This project was built and designed by David from dk builds. It’s an easy, budget-friendly birdhouse made using just one cedar fence picket and a few basic tools.
This project is ideal for beginners or families looking for a quick and satisfying woodworking experience. With a low cost and approachable process, it’s a perfect introduction to building something useful and enjoyable.
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Why a Birdhouse Makes a Great First Project
Birdhouses are small, practical, and don’t require much material. They’re also a great way to practice cutting, measuring, and simple joinery—all while making something that benefits your local environment.
David designed this version to keep it as simple as possible. No complicated joints, no power tools required, and no expensive lumber—just one cedar fence picket and a handful of nails.
Choosing the Right Wood
Cedar is the material of choice for this project due to its natural durability. It holds up well in outdoor conditions and resists rot and insects, making it a top option for outdoor projects like birdhouses.
A standard cedar picket costs around $3 to $4 and provides enough material for all parts of the house. If you prefer to use scraps, that works too, but a single board simplifies the cuts and keeps the design consistent.
Tools You’ll Need
One of the biggest benefits of this project is that it requires only a few basic tools. Here’s what you need to follow along with David’s build:
- A saw (a hand saw, circular saw, or jigsaw will all work)
- A drill (for the entrance hole)
- A hammer and finishing nails
- A measuring tape or ruler
- A pencil for marking cuts
Optional tools include clamps to steady your boards while cutting and a speed square for drawing accurate angles. These aren’t essential, but they help improve precision.
Cutting the Parts
Start by cutting the side panels, which will form the main walls of the house. Each one should measure roughly six inches wide and four inches tall.
Next, cut the front and back panels, which will need 45-degree angles at the top to create a pitched roof. Each of these should be about six inches wide and eight inches tall to accommodate the roof slope.
Finally, cut the roof and bottom pieces. These are rectangular and measure about eight and a half inches long, wide enough to cover the structure and provide some overhang.
Assembling the Birdhouse
Begin by attaching the side panels to the back. Make sure the edges align evenly along the bottom, and use small nails with a bit of wood glue for added strength.
Once the sides are attached, fix the front panel in place. It’s helpful to clamp the panels while you work to keep them steady.
Add the bottom board by sliding it into place and securing it with nails. Let it overhang slightly at the front to give birds a small landing platform. Then attach the two roof pieces, overlapping them slightly at the peak to shed water.
Drilling the Entrance Hole
To create the entrance, measure the center of the front panel and mark your spot. David uses a Forstner bit, which produces a clean, round hole. If you don’t have one, a spade bit or even several small drill holes shaped into a circle can work.
The size of the entrance can vary based on what type of birds you want to attract. A 1.25″ diameter hole is a good general size for small songbirds.
Optional Features and Finishing Touches
While painting is optional, David notes that many birds prefer untreated wood. Leaving the birdhouse unfinished is completely fine, especially since cedar weathers nicely over time.
You may also want to drill a few small drainage or ventilation holes in the floor or under the roof. These will help keep the interior dry and comfortable for nesting birds.
If you’re placing the birdhouse outdoors, consider mounting it to a post or fence rather than hanging it by a string. Stability is important for birds to feel secure when nesting.
A Fun and Meaningful Project
Building a birdhouse is more than just a woodworking project—it’s a way to connect with nature. Watching birds make use of something you’ve created is a rewarding experience, and the small size of the build makes it approachable for just about anyone.
David’s simple design proves that you don’t need a shop full of tools to make something worthwhile. Whether you’re doing this as a weekend project or introducing someone to woodworking for the first time, this birdhouse is a great place to start.
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