# Purple martin birdhouse: One level, 8 compartments [View illustrated instructions](https://diyplans.org/plans/purple-martin-birdhouse-6344/variants/one-level) [Plan and other configurations](https://diyplans.org/plans/purple-martin-birdhouse-6344.md) Eight compartments on one level, with a removable roof for cleaning. ## License [CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/). You may share and adapt this free design for noncommercial purposes with appropriate credit, a link to the license, an indication of changes, and the same license on adaptations. See [the FAQ](https://diyplans.org/faq#license) for details and exceptions. Revision: 3 Status: published Difficulty: intermediate ## Before you start - Use plywood that measures a full 3/8 inch thick so the butt joints and half-lap partitions fit. - Rooms are 6 x 6 x 6 inches with 2-1/2-inch entrances. Current purple martin guidance favors deeper rooms and smaller entrances; confirm the housing dimensions before building. - Plan the support and a way to inspect and clean every compartment before buying mounting hardware. ## Dimensions - Floor width: 30 in. Square floor footprint. - Wall enclosure width: 19 1/2 in. Square exterior enclosure; 3/8-inch plywood. - Clear room width: 6 in. Each nesting compartment is 6 x 6 x 6 inches. - Roof overall width: 33 7/16 in. Approximate. Includes sloping eave extensions. - Height including mounting plinth: 15 3/8 in. Approximate. Excludes post and footing. - Entrance diameter: 2 1/2 in. Current purple martin guidance favors smaller entrances. ## Shopping list The two-sheet layout allows a 1/8-inch saw kerf and 1/4-inch edge trim. Solid stock includes cutting allowance. Confirm hardware sizes and quantities after dry-fitting the parts. - 2 sheets: Exterior plywood, 3/8 in actual x 48 x 96 in. Allows 1/8 in saw kerf and 1/4 in edge trim. Check both faces and measure the thickness. - 1 length: Solid wood square molding, 3/4 x 3/4 in x 8 ft. Four 13-1/2 in and two 20 in cuts total 94 in. Five 1/8 in saw kerfs and two 1/4 in end trims bring the required length to 95-1/8 in. - 1 length: Nominal 2 x 2 solid wood, Actual 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 in x 24 in. Cut four 1-1/2 in cubes for the corners of the mounting plate. - 1 piece: Corrosion-resistant wire screening, At least 8 x 8 in usable piece. Cut two 4 x 4 in patches for the gable vents. Select the mesh and attachment fasteners. - 4 sets: Exterior hook-and-eye latch sets, Select reach and screw embedment after dry fit. Allows four sets per removable joint. Check their fit and add suitable backing. ### Required installation supplies - Exterior adhesive, joint reinforcement and suitable fasteners, selected after a trial assembly. - Screen mesh and fasteners, latch backing, and an exterior roof and edge sealing system. - Post or pipe, connections and footing sized for the site, plus a lowering system or safe access for inspection and cleaning. ## Materials in the model Physical wood parts in this exact CAD model; buy stock using the purchase list. - 3/8 in exterior plywood: 16 installed pieces - 3/4 x 3/4 in solid wood cleat: 6 installed pieces - nominal 2 x 2, actual 1-1/2 square: 4 installed pieces Not quantified: - Joint fasteners, adhesive, screen attachment, latch backing and weather seals. - Post/pipe, brackets, foundation, lowering equipment and installation supplies. ## Tools and equipment - Saw with a guide for straight cuts and a 21.801-degree bevel; jigsaw for square shaft openings. - Drill with 2-1/2-inch hole saw and a backing board. - Clamps, square, tape measure, marking tools, and a chisel or router for half-lap slots. - Sanding tools and eye/hearing protection. ## Instructions ### 1. Check plywood and mounting access - Measure the plywood before laying out joints; it must be 3/8 inch thick. Confirm the 6-inch rooms and 2-1/2-inch entrances suit the intended use. Plan secure mounting and access for cleaning before buying support hardware. Check: Plywood measures 3/8 in and the mounting and cleaning-access requirements are understood. ![One-level birdhouse with a pitched roof and round entrances.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-assembled/assembled.png?brand=1) Eight rooms surround the central air shaft. ### 2. Cut the flat panels - Follow the two-sheet cutting layout, leaving a 1/8-inch saw kerf between parts. Cut each 30-inch square floor and the roof base, then cut a centered 6-inch square air opening. Its edges are 12 inches from the panel edges. Keep the two 12-inch mounting plates solid. Check: Flat panels match the cut list; floor and roof-base air openings are centered and clear. ![Two plywood sheets with labeled part outlines and saw-cut spacing.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-cutting-layout/cutting-layout.png?brand=1) Two-sheet layout with 1/8-inch saw kerf and 1/4-inch edge trim. ### 3. Cut walls and half-lap joints - Cut W1 at 19-1/2 x 6 inches. Cut W2, P1 and P2 at 18-3/4 x 6 inches. On P1 and P2, start the two slots 6 and 12-3/8 inches from the same end. Each slot is 3/8 inch wide and 3 inches deep. Cut P1 slots from the top and P2 slots from the bottom. Test the fit on scrap first; use the wall and partition drawing to check the layout. Check: Walls and partitions dry-fit with matching 3/8-in-wide,3-in-deep half-laps. ![Wall and partition drawing with entrance locations and half-lap cuts.