Beginner’s Guide to Building Birdhouses If you’re a nature lover, a birdhouse can be a great addition to your backyard. Plus, building your own birdhouse can be a fun and rewarding woodworking project. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated! With the right plans and some basic tools, anyone can build a birdhouse. At its essence, a birdhouse is a simple box with a hole. But there are a few things you need to keep in mind if you want to attract birds to your backyard. Location is important – most birds prefer a secluded spot with plenty of cover nearby. And the size of the hole matters too – different birds require different-sized openings. To get you started, we’ve found a set of beginner-friendly plans for a birdhouse that’s perfect for kids or anyone new to woodworking. Let’s take a closer look!
Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have the following materials: - One 6-inch wide by 6-foot long board of cedar or redwood (3/4-inch thick)
- One 1-inch diameter dowel (12 inches long)
- 1-5/8-inch deck screws
- Waterproof wood glue
Cutting the Pieces
The first step is to cut out the pieces for the birdhouse. You’ll need the following: - Two pieces: 5-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches (for the front and back)
- Two pieces: 5-1/2 x 4 inches (for the sides)
- One piece: 4-1/4 x 4-1/4 inches (for the bottom)
- One piece: 6 x 6 inches (for the roof)
Make sure to mark the pieces according to the plans to avoid confusion later on.
Assembling the Birdhouse
Once you have your pieces cut out, it’s time to assemble the birdhouse. Here are the steps: 1. Put glue on the edges of the front and back pieces and attach them to the sides. 2. Make sure the edges of the front and back pieces are flush with the edges of the side pieces. 3. Drill a 1-1/2-inch diameter hole in the center of the front piece. 4. Attach the bottom piece to the sides and front/back pieces. 5. Attach the roof piece to the top of the front/back pieces. Make sure it overhangs the front and back by 1 inch.
When you’re done, your birdhouse should look like this:
Adding the Perch
Finally, it’s time to add the perch. Here’s how: 1. Drill a hole through the front of the birdhouse, just below the entrance hole. 2. Insert the dowel into the hole. 3. Glue the dowel in place so it doesn’t spin or fall out.
And that’s it! Your birdhouse is ready to hang up in your backyard.
Tips for Attracting Birds
If you want to attract birds to your birdhouse, here are a few tips to keep in mind: - Location: Birds prefer a secluded, quiet spot with plenty of cover nearby. Hang your birdhouse in a tree or on a post where it’s out of reach of predators.
- Hole size: Different birds require different-sized holes. For this birdhouse, the 1-1/2-inch diameter hole is suitable for smaller birds like chickadees and wrens.
- Entry height: Make sure the entrance hole is at least 6 inches above the floor of the birdhouse to prevent predators from reaching in.
- Keep it clean: A dirty birdhouse can harbor harmful bacteria and parasites. Clean it out regularly and replace the bedding.
Conclusion
Building a birdhouse is a fun and rewarding woodworking project that anyone can tackle. With these beginner-friendly plans, you’ll be building a birdhouse in no time. So grab your tools and get started! You’ll be amazed at the diversity of birds that will visit your backyard once they have a cozy place to call home.
