Laser Cut Birdhouse Generator

Choose a style, set the interior size and the entrance hole, and the finger-jointed panels are drawn for you, with drainage holes, a removable roof and mounting holes. Species hole sizes are listed next to the input.

Presets

Style

Roof slopes down to

Size (inside)

Inside width

Most small songbirds want a floor of about 120 x 120 mm or a little more.

Inside depth

Wall height

Inside height of the low side of a shed roof, or of the eaves of a gable roof or feeder.

High side height

Inside height of the tall side. The difference from the wall height sets the roof slope.

Entrance

Entrance hole

The hole picks the bird: 26-28 mm blue or coal tit, 32 mm great tit, 34-35 mm sparrow or nuthatch, 45 mm starling. Keep the drain holes and the roof gaps open for air, and lift the roof to clean out old nests each autumn.

Hole height

Centre of the hole above the floor. Keep its lower edge 125 mm or more up so cats cannot reach the chicks.

Perch dowel hole

0 for none, which is best: wild birds do not need a perch and it helps predators reach in.

Landing terrace

A small board under the entrance, slotted through the front.

Roof

Front overhang

How far the roof runs past the front, measured along the roof. Shelters the entrance from rain.

Side overhang

How far the roof runs past the side walls (gable and feeder: past the eaves, along the roof).

Pin holes

Small holes over the wall edges to pin the roof down; it stays removable for cleaning.

Mounting and floor

Mounting board

The back runs on below the floor with two screw holes for a post, wall or tree.

Board below the floor

Drainage holes

Joints

Finger width

0 picks about twice the material thickness.

Material

Material thickness

Kerf

Enter your real sheet thickness; 3 mm plywood is often 2.8 to 3.2. Cut a test corner before the full box.

Personalize

Engrave a name, monogram, message or your own logo on any face. Preview it here for free.

+ Add logo / image

Your first birdhouse download is free, engraving included.

Fits on 559mm x 375mm sheet (22.0" x 14.8")

Glue the floor, front, back and both sides. Leave the roof unglued so it lifts off for cleaning after each nesting season.
The small holes over the wall edges are for pins. 3 mm plywood splits if you drive a screw into its edge, so use thin brass pins, or a hook and eye on the side, to keep the roof on.
The narrow gaps under the roof edges are deliberate ventilation. Leave the inside unpainted.
Screw the box up through the two holes in the mounting board under the floor. Face the entrance away from prevailing wind and strong afternoon sun.
At 3 mm this makes a good decorative, indoor or sheltered piece. A nest box that stays outdoors all year lasts much longer in 6 mm or thicker exterior plywood with exterior glue.
Cut one corner joint first to check the press fit, then adjust kerf if it is loose or tight.

The parts need a bed of about 559 x 375 mm. Check it against your laser, or cut in two sheets.

Drag an engraving in the preview to move it.

Good for

Decorative and indoor birdhouses
Bird feeders for the garden
Craft-fair birdhouses with an engraved front

How it works

Set the size. Pick a preset or type your own measurements. Every box is drawn to your real material thickness.
Personalize it. Add a name, a message or an image, drag it into place, and see it on the box before you download.
Download and cut. The SVG imports at true size in LightBurn, xTool Creative Space and Glowforge. Cut a test corner first if you are unsure of your kerf.

FAQ

What hole size do I need?

About 26 to 28 mm for blue and coal tits, 32 mm for great tits, 34 to 35 mm for sparrows and nuthatches, and 45 mm for starlings.

Can I use 3 mm plywood outdoors?

It is better as a decorative piece or feeder. A nest box that lives outside is much better in thicker exterior plywood or solid wood, left unpainted on the inside.

Do I need a perch?

No. Perches are optional and conservation guidance advises against them because they can help predators.

How much does it cost?

Your first download of each box type is free, engraving included. After that, 10 exports are $5, or $19 unlocks unlimited downloads for life. An export covers both the SVG and the DXF of the same design, and downloading it again is free.

Does it work with LightBurn, xTool, Glowforge and OMTech?

Yes. The SVG is in millimetres and imports at true size. Cut lines are red and engraving is filled black. The DXF is R12 for RDWorks and CAD software.

What kerf should I use?

Start with 0.15 mm for a CO2 laser or 0.08 mm for a diode, and cut a test corner. Every part is drawn half a kerf oversize so the joints press-fit.

Are my designs and logos uploaded?

No. The boxes, the engraving and any image you add are all handled in your browser. A saved draft stays on your device so your work survives signing in and checking out.