This step by step project is about simple birdhouse plans. Building a basic birdhouse is a fun weekend projects, especially if you want to involve your kids and pass down several woodworking techniques. After getting the job done by yourself, we also recommend you to check out the related projects, as you could also make a nice bird feeder, as to attract many types of singing birds to your garden.
There are a few things you should take into account when building a birdhouse. Therefore, you should design that size and the shape of the birdhouse as to fit the needs of the birds you want to attract. Always use quality lumber and do not apply toxic paint, otherwise the birds will refuse the move inside the boxes. Cedar, pine or redwood are great choices, as the the components will be weather-resistant and also have a nice appearance. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 1 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 10 1/4” long, 1 piece – 8″ long FACES
- B – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 10” long SIDES
- C – 1 piece of 1×8 – 9″ long ROOF
- D – 1 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 4 1/4” BOTTOM
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Sander
Time
One day
Building a simple birdhouse
Building a simple bird feeder
Top Tip: Building a birdhouse is a straight forward project, if you use the right plans and tools. A lean to designs has many advantages, especially if you want to involve your kids in the project.
Simple Birdhouse Plans
Building the front face
The first step of the project is to build the front face of the birdhouse. As you can see in the image, you need to use 1×6 lumber and cut the piece at the right size. Moreover, cut the top edge of the front face at about 20º, by using a circular saw.
Drilling the entrance is easy, if you use a holes saw drill bit. As you can see in the plans, you need to place the entrance at the top of the front face and adjust the diameter according to the type of birds you are trying to attract.
Building the frame of the birdhouse
After building the front face, we recommend you to cut out the rest of the components. As you can easily notice in the image, we recommend you to cut the both sides of the birdhouse at 20º, as well as the top of the back face.
Top Tip: Align the components at both ends, drill pilot holes along the sides of the front and back faces and insert 1 1/4″ screws / nails. If you want to enhance the rigidity of the frame, we recommend you to add waterproof glue to the joints.
Attaching the roof of the birdhouse
Cut a 9″ long piece of 1×8 lumber and center it on top of the birdhouse. Afterwards, drill several pilot holes and attach it to the frame with finishing nails. As you can easily notice in the plans, the roof should overhang on all sides of the birdhouse.
Make sure you choose a good piece of lumber when building the roof, otherwise it will not drain the water properly. The roof shouldn’t have cracks or holes over the whole surface.
Attaching the bottom
One of the last steps of the project is to attach the bottom of the basic birdhouse. As you can easily notice in the image, we recommend you to cut a small piece of 1×6 lumber and to place between the faces of the wooden box.
Drill pilot holes trough the side components and secure the bottom into place with 2″ nails. Make sure you don’t insert the nails completely, as you need to remove the bottom when cleaning the interior of the birdhouse.
Simple birdhouse plans
Last but not least, take care of the final touches. Fill the cracks and the holes with wood putty and leave the compound to harden for several hours. Afterwards, sand the wooden surface and the edges with medium-grit sandpaper.
Top Tip: In order to protect the birdhouse from water damage and wood decay, we recommend you to apply several coats of latex paint (green, white, brown).
This woodworking project is about simple birdhouse plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.
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