They want $250 for a covered bridge feeder, Let’s build it for $6.

Hey there,

Matthew Peech here.

You won’t believe this, but the other day I came across a bird feeder—a covered bridge design, mind you—that was selling for $250 at one of the big online retailers.

Now, I love covered bridges. They’re rare, unique, and built to last, so I get the appeal. But $250 for a bird feeder? I couldn't believe it!

So, being the maker that I am, I took it as a challenge.

I thought, why not build my own?

I grabbed a few fence pickets from the local hardware store and got to work. After some tinkering, I came up with a design that I honestly think looks even better than the one I saw online.

Then say they want $250 but MY price point for my area would be more around $100.

Here’s the kicker—I built it for under $6 in materials. Can you believe that?

Now, before I jump into how to build it, I have to share this with you…

Do you know why covered bridges are such a big deal?

I’ve always been fascinated by them, and I know a lot of people travel all over just to see these old bridges and take pictures of them. They’re beautiful, but there’s more to it than that.

Here's a fun fact:

Covered bridges were first built way back in the 1800s. The wood would wear down quickly in bad weather, so they built these structures with roofs and walls to protect the wood from rain and snow. That’s how some of these bridges lasted over 100 years!

What’s even cooler is that these bridges weren’t just practical; they became symbols of rural America. People love their old-school, timeless look, and I’ve seen photographers from all over the world go nuts for them. There’s just something about the craftsmanship and history they represent.

That’s what inspired me to make this bird feeder. I thought, how cool would it be to have a little piece of that history right in your backyard?

How to Build Your Own Covered Bridge:

1. Grab some fence pickets—cheap and perfect for this project.

2. Rip them down to about 5¼ inches wide (because pickets aren’t always consistent).

3. Cut your parts: You’ll need two gable ends for the bridge, so I started by cutting each end from a board and made 45-degree angle cuts to form the arch at the top of the bridge.

4. For the roof, I cut two boards at 23 inches long and adjusted the width so one would overlap the other by half an inch.

5. The sides are super simple—just two 21-inch boards, and the bottom piece matches the length.

6. Then, I assembled it with wood glue and brad nails (but you can use staples if you have them for extra sturdiness). You just glue and nail the gable ends to the roof and sides.

7. For the decorative details, I marked out some arches and slats, then used a jigsaw to cut out the design. This gives it that classic covered bridge look.

If you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash, this covered bridge bird feeder is perfect. Even at $100 each, using step-by-step templates, you could make several in a weekend and turn a solid profit.

I’ve put together the exact plan I used to build this in a super detailed, step-by-step guide. It’s got everything:

• Cut and part lists

• Exploded views

• Exact measurements

• Simple instructions to help you get it done fast

If you want to give it a shot, the full plan is just $10. Honestly, the first bird feeder you sell will pay for the plan and your materials, and everything after that is pure profit.

I even threw in a 20% off coupon for you for a limited time. Just use "BRIDGE20" at checkout on either Etsy or my site.

It’s an easy way to make $80+ profit per build on a weekend, and honestly, people go nuts for these things. You’ll have customers lining up to buy one.

I know you’re going to love building this, and if you sell a few, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can turn this small project into a profitable side hustle.

Check out the plan below and let me know how it turns out!

Talk soon,
Matthew Peech

^{_{Born and raised in a small town in Kentucky, I am blessed to be the husband of my wonderful wife Laura and the father of four amazing children. My career path took an interesting turn as I spent 15 years dedicated to nursing, a profession where I learned the importance of care, precision, and patience. However, my true passion has always been woodworking and creating beautiful pieces from raw materials. From a very young age, I was the kid who asked Santa for lumber and tools instead of toys. My father, an inventive soul with a knack for working with metal, always encouraged me to explore and build. Together, we spent countless hours outdoors, and I developed a love for crafting and constructing that has stayed with me throughout my life. The smell of fresh-cut wood, the feel of sanding a piece to perfection, and the joy of seeing a finished project come to life—these are the things that fuel my passion. Living in a small town in Kentucky, the sense of community and the beauty of nature around me have always been inspiring. My father’s inventive spirit and our shared adventures outside taught me to think creatively and embrace the joy of making something with my own hands. These experiences shaped who I am today and instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry. After many years of nursing, I decided to follow my heart and turn my woodworking hobby into a full-time career. This wasn’t just a leap of faith, but a leap into a world where I could combine my love for woodworking with my desire to teach and inspire others. Now, as a full-time woodworker and content creator, I dedicate my days to sharing my knowledge, skills, and passion with a wider audience. My goal is to create content that not only educates but also motivates and inspires you to pursue your own creative projects. In this community, I aim to foster a sense of belonging and encouragement. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn and create. I believe in the power of small projects that bring big joy and satisfaction. Each piece you create is a testament to your skill, patience, and creativity. And I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My content is designed to be accessible and inspiring, offering step-by-step tutorials, tips, and insights to help you on your woodworking journey. I want you to feel confident and capable, knowing that you can achieve great things with your hands and imagination. Remember, “You’ve got this!” Together, we can create beautiful, functional pieces that reflect our passion and dedication to the craft. I have always been deeply connected to the world around me, finding inspiration in the simplest things—nature, the texture of different woods, the intricate patterns found in leaves and trees. These natural elements play a huge role in my designs and projects. I aim to bring a piece of that outside world into every creation, blending functionality with beauty. The transition from nursing to woodworking was a transformative experience. Nursing taught me the value of precision and care, qualities that are incredibly important in woodworking. It also taught me patience and perseverance—skills that are essential when you're working on a complex project or learning a new technique. In many ways, woodworking is a form of therapy for me, a way to express creativity and find peace in the process of making something tangible and lasting. Every project I undertake is not just about the end product, but about the journey—the meticulous planning, the careful selection of materials, the craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of seeing the finished piece. It's about taking a vision and bringing it to life with my own hands. And it’s this journey that I want to share with you all. In this community, we celebrate the joy of making, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of creating something with our own hands. We share ideas, learn from each other, and grow together as makers and creators. I am dedicated to providing you with the best resources, tutorials, and inspiration to help you on your own woodworking journey. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community. Let’s continue to build, create, and inspire each other. Remember, no matter how big or small your project is, “You’ve got this!”}}