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Intro: |
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| Pivot screw: A screw with less threading that allows attached objects to swing or pivot on it. |
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Once the backing is prepared, take one of the side pieces and lay it on a flat surface, so the short front edge braces against something secure, like a wall, and the longer back edge faces you. Butt the backing board against this end, so the nails in the board line up with the side piece's long edge. The two boards should form an "L." However, the top edge of the side piece (where the slant peaks) should butt the backing board 1/4-inch (.6 centimeters) below the top of the backing board. This extra space will create an air vent at the top of the side piece. Screw or hammer the pieces together.
The other side piece needs to be attached differently, since it will serve as a swinging door (pivoting from the top, like a dog door), through which you can check the house's interior and clean it out when necessary. To attach it, line up the piece the same way you did with the first--forming an "L" with the backing board, with the top of the slant 1/4-inch (.6 centimeters) below the top of the backing board's edge. Drill a pilot hole 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) below the top corner of the backing board and screw in a pivot screw. Then hammer a nail so it enters through the backing board and into the bottom end of the side piece. This nail is temporary, so hammer it in only partially, so it holds the side piece in place but can be removed later.
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Assemble the sides
