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Robin, barn swallow and phoebe nest platform

An open cedar nesting shelf with two shaped supports and a sloping roof.

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Download AllZIP · All individual files for this configurationEditable FreeCAD modelFCSTD · Editable FreeCAD model for the standard configuration, revision 1.Shopping listCSV · Shopping list for the standard configuration, revision 1.Cut listCSV · Cut list for the standard configuration, revision 1.CAD and materials packageZIP · The sanitized CAD models, Blender scene, shopping list and cut list. Read the instructions and drawings on this page.Blender sceneBLEND · Editable assembly meshes, simple materials, three cameras and studio lights. The gallery images show the separately rendered wood finish.STEP modelSTEP · Precise solid geometry for CAD exchange. Feature history remains in the FreeCAD file.IGES modelIGES · Surface geometry for older CAD tools. Use STEP when supported.STL meshSTL · Triangulated assembly at full size in millimeters. Scale and prepare parts before 3D printing.OBJ meshOBJ · Triangulated geometry for modeling and rendering tools. Import using millimeters.
View Instructions
  • Revision: 1
  • Last updated:
  • Steps: 6
  • Difficulty: intermediate
  • License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International

    You may share and adapt this design for noncommercial purposes with appropriate credit, a license link, and an indication of changes. Distribute adaptations under the same license.

    Read the license ↗
Before you start
  • Read all steps and select mounting supplies before cutting.
  • Use 3/4 x 9 1/2 in cedar, sold as rough 1x10. Measure stock before cutting; common dressed 1x10 is only 9 1/4 in wide.
  • Select mounting fasteners for a firm, sheltered support.
Plan details

Standard

An open cedar nesting shelf with two shaped supports and a sloping roof.

An open cedar nesting shelf with two shaped supports and a sloping roof. Follow the illustrated assembly steps and dimensioned drawings. Matching downloads include editable CAD, exchange models, shopping and cut lists, and a Blender scene.

Open model.FCStd in FreeCAD. Boxes, profiles and boolean cut history remain editable.

Dimensions are stored in millimeters; 25.4 mm equals one inch.

Reopen model.step in a CAD application for the closed assembly. Source files and drawings remain outside the download package.

Dimensions and opening sizes
Back widthFinished dimensions of this configuration.
9 1/2 in
Back heightFinished dimensions of this configuration.
13 in
Floor widthFinished dimensions of this configuration.
8 in
Floor depthFinished dimensions of this configuration.
7 in
Roof slope lengthFinished dimensions of this configuration.
8 1/2 in
Stock thicknessFinished dimensions of this configuration.
3/4 in
Shopping list
Download shopping list

Shop this list at Home Depot. Choose your store there to confirm prices and stock. Links open in a new tab.

BuyMaterialStock sizeHome Depot
1 boardUntreated cedarRough 1x10 x 4 ft; actual 3/4 x 9 1/2 in
Find matching material Match the specifications in the quantity notes.
1 box of 25Exterior wood screws1 1/4 in, corrosion resistant
Find 1¼-in exterior wood screws Match the specifications in the quantity notes.

Priced materials subtotal

$10.97 USD

Estimated

USD, before tax, delivery, tools and labor. Retail prices checked September 26, 2026; local price and availability may differ. Includes whole boards and retail packages. Required items without a verified equivalent price are excluded and listed separately.

Still to price: Untreated cedar, Rough 1x10 x 4 ft; actual 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. This subtotal does not cover the complete project.

Quantity notes

Full stock units with cutting allowance; retain offcuts for fitting. Hardware counts include an assembly allowance.

  • Untreated cedar, Rough 1x10 x 4 ft; actual 3/4 x 9 1/2 in: 13 + 7 + 8 1/2 + 8 + 8 in blanks = 44 1/2 in, plus 5 saw cuts at 1/8 in = 45 1/8 in.
  • Exterior wood screws, 1 1/4 in, corrosion resistant: 12 assembly screws: 2 floor/back, 2 per side/back, 1 per side/floor, 2 per side/roof.

