Weekend Project: How to Build a Birdhouse

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Ever wondered How to Build a Birdhouse? If you're bird nerds like we are, chances are, you have wondered. I'm providing some simple and easy answers below on how to create your own little bird haven in your backyard. Let's welcome all of the fine feathered friends, shall we? Read on for How to Build a Birdhouse.

Goodness, there are LOADS of tutorials on the interwebs for creating the perfect bird sanctuary. But, as a person who actually has her own aviary of parakeets, I'm here to say, "the simpler the better!". While I tend to my own budgies in my sunroom, I also have worked to create a safe space for all birds in our little courtyard and pergola area. Read below how to make your own DIY Birdhouse for your space!

How to Build a Birdhouse

Ready to create a simple space to welcome all of your bird friends this season? See my tutorial below.

To create a classic birdhouse with a circular opening, you'll need some basic woodworking skills and materials. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Classic Birdhouse Tutorial

Materials Needed:

• Wood boards (cedar or pine are good choices)
• Saw (hand saw or power saw)
• Drill
• Sandpaper
• Wood glue
• Screws or nails
• Circular hole saw or jigsaw
• Outdoor paint or wood stain (optional)

Instructions:

Design Your Birdhouse:

Decide on the size and shape of your birdhouse. For a classic design, you might opt for a rectangular box shape with a pitched roof.

Cut the Wood:

• Using your saw, cut the wood boards according to your design.
• You'll need pieces for the sides, front, back, roof, and base of the birdhouse.

Assemble the Birdhouse:

• Assemble the birdhouse by gluing and screwing or nailing the pieces together.
• Start with the sides, then attach the front and back pieces, and finally add the roof.
• Make sure to leave a gap at the top for ventilation.

Create the Circular Opening:

• Decide where you want to place the circular opening for the birds to enter.
• Mark the center point of the front piece of the birdhouse.
• Then, using a drill with a hole saw attachment or a jigsaw, carefully cut out a circular hole of the appropriate size for the birds you want to attract. Common sizes range from 1.25 to 2.5 inches in diameter.

Sand and Finish:

• Sand the edges of the circular opening and any rough edges on the birdhouse to smooth them out.
• You can also sand the entire surface of the birdhouse to prepare it for painting or staining.

Paint or Stain (Optional):

• If desired, paint or stain the birdhouse to protect it from the elements and add a decorative touch.
• Make sure to use outdoor-grade paint or stain for durability.

Install the Birdhouse:

• Find a suitable location to hang or mount the birdhouse.
• Make sure it's at least 5-10 feet above the ground and away from predators.
• You can attach it to a tree, fence post, or pole using screws or nails.

1. Enjoy Watching the Birds:

   Once installed, keep an eye on your birdhouse and enjoy watching the birds that come to make it their home!

More DIY Household Ideas

• Make a cute sponge holder for your sponges with my kitchen sponge holder tutorial.
• And be sure to check out my homemade residue remover tutorial, as well. It removes sticky labels easily.
• I also have a recipe for a great Homemade Tub and Tile Cleaner that can't be beat. I've now been using it for over 15 years and it's never failed me.
• If you're also in organizing mode, be sure to check out my Free Printable Pantry Labels to get everything in order in your pantry.
• My friend, Jessica, over at Mom4Real has a great recipe for oven cleaner that's completely natural. Check it out here.
• Clean Mama has a really earth-friendly tutorial for Cleaning a Washing Machine Naturally. I'm hoping to try this out this weekend.
• My French Lavender Linen Spray is a lovely spray for your sheets, draperies, and other household fabrics.
• And I use this Lavender and Vinegar Multipurpose Spray in my bathrooms all the time. It's a great recipe from Jennifer over at The Daily Connoisseur. You can make big batches and store in a spray bottle or two to use over time.
• These Homemade Cleaning Wipes from Nature's Nurture take non-chemical approach to a handy cleaning wipe. They're super budget-friendly, too. 
• And Shannon, over at Homemade Lovely, has a great recipe for Homemade Toilet Cleaning Tablets. They're really genius!