Building Plans For Bird Houses : House Plans

Building Plans For Bird Houses

There are many different types of bird houses available on the market, but it can be much more rewarding to build your own. The plans are simple, and the materials are readily available at most hardware stores. It is a great project for children and adults alike, and it is a fun way to help the birds in your backyard.

Materials:

1x6 pine boards, 8 feet long
1x4 pine boards, 8 feet long
1x2 pine boards, 8 feet long
1/4 inch plywood, 24 inches by 24 inches
1/2 inch plywood, 12 inches by 12 inches
1-inch wood screws
1-1/2 inch wood screws
2-inch wood screws
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Paint or stain (optional)

Tools:

Circular saw
Miter saw
Drill
Screwdriver
Hammer
Nail gun (optional)
Clamps
Level
Measuring tape
Pencil

Instructions:

Cut the 1x6 pine boards to the following lengths:

2 pieces at 12 inches
2 pieces at 6 inches
2 pieces at 9 inches
2 pieces at 12 inches
1 piece at 24 inches

Cut the 1x4 pine boards to the following lengths:

2 pieces at 12 inches
2 pieces at 6 inches

Cut the 1x2 pine boards to the following lengths:

4 pieces at 12 inches
4 pieces at 6 inches

Cut the 1/4 inch plywood to the following dimensions:

1 piece at 12 inches by 12 inches
1 piece at 12 inches by 6 inches

Cut the 1/2 inch plywood to the following dimensions:

1 piece at 6 inches by 6 inches

Assemble the back of the birdhouse by attaching the two 12-inch 1x6 pine boards to the two 6-inch 1x6 pine boards with 1-inch wood screws. Glue the joints for added strength.
Assemble the sides of the birdhouse by attaching the two 12-inch 1x4 pine boards to the two 6-inch 1x4 pine boards with 1-inch wood screws. Glue the joints for added strength.
Assemble the roof of the birdhouse by attaching the two 9-inch 1x6 pine boards to the two 12-inch 1x6 pine boards with 1-1/2 inch wood screws. Glue the joints for added strength.
Attach the back of the birdhouse to the sides of the birdhouse with 1-1/2 inch wood screws. Glue the joints for added strength.
Attach the roof of the birdhouse to the sides of the birdhouse with 1-1/2 inch wood screws. Glue the joints for added strength.
Attach the 12-inch by 12-inch piece of 1/4 inch plywood to the bottom of the birdhouse with 1-inch wood screws. Glue the joints for added strength.
Attach the 12-inch by 6-inch piece of 1/4 inch plywood to the front of the birdhouse below the entrance hole with 1-inch wood screws. Glue the joints for added strength.
Attach the 6-inch by 6-inch piece of 1/2 inch plywood to the front of the birdhouse above the entrance hole with 1-1/2 inch wood screws. Glue the joints for added strength.
Sand the birdhouse smooth and paint or stain it as desired.
Hang the birdhouse in a tree or other suitable location and enjoy watching the birds nest inside.

Tips:

Use exterior-grade wood screws and glue for all joints to ensure that the birdhouse will withstand the elements.
Paint or stain the birdhouse to protect it from the elements and to give it a more finished look.
Hang the birdhouse in a tree or other suitable location where it will receive plenty of sunlight and be protected from the wind.
Clean the birdhouse regularly to remove any nesting material or droppings.