classicboatshow.com Here's a step-by-step guide on how to build a simple DIY birdhouse: Opening: Attract Feathered Friends to Your Yard! Building a birdhouse is a rewarding project that benefits your local bird population while adding charm to your outdoor space. This guide provides simple, easy-to-follow instructions for constructing a basic birdhouse.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials Before you begin, you'll need the following:
- Untreated wood (pine or cedar are good choices, avoid treated wood as it can be harmful to birds)
- Saw (hand saw or power saw)
- Drill with drill bits
- Screws or nails
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pencil
- Sandpaper
- Optional: Wood glue, paint (non-toxic), rope or wire for hanging
Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces Here are the dimensions for a basic birdhouse (adjust as desired). These dimensions will create a suitable home for smaller birds such as wrens or chickadees.
- Front: 6 inches wide x 8 inches high
- Back: 6 inches wide x 10 inches high (the extra height creates an overhang for the roof)
- Sides: 6 inches wide x 7 inches high (cut two pieces)
- Bottom: 6 inches wide x 6 inches deep
- Roof: 6 inches wide x 8 inches deep (cut two pieces)
Step 3: Assemble the Box Now it's time to assemble the main body of the birdhouse.
- Attach the sides to the bottom piece using screws or nails. Apply wood glue for added strength.
- Attach the front piece to the sides and bottom.
- Attach the back piece to the sides and bottom. Ensure the top of the back piece extends higher than the front to create the roof overhang.
Step 4: Create the Entrance Hole Use your drill to create the entrance hole in the front piece. The size of the hole will determine which birds are likely to use the birdhouse. A 1 1/8 inch hole is ideal for wrens and chickadees. Drill the hole approximately 2 inches from the top of the front piece.
Step 5: Attach the Roof Attach the two roof pieces to the top of the birdhouse, overlapping them slightly to create a peak. Use screws or nails and wood glue for a secure fit.
Step 6: Sand and Finish Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges and splinters. This will make the birdhouse safer for the birds and more aesthetically pleasing. If desired, paint the birdhouse with non-toxic paint. Avoid painting the inside of the birdhouse.
Step 7: Add Hanging Mechanism Drill two small holes near the top of the back piece. Thread rope or wire through these holes to create a loop for hanging the birdhouse.
Conclusion: Your Birdhouse is Ready! You've now successfully built your own birdhouse! Find a suitable location to hang it – ideally in a sheltered spot away from predators. Enjoy watching your new feathered neighbors move in! Remember to clean out the birdhouse annually after nesting season is over.
Atkin's Krazy Kat
forum.woodenboat.com Atkin & Co.
classicboatshow.com Precoius, 7' Atkin Design
www.boatdesign.net
