This project is by Travis from How I Do Things DIY. This DIY birdhouse is not only budget-friendly but also a fantastic way to attract birds to your garden while showcasing your woodworking skills.
In this guide, we’ll take you through each step to create a simple yet effective cedar birdhouse using just $3 in materials.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Tools
The first step in any woodworking project is to gather all necessary materials and tools. For this cedar birdhouse, you will need:
- One 4-foot cedar fence picket
- Wood glue (Titebond 3 recommended)
- Brad nails or finishing nails
- Basic woodworking tools:
- Jigsaw
- Circular saw
- Drill
- Glue spreader
Travis emphasizes that you don’t need fancy tools to build this birdhouse. A jigsaw and a circular saw will suffice. If you want to follow along with detailed plans, you can find a link in the description.
Step 2: Cut Your Pieces According to the Plans
Once you have your materials ready, it’s time to cut the pieces according to the cut list provided in your plans. Be sure to label all pieces after cutting for easier assembly later.
To make straight cuts with a circular saw, use a straight edge as a guide. While you can complete the project with just one plank, purchasing an extra plank is a good idea in case of mistakes. Travis himself had to cut an extra piece due to an error.
Step 3: Make the Roof Cuts
One of the roof pieces requires one thickness of a board ripped from one edge. This is best marked with a board rather than a dimension to account for variations in thickness. Carefully make these cuts with the jigsaw, especially for the 45-degree cuts for the roof’s front and back pieces. Avoid using a circular saw for these small cuts, as they can be dangerous.
Step 4: Drill the Entrance Hole
The entrance hole for the birdhouse is typically around 1.5 inches in diameter, but this may vary depending on the type of bird you want to attract. Research the ideal size for your desired bird species. To create the hole, you can either drill a hole and cut it out with a jigsaw or use a forstner bit.
When using a hole saw or forstner bit, start with a small pilot hole. Cut halfway through the board, then flip it over and cut the rest of the way to ensure a clean hole with minimal tear-out.
Step 5: Sand the Pieces Before Assembly
Before assembling the birdhouse, sand all the pieces. Doing most of the sanding before assembly is much easier and saves time. Focus on smoothing the edges and surfaces to create a polished final product.
Step 6: Assemble the Birdhouse
Now it’s time to assemble all the components. Use wood glue and brad nails for assembly. Titebond 3 wood glue is recommended because it is waterproof and perfect for outdoor projects. Apply an even coat of glue on the edges before fastening the pieces together.
If you do not have a brad nailer, you can also use finishing nails and a hammer or wood screws. Ensure that all fasteners are centered and perpendicular to the surface to avoid issues later on. If mistakes occur, you can fix them by breaking off any misaligned nails and adding new ones.
Step 7: Install the Clean-Out Panel
When attaching the last roof piece, use screws instead of glue. This allows for easy removal later to clean out the birdhouse. Mark the hole locations, drill countersunk holes to hide the screw heads, and pre-drill holes before installing the panel. Using stainless screws will prevent rust.
Step 8: Fill Holes and Finish Sanding
After assembly, fill any holes left by nails with a bit of wood glue and sand over them. This method provides a quick and effective way to fill holes while matching the wood color. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, but adding a finish can enhance its durability.
Step 9: Apply a Finish
To protect the birdhouse and enhance the cedar color, apply Odie’s Oil, which is natural and safe for birds. Simply work the oil into the surface, and you’re done with the finishing process.
Step 10: Hang the Birdhouse
To install your birdhouse, remove the clean-out panel. You can either drive screws directly into a tree or pole or install threaded eyes on top to hang it from a tree. Make sure the birdhouse is secure and positioned in a suitable location for birds.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just built a beautiful cedar birdhouse for only $3. This project is not only a great way to enhance your outdoor space but also provides a cozy home for local birds.
