$1 Modern Cedar Birdhouse

Want to share your love of DIY with your kiddos?  Building a birdhouse is a great starter project.

Here's how you can build a modern cedar birdhouse for just $1 using half of a cedar fence picket.

This plan is designed for a 5 1/2" wide x 1/2" thick fence picket, about $2 each.  Other materials like a 1x6 could be used, but because the wood is thicker, it may alter your outcome slightly.  Adjust accordingly if you use different materials.

Use a miter saw or circular saw to cut the cedar fence picket as noted in the cut list below.  Notice I trimmed the rough end off and there's also enough leftover for a second birdhouse.  Yep, all you need is half - so about $1 in materials.

Then I just nailed the front to the sides.  If you are having kiddos do the assembly, consider predrilling holes and having them attach with nails or screws.  Also recommended is wood glue designed for oily wood and exterior applications.

Next, it's time to add the top and bottom - the back side is still open.  Notice the back is a little bigger - this is just to add that "mod" feel to it.

Now we'll put the back on ....

Just line up the bottom and outside edges with the floor and roof ...

Drill a hole to hang the house on a tree

And then add a front door with a larger bit

Promise me next time you'll tell me that my front door is not perfectly centered.

Create a DIY Birdhouse Kit with Instructions

I thought this would make a fun gift to give as well -

Just tie up with a ribbon and print out this pattern and place on top.  

And print these instructions out and tuck inside ... the perfect $1 gift!