Step by step diy project about simple birdhouse plans. Building a simple birdhouse is a fun project for your kids and would attract singing birds to your garden. There are many plans and designs you could choose from, so make sure you thoroughly study the alternatives before starting the project. If you have kids, building a basic birdhouse is an educative project and an opportunity to pass down woodworking techniques.
Before starting the actual woodworking project, you should choose the right plans for the birds you are trying to attract to your garden. Each species have their own requirements, so make sure you research on this aspect. It is also important to use quality materials, in order to protect them from bad weather. Pine, redwood or cedar are great choices, as the components will be weather-resistant and have a beautiful natural finish.
Building a simple birdhouse
Building a simple birdhouse
Materials
- 1 – 1 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 18″ long BACK
- 2 – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 12″ long SIDES
- 3 – 1 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 10 1/2″ long FRONT
- 4 – 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 4″ x 4 3/4″ long BOTTOM
- 5 – 1 piece of 1×8 – 8″ long ROOF
Tools
- Hammer, Tape measure, Carpentry Square
- Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
- Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Respiratory Mask
Time
- One Day
Simple Birdhouse Plans
Birdhouse components
The first step of the project is to build the components of the wooden birdhouse. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to us 1×6 cedar and a good circular saw. In addition, use 1×8 lumber to build the top of the birdhouse.
PRO TIP: Smooth the cut edges with a fine-grit sandpaper before locking them together with finishing nails.
Attaching the sides
Attaching the side components of the birdhouse to the back slat is a straight-forward process, if the right woodworking techniques are used. Therefore, drill pilot holes along the back components and insert 1 1/4” finishing nails into the side faces. Make sure you cut the top edge of the back at about 15º, as in the image.
PRO TIP: Align the side components properly, before driving in the finishing nails. Make sure the parts are flush with the back of the birdhouse.
Attaching the bottom
Continue the project by installing the bottom of the simple birdhouse. As you can easily notice in the image, you should build the bottom from a piece of 1×6 lumber, using a circular saw. Drill several holes trough the lumber using a small bit.
Attaching the front face
Attaching the front face of the birdhouse can be done in several manner. In our case, we recommend you to drill pilot holes on both side of the box and secure the font components with finishing nails. In this manner, the door should swing easily and you can have access to clean the interior. Drill the 1 1/” hole using a hole-saw drill bit.
Attaching the top
Building the roof of the birdhouse is one of the lasts steps of the project. Cut a 8″ piece of 1×8 lumber and secure it to the box with finishing nails. Make sure the roof overhangs about 1″ on both sides and on the front of the birdhouse.
Simple birdhouse plans
Last but not least, there are several aspects you should take into account. Therefore, you should fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the wooden surface after it dries out. In addition, check if the front opens properly.
PRO TIP: Apply several coats of paint over the components, in order to protect them from decay. Make sure you choose light colors, such as green or white.
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