Hey everyone! I'm planning to help my kids build some bird and squirrel houses and I want to know what type of wood is both economical and of good quality. For the squirrel houses, I'm looking to make walls about 11-12 inches tall. I'm considering using 1x12x8 common wood, but the premium version is quite pricey at $30 for 8ft. I could use some 2x8 Doug Fir and glue it together, but I don't have any fancy tools to work with. I'm also planning to waterproof the outside and possibly use some scrap aluminum from a recent siding project for the roof. I have a Bosch worksite tablesaw, a 10" chop/miter saw, and a belt and random orbital sander. Any quick suggestions on the best materials to use? Thanks!
3 Answers
Honestly, just use whatever you can find! As long as you’re putting food in the boxes, critters will find a way to cozy up in them. But for a mix of cost and quality, I’d stick with standard fence boards if you want to keep it cheap and simple.
If you want something really durable, consider using cedar shingles for your first build. They’re easy to work with, and they look nice too!
For a straightforward and budget-friendly option, go for cedar fence slats. They're around 5/8” x 5 3/4” and you can usually find them cheap at big box stores. Plus, cedar is naturally rot-resistant, which is a nice bonus!
Great tip! Cedar really holds up well in the elements. Don't forget to seal it for extra protection.