Birdhouse Material & Cost Estimator
Plan your project with confidence. This tool generates a shopping list, a precise cut list, and a realistic cost estimate to take the guesswork out of your build.
Choosing the right material is the first step to building a birdhouse that is safe, durable, and attractive to birds. The best woods are naturally resistant to rot and insects without the use of harmful chemicals.
- Cedar and Cypress: These are the premium choices. They contain natural oils (tannins) that make them exceptionally resistant to decay and insect damage. They will last for many years without any finish.
- Pine: This is a widely available and affordable option. While not as durable as cedar, a pine birdhouse can last for a long time if it’s protected with a bird-safe exterior finish and cleaned annually.
Crucially, you must never use pressure-treated wood. The chemicals used to preserve it are toxic to birds. Likewise, avoid plywood or particleboard, as the glues can deteriorate and may also be harmful. This estimator focuses on solid, natural lumber available at most home improvement stores.
Material Plan for
💲 Cost Breakdown
♻️ Efficiency Report
✂️ Your Cut List
Set your saw and cut these pieces from your selected board. All dimensions are for standard 3/4″ thick wood.
| Piece | Quantity | Dimensions (Width x Length) |
|---|
From Board to Birdhouse: Pro Tips
Decoding Lumber Dimensions (“Nominal” vs. “Actual”)
A frequent point of confusion for new woodworkers is the difference between a board’s name and its real size. Lumber is sold using “nominal” dimensions, which is the size of the rough-sawn green lumber. By the time it’s dried and planed smooth at the mill, it’s smaller. This calculator uses actual dimensions for its cut list.
- A “1×6” board is actually 3/4″ thick and 5.5″ wide.
- A “1×8” board is actually 3/4″ thick and 7.25″ wide.
Understanding Your Cut List & The “Kerf”
Your cut list is a precise map for your project. Before you make a single cut, it’s a great practice to lay out all the pieces on your board with a pencil and a square. This helps you visualize the project and optimize the wood you have.
Remember to account for the “kerf”—the thickness of your saw blade. A typical blade removes about 1/8” of wood with every cut. When measuring your next piece, always measure from the fresh edge, not from the other side of your pencil line, to ensure accuracy.
Finishing for Longevity and Bird Safety
While cedar can be left unfinished, adding a finish to the exterior will extend the life of any birdhouse. The cardinal rule is: never apply finish to the inside of the box. The interior should remain raw wood to be safe for the nestlings and to provide a rough surface they can grip when it’s time to fledge. For the exterior, choose a high-quality, water-based latex paint or stain in a natural, muted color (like gray, brown, or green) to help the box blend into its environment.