175+ Woodworking Australia ~ My Wood Blog

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Opening: Building a Simple Wooden Birdhouse Want to attract feathered friends to your backyard? Building a birdhouse is a rewarding and straightforward woodworking project, perfect for beginners. This guide will walk you through creating a simple, yet functional, birdhouse using readily available materials and tools.

Step 1: Gathering Your Materials Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies. You'll need:

Untreated wood (pine or cedar are good choices – avoid pressure-treated wood, as it can be harmful to birds)

Wood glue

Wood screws or nails

Saw (hand saw, circular saw, or jigsaw)

Drill with various sized drill bits

Measuring tape

Pencil

Sandpaper

Clamps (optional but helpful)

Safety glasses

Step 2: Planning and Cutting the Pieces Plan your birdhouse dimensions. A common size is approximately 6" wide x 6" deep x 10" high. Adjust the dimensions to your preference. Here's a sample cut list:

Front: 6" wide x 10" high

Back: 6" wide x 12" high (the extra 2" will form the roof overhang)

Sides: 6" wide x 8" high (two pieces)

Bottom: 6" wide x 6" deep

Roof: 6" wide x 8" long (two pieces)

Carefully measure and cut each piece according to your cut list. Use safety glasses during the cutting process. Ensure cuts are straight and accurate for a snug fit.

Step 3: Assembling the Birdhouse Body Start by attaching the sides to the bottom piece. Apply wood glue to the edges of the bottom piece and then secure the side pieces using screws or nails. Clamp the pieces together while the glue dries for a stronger bond. Next, attach the front and back pieces to the assembled sides and bottom, again using glue and screws/nails. The back piece should extend 2" above the side pieces to create the roof overhang.

Step 4: Creating the Entrance Hole Choose the size of your entrance hole based on the type of bird you want to attract. A 1 1/2" diameter hole is suitable for bluebirds. Drill the hole approximately 2" below the top of the front piece. Consider adding a small perch below the hole if desired, but it's generally better to avoid perches as they can help predators.

Step 5: Attaching the Roof Attach the two roof pieces to the top of the birdhouse using glue and screws/nails. Ensure the roof overhangs the front and back of the birdhouse to provide protection from rain.

Step 6: Sanding and Finishing Sand all edges and surfaces of the birdhouse to remove any splinters or rough spots. This will improve the appearance and make the birdhouse safer for the birds. If you choose to paint or stain the birdhouse, use non-toxic, water-based products specifically designed for outdoor use. Avoid painting the inside of the birdhouse. Light colors reflect heat better than dark colors.

Step 7: Adding Ventilation and Drainage Drill a few small drainage holes in the bottom of the birdhouse to prevent water from accumulating. Also, drill small ventilation holes near the top of the sides to provide airflow.

Step 8: Mounting the Birdhouse Consider how you will mount your birdhouse. You can attach it to a pole, tree, or building. Add mounting hardware to the back of the birdhouse as needed (e.g., screws and a sturdy bracket).

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Birdhouse Congratulations! You've successfully built a simple wooden birdhouse. Find a suitable location to mount your birdhouse, and enjoy watching the birds move in! Remember to clean out the birdhouse annually, typically in the late fall or early winter, after the nesting season is over. This will keep the birdhouse clean and inviting for future residents.