Modern Cedar Fence Picket Birdhouse

Attach the two side panels to the front panel with exterior glue and fasteners, forming a three-sided open box.

Keep the back edges flush and attach the top and bottom panels to the sides and front. The overhang works out to about 1/4" on the front and both sides, with no overhang on the back — that's what lets the finished house sit flush against a mounting post.

Attach the back panel to the main house assembly, then cut the entrance hole (sized to the species you're hoping to attract — 1-1/8" for chickadees and wrens is a common size) and a hanging hole through the extended top of the back panel.

Skip adding a perch — cavity-nesting birds don't use one, and it only gives predators an easier foothold.