Wood selection for large birdhouse

[Nolatoolguy]

I am rebuilding a purple martin birdhouse. I usually don't do many extiorer projects. I was wondering what wood you suggest? I was thinking cedar but Ime not sure.

[jimwrench]

 I try to use what I have on hand for that type project. Have had a bunch of fence boards for that kind of usage. Bought a whole skid load of damaged boards a few years ago and got a lot of mileage out of them. I find cedar a little brittle but it might last well. Haven't used it outside. Cypress is nice but not easily available. Redwood lasts but can be a little pricey.

[scottg]

Go with Jim's advice.
 Look locally for some old used lumber that is not rotten.
Old barn or fence boards.
 This is good for 2 reasons.
First it has held up to weather already, so you know its rot resistant.
 Second, birds are naturally suspicious.
 Anything stained, oiled, painted or just plain new? 
No self respecting bird will touch it with a 10 foot pole for years.
  With used lumber you are already years ahead for attracting some residents.
   yours Scott

[Bill Houghton]

No self respecting bird will touch it with a 10 foot pole for years.

And anyway, I'm not sure I'd want any birds big enough to carry a ten foot pole nesting in my yard.

Bill, picturing a California Condor (ten foot wingspan) flying around my yard with a ten foot pole in its beak.

[Branson]

Redwood lasts but can be a little pricey.

There's a problem with redwood, though.  When moisture inevitably gets in, the tannin in the wood interacts badly with ferrous metal.  The metal rusts, and the wood around it blackens and begins to disintegrate.  Any ferrous fasteners  need to be hot dipped galvanized.

[rusty]

You could, of course, be retro and use wood pegs....