Wren Birdhouse Plans

These wren birdhouse plans are designed for wrens or house finches, but other small birds might find this particular design suitable for nesting. This wren bird house is made from all natural western red cedar (painted blue only on the external surfaces).

The wren bird house can be built from a single 4' piece of 1x8 western red cedar. One of the nice features of these wren birdhouse plans is that the hinged roof opens up to allow for easy cleanout.

Wren Birdhouse Plans

Use the left diagram above to layout the front panel of the wren bird house. Note that the height of the front panel is the actual width of a 1x8 plank (7 1/4"). This makes it easy to layout. From one edge of the 1x8 plank (close to the end, to conserve material) use a Speed Square, or similar tool, to mark the 45 degree angle roof slopes, 6" long on both sides (see drawings).

The peak of the roof is the center of the bird house. Using a square, transfer that center mark down (7 1/4") to the bottom of the panel. From the bottom of the panel, measure over 2 1/2" to each side of the center. This will be the width of the base (5"). From each side, mark a 30 degree line from both bottom corners until they intersect with the 6" roof lines.

Note: The measurements might not turn out exactly as shown in the diagrams, but they will be close enough.

Cut the front panel and use it as a template for the back panel. Cut the sides and base, as indicated in the drawings, and assemble them together using 16 gauge galvanized finish nails. Attach the front and back panels to the assembled base.

Cut the two roof sections to the sizes indicated. Centered front to back, lay both roof sections on the bird house, overlapping the wider (7 1/4") section over end of the 6 1/2" section, as shown in the drawings. Attach the 7 1/4" roof section to the bird house with 16 gauge galvanized finish nails.

Attach the 6 1/2" section to the top of the 7 1/4" roof section using two 3/4" x 1 1/2" hinges (black or galvanized). The ones shown in the diagrams were purchased from Home Depot.

Using a 1-1/4" drill bit, drill the entrance hole 5" above the base (centered)

The last phase of building the wren bird house, is to add a wire to the top so that it can be hung from a tree or post. I used a combination of eye-bolts and wound-wire for this. I drilled two pilot holes for the eye-bolts approximately 3" apart (centered on the birdhouse) and screwed them into the top of the 7 1/4" section of roof.

The pictures below show the finished bird house with the hinged roof section open and closed. Use a 1.5" galvanized wood screw to secure the hinged roof to the birdhouse.

I hope you enjoyed building this wren bird house. If you have any questions or comments about these wren birdhouse plans, please contact us.