Required installation supplies

  • Select mounting screws, bolts or anchors for the sound support and actual box weight.
  • Select pilot drill diameters for the chosen screws. Keep screw tips within the wood.
Tools & equipment
  • Saw suitable for straight cuts and shaped cutouts
  • Drill and bits, screwdriver
  • Square, tape measure, clamps and abrasive paper

BEFORE YOU BUILD

Use this work at your own risk

These files have not been checked for accuracy, safety, structural adequacy, or building-code compliance. They may contain serious errors and are not construction-ready. Obtain independent qualified design and review before building.

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Buildings and building projects are complex, and many things can go wrong. You are responsible for checking dimensions and site conditions, choosing suitable materials and methods, obtaining permits, following codes and manufacturer instructions, and getting qualified professional help when needed. To the fullest extent permitted by law, DIYPlans.org disclaims liability for damages resulting from use of this work. Read the FAQ about your responsibilities.

Instructions

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Step 1 Lay out the boards

  • Crosscut a 13 in back, 7 in floor blank, 8 1/2 in roof blank and two 8 in support blanks.
  • Allow 1/8 in per saw cut.
  • Rip the floor and roof to 8 in wide; rip the support blanks to 6 in wide. Keep the back 9 1/2 in wide.
  • Mark the two support outlines using the dimension sheet. Use the same template for both.

Check: The two support outlines match and the floor and roof are each 8 in wide.

Step 2 Cut the supports and bevel

  • Cut each support through these points, in inches from its bottom rear corner: (0,0), (4 1/2,0), (3,3 1/4), (6,6), (0,8). Horizontal values measure forward.
  • Bevel both roof end edges 18.435 degrees so they are parallel and stand vertical when the roof is fitted. Keep the roof 8 1/2 in long along its broad face.
  • Dry-fit before final trimming.
  • Ease sharp edges. Predrill screw pilot holes sized for your selected screw; countersink flush.

Check: Both supports match the profile, and both roof end bevels are parallel at 18.435 degrees.

Step 3 Fix the floor to the back

  • Mark a level line 1 1/2 in above the back bottom for the floor underside.
  • Center the 8 in floor on the 9 1/2 in back, leaving 3/4 in at each side. Butt its rear edge against the back face.
  • Drive two 1 1/4 in screws through the back into the floor edge, 2 in from the floor sides.

Check: The floor is centered, level and 1 1/2 in above the back bottom, with 3/4 in of back exposed at each side.

Step 4 Attach both shaped supports

  • Stand each support on the floor with its tall 8 in edge against the back. Set the outside faces flush with the floor sides.
  • Drive two screws through the back into each support, about 2 and 6 in above the floor top.
  • Drive one screw up through the floor into each support, about 2 in forward of the back.

Check: The supports sit flush with the floor sides, against the back, and their sloping tops align.

Step 5 Attach the roof

  • Center the 8 in roof over the supports. Seat its bevel against the back and its lower face on both support slopes.
  • Check that the roof top meets the back about 1 15/16 in below its top.
  • Predrill and drive two screws through the roof into each support, about 1 1/2 and 4 1/2 in forward of the back.
  • Check the front stays open and the roof sheds water forward.

Check: The roof bears on both supports, meets the back, and leaves the platform front open.

Step 6 Mount and inspect the platform

  • Bore the two 5/16 in back holes 2 in from each side and 1 in below the top.
  • Choose a sheltered position with a firm mounting surface and a clear flight approach. Select anchors for that surface and attach through both back holes.
  • Check that the platform cannot rock or rotate, that screw tips stay out of the nesting space, and that the supports and roof are secure.
  • Inspect and clean only when no active nest is present.

Check: The platform cannot rock or rotate, all parts are secure, and screw tips remain outside the nesting space.

Sources

Functional dimensions informed by the cited Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife woodworking sheet. CAD, instructions, schedules and illustrations authored for DIY Plans.

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