The saltbox was a very popular New England style of home during colonial times. The name originates from the fact that the shape of these homes resembles boxes used to store salt during the 17th century. This birdhouse, tailored to attract Black-capped Chickadees; is based on this centuries-old design.

Birdhouses are built with particular birds in mind, so the entry hole and interior space for this birdhouse are customized to attract nesting Chickadees. We tailored the interior by closing off a section of the house on the inside to create the nesting space preferred by Chickadees. If you have other birds in mind, do some homework and modify the design accordingly.

The cedar walls and copper roof ensure that the birdhouse will withstand the weather. One wall of the birdhouse pivots open so that it can be cleaned each spring.

Materials:

One 1"x12"x4' red cedar board
#7 stainless steel screws, 1 5/8" long
Copper flashing
¾" copper tacks
Two 1 ½" copper nails
One zinc eye bolt lag screw
Wood filler (optional)
Paint or stain (optional)

Tools:

Table saw
Miter saw w/ finish blade
Drill
Countersink drill bit
1 ¼" drill bit
¼" drill bit
3/8" drill bit
Tin snips
Tape measure
Framing Square
Pencil

Directions:

1. Using miter saw, cut 1"x12"x 4' into lengths: three 9 ½", one 6 ½" and two 4".

2. Create two saltbox-shaped sides out of two 9 ½" pieces. On one 9 ½" edge, make a mark 4 5/8" up from bottom and up 8 ¼" up on other 9 ½" edge. Place a third mark 3 ¾" in from the edge with the 8 ¼" mark and up 10 3/8" from bottom. Create the saltbox roof shape by connecting these three marks. Cut on lines and use as pattern to trace shape on second 9 ½" piece. Cut out second saltbox side.

3. Use third 9 ½" board for rear roof section and front wall of house. Cut rear roof section to 6" wide and 9" long, with a 10 degree bevel on top 6" edge (i.e. where roof sections will come together). Cut front wall of house to 4" wide and 8" tall, with a 30 degree bevel along upper 4" edge (i.e. where front wall will meet roof).

4. Use the 6 ½" length to create front roof section and back wall of house. Cut front roof to 6" wide and 6" long, with a 15 degree bevel on one end (i.e. where roof sections will come together). Cut back wall of house to 4" wide and 4 ½" tall, with a 45 degree bevel along upper 4" edge (i.e. where back wall will meet roof).

5. Cut one 4" length to 4"x8 1/8" for floor.

6. Create interior divider, by cutting 4" length (from step 1) to a size of 4"x7 7/8", with a 45 degree angle cut on upper 4" edge (i.e. where divider will meet roof). Divider is needed to reduce interior space of house to that preferred by Chickadees.

7. On one saltbox-shaped side, drill a 1 ¼" entrance hole 6" up from base of house and 2 ¾" in from edge.

8. Drill 4 drain holes with a ¼" bit through the floor, within first 8" of one end.

9. Fasten all pieces together by pre-drilling, countersinking, and securing with 1 5/8" stainless steel screws. Butt front and back walls against inside face of sides. Next add back wall. Position center divider 8" from side with opening. When attaching front wall use screws only at top of wall panel in order to create access panel; panel will pivot on screws. Attach floor such that drain holes are in the "occupied" part of house. Finally attach front and back roof pieces.

10. Drill a hole through saltbox-shaped side of "unoccupied" part house (i.e. opposite from side with entrance hole) into edge of front wall. Insert eye bolt lag screw through sidewall into access panel to lock panel shut.

11. Cut copper flashing into 2"x6" panels and affix to roof with 1 ½" copper tacks. Pre-drill holes before nailing through copper and overlap copper panels at least ¾".

12. Leave wood natural, paint, or stain. For a more-finished look, use wood filler to cover holes.