# Robin, barn swallow and phoebe nest platform: Standard [View illustrated instructions](https://diyplans.org/plans/robin-nest-platform/variants/standard) [Plan and other configurations](https://diyplans.org/plans/robin-nest-platform.md) An open cedar nesting shelf with two shaped supports and a sloping roof. ## 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: 1 Status: published Difficulty: intermediate ## Before you start - Read all steps and select mounting supplies before cutting. - Use actual 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. - Cut each support with an 8 in rear, 6 in forward height and 6 in run. These dimensions create an 18.435 degree roof slope. Bevel both roof end edges to that angle. - The floor underside is 1 1/2 in above the back bottom. The roof top meets the back about 1 15/16 in below its top. - Two 5/16 in mounting holes are placed 2 in from each side and 1 in below the top. Their fasteners depend on the support. ## Dimensions - Back width: 9 1/2 in. Finished dimensions of this configuration. - Back height: 13 in. Finished dimensions of this configuration. - Floor width: 8 in. Finished dimensions of this configuration. - Floor depth: 7 in. Finished dimensions of this configuration. - Roof slope length: 8 1/2 in. Finished dimensions of this configuration. - Stock thickness: 3/4 in. Finished dimensions of this configuration. ## Shopping list Full stock units with cutting allowance; retain offcuts for fitting. Hardware counts include an assembly allowance. - 1 board: 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. - 1 box of 25: 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. ## Materials in the model Installed wooden parts in this exact CAD revision; hardware is specified separately and not modeled. - Cut wooden components listed in the cut schedule: 5 installed pieces Not quantified: - Support-specific mounting fasteners. ## Tools and equipment - Saw suitable for straight cuts and shaped cutouts - Drill and bits, screwdriver - Square, tape measure, clamps and abrasive paper ## Instructions ### 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. ![Lay out the boards. Dimensioned cutting and marking view.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-step-01/step-01.png?brand=1) Lay out the boards. Dimensioned cutting and marking view. ### 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. ![Cut the supports and bevel. Dimensioned cutting and marking view.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-step-02/step-02.png?brand=1) Cut the supports and bevel. Dimensioned cutting and marking view. ### 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 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. ![Fix the floor to the back. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-step-03/step-03.png?brand=1) Fix the floor to the back. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted. ### 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. ![Attach both shaped supports. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-step-04/step-04.png?brand=1) Attach both shaped supports. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted. ### 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. - 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. ![Attach the roof. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-step-05/step-05.png?brand=1) Attach the roof. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted. ### 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. ![Mount and inspect the platform. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-step-06/step-06.png?brand=1) Mount and inspect the platform. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted. ## Drawings and views ![An open cedar nesting shelf with two shaped supports and a sloping roof.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-overall/overall.png?brand=1) An open cedar nesting shelf with two shaped supports and a sloping roof. ![Lay out the boards. Dimensioned cutting and marking view.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-step-01/step-01.png?brand=1) Lay out the boards. Dimensioned cutting and marking view. ![Cut the supports and bevel. Dimensioned cutting and marking view.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-step-02/step-02.png?brand=1) Cut the supports and bevel. Dimensioned cutting and marking view. ![Fix the floor to the back. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-step-03/step-03.png?brand=1) Fix the floor to the back. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted. ![Attach both shaped supports. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-step-04/step-04.png?brand=1) Attach both shaped supports. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted. ![Attach the roof. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-step-05/step-05.png?brand=1) Attach the roof. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted. ![Mount and inspect the platform. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-step-06/step-06.png?brand=1) Mount and inspect the platform. Current parts shown orange; future parts omitted. ![Standard front three-quarter view.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-gallery-hero/hero.jpg?brand=1) Front three-quarter view. ![Standard opposite three-quarter view.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-gallery-angle/angle.jpg?brand=1) Opposite three-quarter view. ![Standard platform and roof joinery.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/image-gallery-detail/detail.jpg?brand=1) Platform and roof joinery. ## Downloads - [Editable FreeCAD model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/download-native-cad/robin-barn-swallow-and-phoebe-nest-platform-standard-r1-model.FCStd): FCStd, 17755 bytes, file revision 1. Editable FreeCAD model for the standard configuration, revision 1. SHA-256: 9a0622f87917c919ad1495f9fcaaee9d97510e23297576267a19282953723569 - [Shopping list](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/download-shopping-list/robin-barn-swallow-and-phoebe-nest-platform-standard-r1-shopping-list.csv): CSV, 858 bytes, file revision 1. Shopping list for the standard configuration, revision 1. SHA-256: 929371c6ec1555c6fbd27aa3b9931bae695a6b9808f1897ca5ca910041d8811b - [Cut list](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/download-cut-list/robin-barn-swallow-and-phoebe-nest-platform-standard-r1-cut-list.csv): CSV, 341 bytes, file revision 1. Cut list for the standard configuration, revision 1. SHA-256: 3fd6586fd90505d696a58c520280cd7287c802e45fab0af29a6e83132e12658a - [CAD and materials package](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/download-package/robin-barn-swallow-and-phoebe-nest-platform-standard-r1-package.zip): ZIP, 136684 bytes, file revision 1. The sanitized CAD models, Blender scene, shopping list and cut list. Read the instructions and drawings on this page. SHA-256: 5df6b2d62b9c823ca34423468a564e0aaee3e42a41235abcbb0cde5822cf3124 - [Blender scene](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/download-blender-gallery/robin-barn-swallow-and-phoebe-nest-platform-standard-r1-scene.blend): BLEND, 364150 bytes, file revision 1. Editable assembly meshes, simple materials, three cameras and studio lights. The gallery images show the separately rendered wood finish. SHA-256: 41254bdfd6c1e701b6bdf15cdf761e5b5b30104ec02f21009cb04484eb17a56c - [STEP model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/cad-step/robin-barn-swallow-and-phoebe-nest-platform-standard-r1-model.step): STEP, 36326 bytes, file revision 1. Precise solid geometry for CAD exchange. Feature history remains in the FreeCAD file. SHA-256: cfd461cd0435c11978a093dd9a23c2f9de1f411c2d6edd789a552e8b9bfc394a - [IGES model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/cad-iges/robin-barn-swallow-and-phoebe-nest-platform-standard-r1-model.iges): IGES, 76950 bytes, file revision 1. Surface geometry for older CAD tools. Use STEP when supported. SHA-256: 31f410ebc83cb23c0d42c351bd100697f6186eb4ebe59b0273f7a6ba40c414d1 - [STL mesh](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/cad-stl/robin-barn-swallow-and-phoebe-nest-platform-standard-r1-model.stl): STL, 29084 bytes, file revision 1. Triangulated assembly at full size in millimeters. Scale and prepare parts before 3D printing. SHA-256: 078774c154994b412d72d204a47983c8fc7b0b04ee119d4b3243c5f0f9709188 - [OBJ mesh](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/b7869c2eec44364b441cf9f1ef3d16ba4cd720200764348424c5f9ddad1dff7b/cad-obj/robin-barn-swallow-and-phoebe-nest-platform-standard-r1-model.obj): OBJ, 24969 bytes, file revision 1. Triangulated geometry for modeling and rendering tools. Import using millimeters. SHA-256: 3f8527851fd33590dcfce780f054a411b67d3adfad1db4ff48e8d2ea1b4ad82e ## Using the CAD files - 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. ## Sources Functional dimensions informed by the cited Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife woodworking sheet. CAD, instructions, schedules and illustrations authored for DIY Plans. - [Robin, barn swallow and phoebe nest platform source drawing](https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-11/robin_nestbox.pdf)