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A clean-lined birdhouse from half of one resawn cedar picket — six flat panels, no roof pitch, no scrollwork, just a simple modern box a bird will actually use.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top and bottom | 2 | 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 5 1/2" | Cedar fence picket | ☐ |
| Sides | 2 | 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 4 3/4" | Cedar fence picket | ☐ |
| Front | 1 | 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 5" | Cedar fence picket | ☐ |
| Back Extends past the box for mounting — the entrance and hanging holes go through this piece. | 1 | 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 8 1/2" | Cedar fence picket | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar fence picket, resawn to 1/2" thick (Cedar) Only half a picket is used — the other half covers a second birdhouse. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Exterior fasteners, 1-1/4" nails or screws | 20 each | ☐ |
| Exterior wood glue | 1 oz | ☐ |
Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: Cedar fence picket, resawn to 1/2" thick, Exterior fasteners, 1-1/4" nails or screws, Exterior wood glue
Attach the two side panels to the front panel with exterior glue and fasteners, forming a three-sided open box.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Tape Measure. Materials: Cedar fence picket, resawn to 1/2" thick, Exterior fasteners, 1-1/4" nails or screws, Exterior wood glue
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.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Drill / Driver, Drill Bit Set. Materials: Cedar fence picket, resawn to 1/2" thick, Exterior fasteners, 1-1/4" nails or screws, Exterior wood glue
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.