A birdhouse is the perfect first woodworking project. Small enough to finish in an afternoon, forgiving of minor imprecision, and genuinely satisfying to hang in your yard. Here is everything you need to build one today.
What You Need
Materials: One 1x6x8 pine board (~$8), 1.5″ wood screws, exterior wood glue, sandpaper, exterior paint or stain.
Cut List
- Front/back: 5.5″ x 8″ (x2)
- Sides: 5.5″ x 6″ (x2)
- Bottom: 5.5″ x 5.5″ (x1)
- Roof panels: 5.5″ x 7″ (x2)
Assembly Steps
- Cut all pieces to size
- Drill a 1.5″ entry hole in the front panel, centred, 2″ from the top
- Glue and screw the sides to the front and back
- Attach the bottom (drill small drainage holes first)
- Attach roof panels at a 45° angle — no glue so you can clean it out
- Sand all edges smooth and finish with exterior paint
Pro tip: Leave the floor loose or hinged so you can clean out old nesting material each spring. Birds prefer a fresh, clean house.