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-wall-layout/wall-layout.png?brand=1) Use the wall and partition drawing to locate entrances and half-lap slots. ### 4. Drill the entrances - Clamp a backing board behind every cut. W1 has three 2-1/2-inch holes centered 3-3/8, 9-3/4 and 16-1/8 inches from its left end. W2 has one hole centered 9-3/8 inches from its end. All centers are 3-1/4 inches above the bottom edge. Smooth splinters without enlarging the openings. Check: Entrance holes are smooth,2-1/2 in in diameter and positioned at the shown centers. ![Wall and partition drawing with entrance locations and half-lap cuts.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-wall-layout/wall-layout.png?brand=1) Use the wall and partition drawing to locate entrances and half-lap slots. ### 5. Assemble each level - Interlock P1 and P2 to form the center shaft and cross partitions. Butt the 18-3/4-inch side walls between the 19-1/2-inch front and back walls. Check all eight rooms and the center shaft for a clear 6 x 6-inch opening. Center the 19-1/2-inch square enclosure on its floor, leaving 5-1/4-inch porches. Use a trial assembly to select exterior adhesive or reinforcement molding and suitable fasteners. Check: Each completed level has eight clear 6×6- in rooms and an unobstructed center shaft. ![Birdhouse with its roof removed, exposing eight compartments around the central air shaft.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-open/open.png?brand=1) The removable roof provides access to the rooms for cleaning. ### 6. Make the removable roof - Cut each G blank to a 30-inch base and 6-inch rise at the midpoint. Drill the 2-1/2-inch vent centered 15 inches across and 3 inches above its base. Fit screening inside each gable before closing the roof. Place the gable outer faces 2 inches from the roof-base front and back edges. Follow the roof and mounting drawing for the cleat and roof-sheet positions. Check: Gables are positioned 2 in from roof-base ends and their vents have fitted screening. ![Drawing of the roof gable, ridge joint, cleats and ventilated mounting base.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-roof-detail/roof-detail.png?brand=1) Roof and mounting drawing. Keep the central shaft and mounting air gap open. Inch layout labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16; retain stated clearance and fit allowances. ### 7. Fit the roof sheets and cleats - Fit the four 13-1/2-inch slope cleats immediately inside the gables against the roof underside, with their upper ends 1/2 inch horizontally from the ridge. Center a 20-inch cleat along the inside bottom of each gable. Dry-fit both 30 x 18-inch roof sheets with their ridge edges beveled 21.801 degrees from square. Preserve the 18-inch outer face width. Select fasteners and an exterior sealing system suited to the plywood. Seal the ridge and exposed plywood edges. Check: Both 18- in outer-face roof sheets dry-fit on the gables with a closed 21.801-degree ridge bevel. ![Drawing of the roof gable, ridge joint, cleats and ventilated mounting base.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-roof-detail/roof-detail.png?brand=1) Roof and mounting drawing. Keep the central shaft and mounting air gap open. Inch layout labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16; retain stated clearance and fit allowances. ### 8. Build the ventilated mounting base - Laminate the two 12-inch square plates into a 3/4-inch plate. Place a 1-1/2-inch cube at each corner, flush to the plate edges. Center this assembly below the first floor, leaving a 1-1/2-inch open air gap above the plate. Keep the center shaft and side air inlets unobstructed. Have the post connection sized for the house, mounting height and site loads. Check: The laminated mounting plate and four spacer cubes leave a clear 1-1/2- in air gap. ![Drawing of the roof gable, ridge joint, cleats and ventilated mounting base.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-roof-detail/roof-detail.png?brand=1) Roof and mounting drawing. Keep the central shaft and mounting air gap open. Inch layout labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16; retain stated clearance and fit allowances. ### 9. Fit and latch the removable roof - Place the roof base directly on the walls and align the center openings. Fit four hook-and-eye sets with backing suited to the hardware. Keep the roof removable; do not glue this joint. Check: Removable sections align with the center shaft and engage their fitted latches without glue. ![Roof and birdhouse sections separated to show how they stack.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-exploded/exploded.png?brand=1) Keep these joints removable and secure them with hook-and-eye latches. ### 10. Mount the house and provide cleaning access - Complete drainage, screening, fasteners, weather sealing and secure latching before outdoor installation. Before using a 4 x 4 post or 2-1/2-inch pipe at the suggested height of 15-20 feet, have the support, connections and footing designed for the site. Provide a lowering system or safe access to inspect and clean every compartment. Check: Site-specific support, secure latches and safe access are complete before outdoor installation. ![One-level birdhouse with a pitched roof and round entrances.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-assembled/assembled.png?brand=1) Eight rooms surround the central air shaft. ## Drawings and views ![One-level birdhouse with a pitched roof and round entrances.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-assembled/assembled.png?brand=1) Eight rooms surround the central air shaft. ![The one-level purple martin birdhouse in a garden setting.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/d122d1fb39d7280ef9fa31a82cced996fa36a01249dadc1bdc1bde3283cc5028/cad-lifestyle/lifestyle.png?brand=1) The one-level purple martin birdhouse in a garden setting. AI Generated from CAD files for inspiration ![Birdhouse with its roof removed, exposing eight compartments around the central air shaft.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-open/open.png?brand=1) The removable roof provides access to the rooms for cleaning. ![Roof and birdhouse sections separated to show how they stack.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-exploded/exploded.png?brand=1) Keep these joints removable and secure them with hook-and-eye latches. ![Two plywood sheets with labeled part outlines and saw-cut spacing.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-cutting-layout/cutting-layout.png?brand=1) Two-sheet layout with 1/8-inch saw kerf and 1/4-inch edge trim. ![Wall and partition drawing with entrance locations and half-lap cuts.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-wall-layout/wall-layout.png?brand=1) Use the wall and partition drawing to locate entrances and half-lap slots. ![Drawing of the roof gable, ridge joint, cleats and ventilated mounting base.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/image-roof-detail/roof-detail.png?brand=1) Roof and mounting drawing. Keep the central shaft and mounting air gap open. Inch layout labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16; retain stated clearance and fit allowances. ## Downloads - [Complete plan package](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/download-package/purple-martin-birdhouse-one-level-8-compartments-r3-package.zip): ZIP, 347963 bytes, file revision 3. CAD models and schedules for this configuration. Read instructions and dimensioned drawings on the website. SHA-256: 74dcac716dae28e292c39abc6536c28bb946d22c776d54474546bd0447cf9c15 - [FreeCAD model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/download-native/purple-martin-birdhouse-one-level-8-compartments-r3-model.FCStd): FCStd, 244475 bytes, file revision 3. Inspect the rooms, roof and mounting layout in FreeCAD. SHA-256: d2b3e9af89beaddcedc207d6fd81104e54f084e8f570bbfac35c14f41c58c768 - [STEP model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/download-step/purple-martin-birdhouse-one-level-8-compartments-r3-model.step): STEP, 231462 bytes, file revision 3. Open the house in other CAD software. SHA-256: e80587e36131816d9d394e3bb0024b585bd5c789b8746cb0386c2fe4751a544c - [Blender scene](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/download-blender/purple-martin-birdhouse-one-level-8-compartments-r3-scene.blend): BLEND, 716717 bytes, file revision 3. Editable mesh scene with simple materials. SHA-256: 5a945cd5b2c079ba253b06d942e4ac4705365d1f5f2a5e67d25aa08f37db356a - [Cut list](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/download-cut-list/purple-martin-birdhouse-one-level-8-compartments-r3-cut-list.csv): CSV, 735 bytes, file revision 3. Part sizes and quantities. SHA-256: 3f3069be4032b87741d406f98b00952edf2d3479a2fb0b6fb5548408dcd652cf - [Shopping list](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/c9af699da482d07e2615e1485a08e5f25510795f4e35ee80df8850847684455a/download-shopping-list/purple-martin-birdhouse-one-level-8-compartments-r3-shopping-list.csv): CSV, 1731 bytes, file revision 3. Stock sizes, purchase quantities and cutting allowances. SHA-256: b2c27285bafbf1f1db454fdd0b7c91c3ed9eb4f2b36060dc6b9d78c2a43199ba ## Using the CAD files - Open the .FCStd file in FreeCAD to edit the model. Import the STEP file into other CAD software. ## Sources Based on the 1969 Purple Martin Birdhouse drawing hosted by North Dakota State University. Models, drawings and instructions by DIY Plans. - [Original EX.6344 drawing](https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/aben-plans/6344.pdf) - [NDSU miscellaneous building plans catalog](https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/ag-topics/ag-buildings/building-plans/miscellaneous-building-plans) - [Texas Parks and Wildlife purple martin management guidance](https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_w7000_0254.pdf)