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
- 9 1/4 in
- Backboard length
- 22 in
- Overall depth
- 12 1/2 in
Shopping list
| Buy | Material | Stock size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 board | Untreated rough cedar | Actual 3/4 x 9 1/4 in x 8 ft |
| 1 50-count box | Exterior wood screws | #8 x 1 1/2 in |
| 1 length | Galvanized wire | 16-gauge, 3 ft |
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 9 1/4 in x 8 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.
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 9 1/4 inches. Cut the pieces in the cut list; allow saw kerf between blanks.
- Mark the side heights 14 and 16 inches from their common bottom edge; connect the marks and saw the roof slope.
- Mark the front opening centered across its 9 1/4-inch width. Put its top 2 inches below the top edge; its center is 10 1/2 inches above the bottom.
- Cut the opening 3 inches in diameter with a hole saw. Ease splinters at the opening; keep the interior rough.
- Cut the floor 7 3/4 x 9 1/4 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 16-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. Bevel its top edge to the 12.20-degree roof slope so its inner edge is full height.
- Predrill and drive three screws through the front into the fixed side and two into the floor. Keep the opening-side edge free for its pivot.
- 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 Fit the roof
- Cut the roof 9 1/4 inches wide and 12 inches long measured along its sloping face.
- Bevel its rear edge 12.20 degrees so it meets the backboard. Dry-fit on the fixed side and front without a gap.
- Predrill and fasten the roof to the fixed side and front only. Keep its opening-side edge free.
Check: The roof seats on the slope and projects beyond the front.
05 Fit the pivoting side
- Trim 1/32 inch from each end of the opening side, 1/16 inch from its bottom and 1/8 inch below its roof slope. Dry-fit before drilling.
- Mark both pivot holes level at 13 inches above the floor underside. On the backboard, that is 16 inches above its bottom. Center each hole 3/8 inch inward from the opening-side edge.
- Bore clearance holes through front and back for the chosen screw shanks; drill pilot holes into the side ends. Install one pivot screw from each end and leave the side free to turn.
- Fit a wire latch at the lower front corner. Round over the side's upper inside edge if dry fitting shows a rub.
Check: Both pivot screws share one level axis and the bottom swings outward.
Play movementStop movement
06 Check the cleaning opening
- Release the wire latch and swing the side bottom outward.
- 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
- Choose a mounting site and nesting preparation appropriate to the intended species using current WDFW guidance. The source sheet does not specify those values.
- 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.