Plans For Building A Purple Martin House : House Plans

Plans for Building a Purple Martin House

Purple martins are beautiful and beneficial birds that can help control insects in your yard. If you're interested in attracting these birds to your property, building a purple martin house is a great way to do it. Here are some plans for building a purple martin house that you can follow:

Materials You'll Need:

1x6 lumber (for the walls and roof)
1x2 lumber (for the supports and trim)
1/2-inch plywood (for the floor and ceiling)
1/4-inch hardware cloth (for the vents)
1-inch nails
Wood glue
Paint (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Build the Walls

Cut four pieces of 1x6 lumber to 24 inches long. These will be the walls of the house. Assemble the walls by nailing the pieces together at the corners, using wood glue for added strength. Make sure that the walls are square.

Step 2: Build the Supports

Cut four pieces of 1x2 lumber to 30 inches long. These will be the supports for the house. Attach the supports to the inside corners of the walls, using 1-inch nails and wood glue. Make sure that the supports are level and that the house is sturdy.

Step 3: Build the Floor

Cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to 24 inches square. This will be the floor of the house. Attach the floor to the supports, using 1-inch nails and wood glue.

Step 4: Build the Ceiling

Cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to 24 inches square. This will be the ceiling of the house. Attach the ceiling to the supports, using 1-inch nails and wood glue. Make sure that the ceiling is level.

Step 5: Install the Vents

Cut four pieces of 1/4-inch hardware cloth to 6 inches square. These will be the vents for the house. Attach the vents to the sides of the house, near the top of the walls, using 1-inch nails. Make sure that the vents are open and that they allow air to circulate through the house.

Step 6: Add the Trim

Cut four pieces of 1x2 lumber to 26 inches long. These will be the trim for the house. Attach the trim to the outside edges of the walls, using 1-inch nails. Make sure that the trim is flush with the edges of the walls.

Step 7: Paint the House (Optional)

If you want, you can paint the house to protect it from the elements. Use a light-colored paint that will reflect the sun and keep the house cool inside. Purple martins prefer houses that are white or light gray.

Once you have finished building your purple martin house, you can mount it on a pole or tree in your yard. Make sure that the house is at least 10 feet off the ground and that it is away from any trees or buildings that could block the birds' flight path.

With a little care and maintenance, your purple martin house will provide a safe and comfortable home for these beautiful birds for many years to come.