# Downy woodpecker nest box: Standard [View illustrated instructions](https://diyplans.org/plans/woodpecker-nest-box/variants/standard) [Plan and other configurations](https://diyplans.org/plans/woodpecker-nest-box.md) A cedar nest box with drainage and accessible 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: 1 Status: published Difficulty: intermediate ## 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 - Panel/body width: 7 1/2 in - Backboard length: 20 in - Overall depth: 10 7/8 in ## Shopping list One box. Board allowance includes full-length blanks and ordinary saw kerf. Hardware quantities include a small spare allowance. - 1 board: Untreated rough cedar, Actual 3/4 x 7 1/2 in x 8 ft. Verify width and thickness before purchase. - 1 50-count box: Exterior wood screws, #8 x 1 1/2 in. Predrill. Select a shank suitable for pivoting side if fitted; avoid interior protrusion. - 1 length: Galvanized wire, 16-gauge, 3 ft. Latch wire; turn cut ends away from birds. - 1 bag: 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. ## Materials in the model Installed wooden panels in the CAD; hardware is listed separately for purchase. - Actual 3/4 x 7 1/2-inch cedar: 6 installed pieces Not quantified: - Mounting hardware and predator protection depend on the selected site. ## Tools and 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 ## Instructions ### 1. 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. - Mark the side heights 12 and 14 inches from their common bottom edge; connect the marks and saw the roof slope. - Mark the front opening centered across its 7 1/2-inch width. Put its top 2 inches below the top edge; its center is 9 3/8 inches above the bottom. - Cut the opening 1 1/4 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. ![Downy woodpecker nest box 01 layout](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-01-layout/01-layout.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Current parts orange; previous parts gray. ### 2. 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 14-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. ![Downy woodpecker nest box 02 base](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-02-base/02-base.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Current parts orange; previous parts gray. ### 3. Attach the front - Align the front bottom with the floor underside. Bevel its top edge to the 14.93-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. ![Downy woodpecker nest box 03 front](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-03-front/03-front.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Current parts orange; previous parts gray. ### 4. Fit the roof - Cut the roof 7 1/2 inches wide and 10 1/2 inches long measured along its sloping face. - Bevel its rear edge 14.93 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. ![Downy woodpecker nest box 04 roof](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-04-roof/04-roof.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Current parts orange; previous parts gray. ### 5. 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 11 inches above the floor underside. On the backboard, that is 14 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. ![Downy woodpecker nest box 05 door](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-05-door/05-door.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Current parts orange; previous parts gray. ### 6. 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. ![Downy woodpecker nest box 06 movement](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-06-movement/06-movement.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Current parts orange; previous parts gray. ![Animated cleaning opening](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-movement-animation/06-movement.gif?brand=1) Matching native CAD cleaning movement, 0 to 90 degrees and back. ### 7. 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. ![Downy woodpecker nest box overview](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-overview/overview.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Completed assembly. ## Drawings and views ![Downy woodpecker nest box overview](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-overview/overview.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Completed assembly. ![Downy woodpecker nest box 01 layout](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-01-layout/01-layout.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Current parts orange; previous parts gray. ![Downy woodpecker nest box 02 base](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-02-base/02-base.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Current parts orange; previous parts gray. ![Downy woodpecker nest box 03 front](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-03-front/03-front.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Current parts orange; previous parts gray. ![Downy woodpecker nest box 04 roof](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-04-roof/04-roof.