount the birdhouse?

Most small songbird houses are mounted 5 to 10 feet off the ground. Face the entrance away from prevailing winds and direct afternoon sun.

Conclusion

With one 1×6 cedar board and a few hand tools, you can build a sturdy nest box in an afternoon. Follow the cut list, keep the entrance hole sized for your target species, and leave the interior unfinished. Your box should last several seasons with basic care.

Ready to choose one?

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.