Before you start
- Use the dimensions and matching cut list throughout this guide.
- Wear eye protection, clamp small pieces, and keep hands clear of saw and drill paths.
- Board widths may differ from local stock. Measure the actual width and thickness before cutting.
Dimensions and opening sizes
- Panel/body width
- 7 1/2 in
- Backboard length
- 32 in
- Overall depth
- 12 3/4 in
Shopping list
| Buy | Material | Stock size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 board | Untreated rough cedar | Actual 3/4 x 7 1/2 in x 12 ft |
| 1 50-count box | Exterior wood screws | #8 x 1 1/2 in |
| 1 length | Galvanized wire | 16-gauge, 3 ft |
| 2 | Galvanized or stainless hinges with suitable short screws | 1 to 2 inch hinge |
| 1 bag | Coarse untreated wood shavings | 1 cubic foot compressed bag |
Quantity notes
One box. Board allowance includes full-length blanks and ordinary saw kerf. Hardware quantities include a small spare allowance.
- Untreated rough cedar, Actual 3/4 x 7 1/2 in x 12 ft: Verify width and thickness before purchase.
- Exterior wood screws, #8 x 1 1/2 in: Predrill. Select a shank suitable for pivoting side if fitted; avoid interior protrusion.
- Galvanized wire, 16-gauge, 3 ft: Latch wire; turn cut ends away from birds.
- Galvanized or stainless hinges with suitable short screws, 1 to 2 inch hinge: Position hinge axes at upper rear lid edge; verify actual hardware clearance.
- Coarse untreated wood shavings, 1 cubic foot compressed bag: Pack the chamber; reserve excess for maintenance. Avoid fine sawdust.
Required installation supplies
- Mounting fasteners and predator protection sized for the actual support and target species.
Tools & equipment
- Tape measure, square and pencil
- Saw with bevel adjustment
- Drill, pilot bits and countersink
- Hole saw or jigsaw matching entrance size
- Clamps, screwdriver and sandpaper
BEFORE YOU BUILD
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Instructions
01 Cut and mark the panels
- Measure actual stock at 3/4 x 7 1/2 inches. Cut the pieces in the cut list; allow saw kerf between blanks.
- Cut both sides square to 23 inches long.
- Mark the front opening centered across its 7 1/2-inch width. Put its top 5 inches below the top edge; its center is 16 3/4 inches above the bottom.
- Cut the opening 2 1/2 inches in diameter with a hole saw. Ease splinters at the opening; keep the interior rough.
- Cut the floor 6 x 7 1/2 inches and clip 3/8 x 3/8 inch from all four corners for drainage.
Check: Check the entrance size and datum before boring. Use the matching floor adaptation in this guide.
02 Fasten the fixed side and floor
- Mark a line 3 inches above the backboard bottom. Align the underside of the floor and side with this line.
- Fit the fixed side between the front and back positions. Its 23-inch end meets the backboard.
- Predrill clearance holes in the back and pilot holes in the side edge. Drive three exterior screws through the back into the fixed side, evenly spaced away from the panel ends.
- Fit the floor flush with the fixed side bottom. Drive two screws through the side into the floor edge and two through the back into the floor edge.
Check: Check that the floor is square and all clipped drainage corners remain open.
03 Attach the front
- Align the front bottom with the floor underside; keep its top square.
- Predrill and drive three screws through the front into the fixed side and two into the floor.
- Leave the inner front face rough so birds can climb toward the opening.
Check: Check the floor fit and entry opening before closing the remaining side.
04 Attach the side and entrance doubler
- Fit the second side square against the floor and between front and back. Predrill and screw through front and back into the side ends.
- Align the 16-inch doubler with the top and side edges of the 23-inch front. Clamp the two panels together and match their 2 1/2-inch openings.
- Predrill and secure the doubler with four screws kept clear of the entrance. Check that points stay inside the wood.
Check: Both entry bores line up and the smaller panel sits on the outside.
05 Fit the hinged roof
- Place the 7 1/2 x 12-inch lid on the level wall tops. Set its rear edge against the backboard and center its width on the box.
- Position two exterior hinges at the roof-to-backboard seam, one near each side. Set the hinge axes at the upper rear lid edge so the lid lifts clear.
- Mark, predrill and install the hinge screws. Choose their length to avoid sharp points inside.
- Fit a wire closure between the lid front edge and front panel. Turn sharp wire ends away from the opening.
Check: The lid fully covers the doubled front and lifts without binding.
Play movementStop movement
06 Check the cleaning opening
- Release the wire closure and open the lid.
- Move the panel slowly through its cleaning range. Adjust hardware until it clears the roof, front and back without rubbing.
- Close and secure the wire. Check for sharp screw points, loose wire and splinters inside the chamber.
Check: The opening closes securely and provides access to remove old nesting material.
07 Mount and prepare the box
- Pack the chamber with coarse untreated wood shavings up to the top. Do not use fine sawdust.
- Mount at least 6 feet high with an open flight path. Tilt the top forward about 15 degrees; face south when suitable.
- Choose exterior mounting fasteners for the post or support. Drill through the exposed backboard above and below the chamber to match that hardware.
- Fit the selected predator protection and secure the box against twisting. Arrange access so cleaning can be done safely.
- Check the box when unoccupied. Clear blocked drainage openings and replace loose or damaged hardware.
Check: Mounting hardware, predator protection and access are selected for the actual site.
Sources
Functional dimensions informed by the cited Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife woodworking sheet. CAD, instructions, schedules and illustrations authored for DIY Plans.