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Current parts orange; previous parts gray. ![Downy woodpecker nest box 05 door](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-05-door/05-door.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Current parts orange; previous parts gray. ![Downy woodpecker nest box 06 movement](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-06-movement/06-movement.png?brand=1) Original CAD illustration. Current parts orange; previous parts gray. ![Animated cleaning opening](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-movement-animation/06-movement.gif?brand=1) Matching native CAD cleaning movement, 0 to 90 degrees and back. ![Standard front three-quarter view.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-gallery-hero/hero.jpg?brand=1) Front three-quarter view. ![Standard opposite three-quarter view.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-gallery-angle/angle.jpg?brand=1) Opposite three-quarter view. ![Standard entrance and joinery detail.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-gallery-detail/detail.jpg?brand=1) Entrance and joinery detail. ![Closed position before opening the cleaning panel.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/image-movement-animation-poster/movement-animation-poster.png?brand=1) Closed position. Use Play movement to inspect the cleaning opening. ## Downloads - [cut-list.csv](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/download-cut-list-csv/downy-woodpecker-nest-box-standard-r1-cut-list.csv): CSV, 528 bytes, file revision 1. Matching CSV file for standard revision 1. SHA-256: 238103780c1b107dcd251e2be18b71effc2dbcbb6d864379990b4ee65b8b0458 - [shopping-list.csv](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/download-shopping-list/downy-woodpecker-nest-box-standard-r1-shopping-list.csv): CSV, 861 bytes, file revision 1. Matching CSV file for standard revision 1. SHA-256: 162b021abca86ef2565a8247352e457cfc2957758e2554f2535acaf6aaf131f2 - [CAD and materials package](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/download-woodpecker-nest-box-package-zip/downy-woodpecker-nest-box-standard-r1-package.zip): ZIP, 145346 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: 541df4608551ea20caec47799e97f00a7c8fbbc7df24773eb332cc56bba4d2b0 - [woodpecker-nest-box.FCStd](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/download-woodpecker-nest-box-fcstd/downy-woodpecker-nest-box-standard-r1-model.FCStd): FCStd, 43224 bytes, file revision 1. Matching FCStd file for standard revision 1. SHA-256: a765d993829e8b970073634cad94729cbcbdd0fc31e13f66a1c8bcd9d673916a - [Blender scene](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/download-blender-gallery/downy-woodpecker-nest-box-standard-r1-scene.blend): BLEND, 343692 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: fdf5a43b4af6ee5d6248ecd17a8b4eed3d60e546bb0538f55bbbf60e78941c6d - [STEP model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/cad-step/downy-woodpecker-nest-box-standard-r1-model.step): STEP, 43096 bytes, file revision 1. Precise solid geometry for CAD exchange. Feature history remains in the FreeCAD file. SHA-256: 8074e331fa14dcfb9267e1fac3e66e129cd8f5a37c8ba9cec9654337e1f5692a - [IGES model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/cad-iges/downy-woodpecker-nest-box-standard-r1-model.iges): IGES, 88209 bytes, file revision 1. Surface geometry for older CAD tools. Use STEP when supported. SHA-256: 0d04afcb19b6b7abd2f29625472dd95a25d8a768e6ac890d669733878a42ebe6 - [STL mesh](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/cad-stl/downy-woodpecker-nest-box-standard-r1-model.stl): STL, 17284 bytes, file revision 1. Triangulated assembly at full size in millimeters. Scale and prepare parts before 3D printing. SHA-256: 16ba7f5d4f55bb9180e8e6a56af0defd8f95711c243db42ee3b192309e126f73 - [OBJ mesh](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/1a733f781eec739ced282582b65679459b1af1b9f6ce2bf0fd75ef4ce98bf304/cad-obj/downy-woodpecker-nest-box-standard-r1-model.obj): OBJ, 14268 bytes, file revision 1. Triangulated geometry for modeling and rendering tools. Import using millimeters. SHA-256: b53ad8050e37f2169e21eb9ee7af0465feb2acae6826aeb429be194932737578 ## Using the CAD files - Open the FCStd in FreeCAD. Each wooden panel has an editable sketch and pad; entrance bores are editable boolean tools. - Native and STEP geometry use millimeters. Written cutting dimensions use inches. - Sketch changes do not automatically update the other panels. Recheck fit, materials and instructions after changing dimensions. ## Sources Functional dimensions informed by the cited Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife woodworking sheet. CAD, instructions, schedules and illustrations authored for DIY Plans. - [WDFW Downy and hairy woodpecker nest box](https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-11/woodpecker_nestbox.pdf)