How to Build a Birdhouse Kit

Building a birdhouse kit is easy and fun. If you already offer the hospitality of feeders and a birdbath, a birdhouse truly makes your yard flyer-friendly. There is a wide variety of kits designed to accommodate all kinds of birds. Most come with pre-cut or separable pieces and hardware. All you need to know is what kinds of birds visit your yard. Assembling your kit will welcome them to nest at your house.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Hand drill
• Waterproof glue
• Masking tape
• Telephone book
• Brick
• Newspapers
• Paint

Instructions

First Steps

1. Look over your kit before beginning work. Occasionally, by accident, some part or piece of hardware may have been left out of the package, and you will have to stop midway through to improvise a replacement. This is especially important as kits may be imported and contain hardware not easily found in a hardware store. If the supply list specifies six 2-inch brads, make sure you have six. Fill in missing parts before you begin to build.

2. Determine which tools you will need. If holes have been pre-drilled, make certain they align, or you will need a drill. Forcing new joints without re-drilling can result in split wood.

3. Lay out all kit pieces and assemble them according to directions. If a kit contains only hardware and wood, consider reinforcing joints with waterproof glue. This will increase weather resistance and reduce the warping of joints. Place a thin line of glue on the edge of the pieces being joined before using screws or nails. Wipe away the excess. If hardware is widely spaced, reinforce the glued joint with masking tape or use rectangular weights to apply joint pressure. (These techniques work better on right-angle or other angled joints than do clamps on a small project.)

Finishing Up

1. Let your work dry thoroughly before hanging or mounting. Overnight is usually long enough. Make certain your drying space is well-ventilated.

2. Determine whether your birdhouse can be painted, if you wish to do so. Painting can enhance your project, but some birds avoid painted wood. The usual reason is that they need a rough surface to cling to. (This is also why even elaborate, commercially made birdhouses are seldom painted inside.)

3. Let your finished project sit outside for a few days before hanging, and be patient in waiting for tenants. Birds, like other wildlife, are quick to notice any changes in a familiar environment. Dispelling all minute traces of glue and/or paint smell will help make the new house seem a positive change, not a threat to their safety.

Tips & Warnings

• Building birdhouses is a great way to introduce young carpenters to woodworking and to nature.

• Even in a small project like this, make sure your workspace is well-ventilated to minimize glue and paint fumes.