125+ Mere Mortals Woodworking Channel ~ My Wood Blog

www.facebook.com

Introduction: Building a Simple Wooden Birdhouse Welcome to a fun and rewarding DIY project! In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of building a basic wooden birdhouse. This project is perfect for beginners and can be completed with readily available materials and tools. Get ready to attract some feathered friends to your backyard!

Materials & Tools Before we begin, gather the following items:

Untreated wood (pine, cedar, or redwood are good choices). We'll provide dimensions below.
Wood glue
Nails or screws
Saw (hand saw or power saw)
Drill with various sized bits (including a pilot bit)
Hammer or screwdriver
Measuring tape or ruler
Pencil
Sandpaper (optional)
Clamps (optional, but helpful)
Safety glasses

Cutting the Wood Pieces Here are the recommended dimensions for a simple birdhouse suitable for smaller birds like wrens and finches. Adjust the sizes if you want to attract larger birds.

Front: 6" wide x 8" tall
Back: 6" wide x 10" tall
Sides (2): 6" wide x 7" tall (taper the top edge of each side piece inwards)
Bottom: 6" wide x 6" deep
Roof (2): 6" wide x 8" deep

Using your saw, carefully cut the wood pieces according to these dimensions. Ensure you cut straight lines for a better-fitting birdhouse. Remember to wear your safety glasses.

Assembling the Birdhouse Body 1. Apply wood glue to the edges of the bottom piece where it will connect with the front, back, and side pieces. 2. Position the front, back, and side pieces onto the bottom, forming a box. Use clamps if available to hold the pieces in place while the glue dries. 3. Secure the pieces with nails or screws. Pre-drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting, especially if using screws. 4. Let the glue dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Attaching the Roof 1. Apply wood glue to the top edges of the front, back, and side pieces. 2. Position the two roof pieces so that they overlap slightly at the peak. 3. Secure the roof pieces with nails or screws. Again, pre-drilling pilot holes is recommended. 4. Ensure the roof overhangs slightly to protect the entrance from rain.

Creating the Entrance Hole 1. Choose a location on the front piece for the entrance hole. A good height is about 2 inches below the roof. 2. Use a drill bit appropriate for the bird species you want to attract. A 1 1/2" hole is suitable for many small birds. Too large an opening will let bigger birds or predators in. 3. Drill the entrance hole carefully. Sand the edges of the hole to smooth them.

Adding Ventilation and Drainage (Important!) 1. Drill a few small (1/4") ventilation holes near the top of the side pieces to allow air circulation. 2. Drill a few small drainage holes (1/4") in the bottom piece to prevent water from pooling inside the birdhouse. This is crucial for the health of the birds.

Finishing Touches (Optional) 1. Sand the entire birdhouse to remove any rough edges or splinters. 2. You can paint or stain the birdhouse, but be sure to use non-toxic, water-based paints or stains that are safe for birds. Avoid bright colors, which can attract predators. Natural colors are best. 3. Avoid adding perches below the entrance hole, as they can help predators access the nest.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your New Birdhouse! Congratulations! You've successfully built a simple wooden birdhouse. Find a suitable location to mount your birdhouse, away from predators and direct sunlight. Be patient, and soon you'll have a new family of feathered friends moving in. Enjoy watching them!