I started making and selling various bird houses this year at our local county farmer's market (Towns County GA) and use the side pivot access for all of them. I use a romex type plastic and aluminum nail clamp for the door keeper.
An amendment: I use 5/8 texture 1-11 plywood since it is exterior grade and will last. i also switced to a front flip up door which is easier for clean out and to renew the nesting material (hamster bedding).
