Make a birdhouse

You need:

• Approx 2 feet 1x10 pine
  
• Approx 4 ft 1x6 pine
  
• Scrap of 1/2-inch pine, 3-1/2- x 4-1/2-inch, for moon
  
• Scrap of 3/8-inch pine, 4-1/2- x 5-1/2-inch, for sunburst
  
• Scrap of 3/8-inch pine, 4-inch square, for gingerbread (all boxes)
  
• 2-inch hardwood dowel, 1/4-inches in diameter, for perch (all boxes)
  
• 3-inch hardwood dowel, 1/4-inches in diameter, for post (moon box only)
  
• Table saw and jigsaw or handsaw, coping saw and mitre box
  
• Drill and 1/4-, 5/8- and 1-1/2-inch bits
  
• Approx. twenty-four 1-1/2-inch galvanized finishing nails
  
• Two 3/4-in galvanized finishing nails
  
• Two number six 1-1/4-inch rustproof, flathead wood screws
  
• Screwdriver to fit screws, hammer and nail set
  
• Sandpaper (60- and 100-grit)
  
• Wood filler and carpenter's glue
  
• Masking tape, 1-inch wide (moon box only)
  
• Pencil, ruler, protractor and carpenter's square
  
• Exterior-grade paint in desired heritage colours
  
• Dark brown exterior-grade wood stain
  
• Small paintbrushes and clean rags
  
• Rubber gloves

Cut list:

Note: Some lumber will need to be cut lengthwise as well as widthwise to achieve actual measurements, below (lumber is sold in nominal sizes); thickness is not altered.

1x10
Roof sides: two 9- x 9-3/4-inch pieces

1x6
Front: one 11-inch length
Back: one 11-inch length
Box sides: two 4-1/2- x 6-inch pieces
Base: one 3-1/2- x 8-inch piece

To make:

Note: Enlarge appropriate patterns photostatically to make grid of 2.5 cm (1-inch) squares; cut out. Refer to diagrams throughout.

1. Cut box pieces as listed. Using pencil, ruler and carpenter's square, measure and mark edges of front and back pieces as shown in Cutting Diagram; cut out. Using 1-1/2-inch bit, drill entry hole straight through front; using 1/4-inch bit, drill 1/2-inch-deep perch hole straight into front. Using pencil and protractor, mark angles on roof sides as shown on Front View Diagram; cut out.

Trace patterns for gingerbread and desired decorative piece onto appropriate wood. Using 5/8-in bit, drill hole through gingerbread. Using 1-1/2-inch bit, drill entry hole through sunburst, if desired. With appropriate saw, cut out gingerbread and, if desired, sunburst or moon. Using 1/4-inch bit, drill 3/4-inch-deep post hole straight into moon as shown.

2. Having side and bottom edges flush and using 1/2-inch nails, nail sides between front and back. Run a bead of glue along angled edges of roof sides and peak edges of front and back; using 1/2-inch nails, nail roof sides to front and back. If fit along peak is inexact, sand peak while glue is still tacky; sawdust will mix with glue to fill and seal seam. With side and back edges flush, screw base to front and back (centre 1 screw along each of front and back edges and leave unglued so base is removable).

3. With hammer and nail set, countersink nails. Fill with wood filler and let dry. With sandpaper, sand off excess filler and round off all exposed edges.

4. Run a bead of glue along straight edges of gingerbread; using 3/4-inch nails, nail between roof sides as shown on diagrams. Glue perch into hole. Let dry.

5. Paint box as desired.

For striped roof:
Paint first colour; let dry. Starting at front edge, lay down strips of masking tape, at 1-inch intervals, across roof sides. Paint second colour between strips, then carefully peel away tape. Let dry.

For sunburst box:
Paint box and sunburst as desired; let dry. With holes aligned; glue sunburst to front.

For moon box:
Paint box and moon as desired; let dry. With 1/4-inch bit, drill post hole 3/4 inch straight down into roof peak, 2-1/2-inch from front edge. Glue 1 end of post into peak; glue other into moon.

6. To "age" box: Lightly sand edges to reveal wood. Wearing gloves, dip rag into stain and rub over box.

Household Hints for Box Builders*

* These general tips refer to boxes for chickadees, bluebirds, downy woodpeckers, sparrows, tree swallows and wrens.

For more on bird watching in Canada, try these sites: