DIY Birdhouse from One Cedar Fence Picket

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How do you make a simple birdhouse? Simple - use a cedar fence picket. Here is a very simple birdhouse plan that can be built for only $2! We've got the step by step tutorial with diagrams and lots of reader submitted photos.

This DIY Birdhouse is a great project as a  kids kit and also great for beginner woodworkers! A Bird feeder is the perfect gift or addition for any yard, balcony, porch, tree branch or garden.

RELATED: Check out our easy to build Modern Cedar DIY Birdhouse Plans.

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Reader submitted photo by MMTRUNCALE

Why Build a Birdhouse?

Birdhouses are a fun and easy project, and a great way to include kids in the building fun!  This is a great way to get into woodworking.  Birdhouses are also good for your bird friends.

What Wood Should be Used for a Birdhouse?

What kind of wood is best for a birdhouse? Cedar is the best material to build an outdoor bird house, making it durable and inexpensive, and does not need a finish that could potentially be toxic to the birds. 

We made birdhouse building even better by using a cedar fence picket - costing less than $2 each, cedar fence pickets are the perfect building material for these homemade birdhouses. Some benefits of using cedar include, great resistance to rotting, it repels bugs and insects, and it's naturally weather resistant qualities can help it to last for years! This is why cedar is one of the best types of wood for building birdhouses, giving our feathered friends a break on the inside of a cozy little birdhouse.

Can you use plywood for a birdhouse? I say no, it will not be as durable as natural cedar, and plywood contains glues that baby birds may ingest.  

Is pine good for birdhouses? Choose cedar over pine.  Both are natural materials, but cedar is more rot resistant and mildew resistant, and won't need a finish and will last longer.

 

How do you Make a Birdhouse for a School Project?

This tutorial is designed to work as a kit for children to make a simple birdhouse. 

An adult should make all the cuts, or older children can use a jigsaw to cut.

I suggest children putting it together with glue (try a glue that works on oily wood like Gorilla Glue or a super glue for fast dry times) and then an adult adding some nails or screws after the glue dries to make sure the birdhouse sturdy.

Older children can use a brad nailer or self tapping trim screws to assemble.

See Also Our Free Modern DIY Birdhouse - Even Easier to Cut and Construct

Also, make sure to check out our easy to build $1 Modern Cedar Birdhouse Plans. We've made this diy birdhouse plan easy to follow with no complicated hardware or tools. 

You can find the plans for the Modern Birdhouse here.

Where to hang or mount a birdhouse?

There are many different ways to hang or mount birdhouses. The goal is to create a place for birds to enjoy a new place to perch and nest. While this topic can get quite in depth from which height to mount a house for wrens vs. chickadees, we are going to keep it pretty simple. The idea is to attract the birds and also make it easy to keep it clean and fill it with bird seed. Make sure you are using the correct mounting mechanism if you are attaching it to a tree, building or pole to ensure that it is stable. Some designs can also be hung with hooks, wires, ropes, twine or chains. These are the basic mounting options to consider when you are looking for that perfect place to install your new birdhouse. You may also want to consider any drainage issues if it is a wet climate, for the most part the cedar roof of the birdhouse should keep it mostly weatherproof. 

If you're looking for even more outdoor cedar projects, be sure to check out this Easy Build Box Planter and our Cedar Fence Picket Nesting Box, as well as hundreds more woodworking projects and free plans. 

How to make a DIY Birdhouse

 

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DIY Birdhouse from One Cedar Fence Picket

Dimensions
dimensions for diy birdhouse plans
Dimensions shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List
Cut List

Cut from the Cedar Fence Picket:

  • 2 - 7 1/4" (front and back - longest point, cut the top corners off at a 45 degree angle to make a house shape)
  • 2 - 4 1/4" (side walls - these are just a tiny bit short to allow venting inside birdhouse)
  • 3 - 8 1/2" (floor and roof pieces. Also rip 1/2" off one edge (cutting with the grain the long way) of one board for the shorter roof piece - see step 4)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Attach the floor to the back wall, with back edges flush.  Use two screws per joint or two nails and glue.

Step 2

Attach side walls to back wall and floor.  Use two fasteners per joint, for a total of 8 screws or nails used.

Step 3

Attach front wall to sides and floor. Note that I drilled the whole afterwards with a 2" bit.

Step 4

One of the roof pieces needs to be 1/2" (or thickness of the fence pickets) less in width than the other since the overlap. Rip 1/2" off one long side (cutting with the grain) on one of the roof pieces. Attach to front and back top edges.

Step 5

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

Lady Goats

Mon, 04/01/2013 - 15:45

The big kid has been asking for a bird house for over a week. Amazing! An option that I'd like to throw out there is to predrill small holes for finish nails in the outside boards (the ones that you would drill through) like the Lowe's Build and Grow kits. Then the kids just have to hammer the finish nails through the predrilled holes and into the inside pieces. I'm sure there will be a ton of brag posts really quickly on this one! Thanks, Ana!

UlrikeDG

Tue, 04/02/2013 - 12:39

If you're hoping to attract Mountain Bluebirds (gorgeous, native birds who range up into Alaska) while excluding European Starlings (non-native invasive species), it's important that the hole size be no larger than 1 9/16-inch. Many Mountain Bluebirds are too large for a 1 1/2-inch hole, but if you live farther south or east, both Eastern and Western Bluebirds will use a 1 1/2-inch door without any trouble, and if you go up to 1 5/8-inch openings, you'll probably attract Starlings, instead.

Birds also have preferences as to the height of their nesting boxes. For Bluebirds, you want to mount it 5-10 feet off the ground.

Of course, if you have other birds in mind, you should do some Googling. Nuthatches can handle tiny, 1-inch holes, while Barn Owls need massive, 6-inch openings.

Tiffannie

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 13:15

Is there a way to make it easier to clean? Don't birds stop using it if it gets too full of old nesting materials inside?

Sidponcho

Sat, 08/03/2013 - 14:31

I cut out enough pieces for an upcoming camping trip. The kids will nail them together and paint them. Thanks for the plans. I'll be saving this site for sure!!

angela_marchio…

Sat, 04/04/2020 - 19:53

What is the best way you guys have found to attach this house to a tree? I saw in a brag post someone added a board to the back, I assume they drilled through that then. Any other obvious ways I'm missing? Thanks!

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!