How to Build a Bird Bath Pedestal

A bird bath pedestal serves many purposes. It provides birds a safe place to bathe out of reach of predators. It also adds subtle beauty to your yard. This bird bath pedestal project leaves the design work to you. Using a router you can design bevels and trim that will appeal to you. Follow these steps to learn how to build a bird bath pedestal.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Galvanized nails
• Circular saw
• Router
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Level
• Treated pine scraps
• Terra-cotta saucer

1. Cut four of the 4-by-4 pine scraps to the desired height of your bird bath pedestal. Bevel the outer edges of the 4-by-4s using the router.

2. Attach 1.5-inch spacers between the 4-by-4s along the bottom to thicken the base and make it sturdier. Flush the bottom of the spacers and 4-by-4s. Fasten them using wood glue and galvanized nails.

3. Utilize 1-by-6 pine scraps for the top of the bird bath pedestal, cutting them to the desired length. Enclose them using a 2-by-4 surround. Bevel the edges using a router for a decorative trim.

4. Miter 2-by-4s to finish the bottom of the bird bath pedestal. Nail these to the 4-by-4s. Make a decorative trim using the router and 1-by-2 pine scraps.

5. Paint the bird bath pedestal. Decorate it with a paint pen if desired, then seal it with clear polyurethane to protect the bird bath pedestal from the elements.

6. Apply sealant to a terra cotta saucer. Fill the terra cotta saucer with water and set it on top of the bird bath pedestal to complete the project.