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Birdhouse plans: a one-evening beginner project
Reviewed 30 August 2026 · how we research
A birdhouse is the classic first woodworking project: a handful of cuts, basic joinery, and a finished thing in an evening. Getting a few details right is what makes it a home a bird will actually use.
Entry-hole size matters
The hole diameter effectively selects which birds can use the box and keeps larger competitors out:
- Wrens: about 1 to 1-1/8 inch
- Chickadees: about 1-1/8 inch
- Bluebirds: about 1-1/2 inch
- Downy woodpeckers: about 1-1/4 inch
Skip the decorative perch below the hole - it mainly helps predators.
Wood and finish
Use untreated cedar, cypress, or pine. Leave the inside bare. If you finish the outside, use a water-based exterior product and keep it away from the hole and interior. Never use pressure-treated lumber for a nest box.
Details that make it work
- Drainage: drill or clip the corners of the floor.
- Ventilation: small gaps or holes near the top.
- Access: a side or roof panel that pivots or screws off so you can clean it out each season.
- Roof overhang: keep rain off the entry hole.
Keeping it to one board
Most single-box plans fit on one 1x6 or 1x8 board about four to five feet long. A good plan gives you a cut list that does exactly that, plus a simple nailed or screwed butt-joint assembly.
Birds-and-animals projects - birdhouses, feeders, bat houses, and coops - are a full category in the Ted's Woodworking library, and they are exactly the kind of quick, low-stakes build where an uneven plan does not cost you much.
FAQ
What size entry hole should a birdhouse have?
It depends on the target bird: roughly 1-1/8 inch for wrens and chickadees, about 1-1/2 inch for bluebirds. The hole size helps keep larger birds out.
Should a birdhouse have a perch?
No. A perch below the hole mainly helps predators reach the nest. Leave it off.
What wood is safe for a birdhouse?
Untreated cedar, cypress, or pine. Never use pressure-treated lumber, and leave the interior unfinished.
How high should a birdhouse be mounted?
It depends on the species: roughly 5 to 10 feet for wrens and chickadees, higher for bluebirds on an open post.
Which way should the entry hole face?
Away from prevailing wind and driving rain, and ideally not into the hottest afternoon sun.
Do birdhouses need ventilation and drainage?
Yes: small gaps or holes near the top for airflow, and clipped floor corners so water drains.
How do I clean a birdhouse?
Build in a hinged or removable side or roof panel and clean it out between nesting seasons.
Should I paint a birdhouse?
Only the outside, with a water-based exterior product in a light or natural colour. Leave the interior bare.
How long does a birdhouse take to build?
About an evening. Most single-box plans fit on one 1x6 or 1x8 board a few feet long.
Will paint or stain harm birds?
A fully cured exterior finish on the outside is generally fine. Avoid finishing the interior or the entry hole.
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