Simple DIY Birdhouse from a Single Board
Step-by-step guide made from Clever Woodworks's YouTube video.
This video demonstrates how to build a simple birdhouse from a single 1x6 board using basic handheld power tools like a circular saw and a drill. The project uses dowel joinery for assembly and is finished with tung oil for weather protection. The creator dedicates this project to his late sister and encourages viewers to donate proceeds from any sales to cancer research.
- Difficulty: beginner
Safety
- Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when operating power tools like circular saws and sanders.
- Ensure the workpiece is securely held in place before cutting to prevent kickback.
Must know before you build
- Omitting the perch prevents predator access, crucial for bird safety.
- Never apply finish to the birdhouse interior; chemicals harm birds.
- Attach one side panel with screws, not glue, for annual cleanout access.
- Plan cuts carefully; all components come from one 1x6x8ft pine board.
- Use a pull saw to trim dowels flush for a clean, safe finish.
Tools
- Circular Saw (Cordless, DeWalt)
- Drill/Driver (Cordless, DeWalt)
- Speed Square
- Clamps (Bar clamps, Irwin)
- Hammer (Claw hammer)
- Combination Square (optional)
- Hand Saw (Pull saw, J-SAW)
- Random Orbital Sander (DeWalt)
- Plug Cutter (Kreg, 32mm) (optional)
Materials
- Pine Board (1, 1x6x8ft)
- Wood Glue (Outdoor, Titebond, Titebond III)
- Dowel Pins (9mm)
- Eye Hooks (2)
- Tung Oil (Rustins)
Step by step
Step 1: Cut the Boards
Cut all the necessary pieces for the birdhouse from the 1x6 board using a circular saw according to the cut list.
- Make Crosscuts. Following the cut list, use a circular saw and a speed square to make the initial square crosscuts on the 1x6 board.
- Make Rip Cuts. Set up a guide for your circular saw to make the long rip cuts, creating the narrower pieces for the birdhouse.
- Tip: An easy way to do this would be to use a guide that came along with your saw.
- Cut Angled Roof Pieces. Use a temporary screw to secure the workpiece. Then, use the circular saw to cut the angled pieces that will form the peak of the roof.
- Tip: To make it a little bit more safe, I'm going to use the point of the screw on the other end to hold the board in place while I cut it.
Step 2: Drill the Front Panel
Mark the center of the front panel and drill the main entrance hole and a smaller hole for the perch.
- Mark the Entrance Hole. Use a square to draw diagonal lines from corner to corner on the front panel to find the exact center. Mark the location for the 32mm entrance hole.
- Mark the Perch Hole. Mark the location for the perch hole, positioning it centered below the main entrance hole.
- Common mistake: Adding a perch can actually make it easier for predators like squirrels or larger birds to access the nest.
- Drill the Holes. Using a backing board to prevent tear-out, drill the large entrance hole and the smaller perch hole in the front panel.
Step 3: Assemble the Box
Assemble the front, back, sides, and bottom of the birdhouse using wood glue and dowel pins for joinery.
- Attach First Side to Bottom. Place the back piece on a flat surface. Position the bottom piece and one side piece against it. Clamp them together to hold them square.
- Mark and Drill Dowel Holes. Use a combination square to transfer the location of the side panel onto the bottom piece. Mark and drill the holes for the dowel pins.
- Glue and Assemble the Box. Apply wood glue to the joints. Assemble the front, back, and side panels to the bottom piece. Insert glue-covered dowel pins into the pre-drilled holes and tap them in with a hammer.
Step 4: Attach the Roof
Attach the two roof panels to the main box assembly using wood glue and dowel pins.
- Mark and Drill Roof Panels. Lay the roof panels on a flat surface with a scrap piece as a spacer. Clamp them together, mark the dowel locations, and drill the holes.
- Attach Roof to Box. Apply glue to the top edges of the birdhouse box. Place the roof assembly on top, ensuring it's aligned correctly. Insert and hammer in the dowel pins to secure the roof.
Step 5: Trim and Sand
Trim the excess dowel pins flush with a hand saw and sand the entire birdhouse smooth with a random orbital sander.
- Trim Dowels Flush. Use a flush-cut saw or a hand saw to carefully trim the protruding ends of the dowel pins so they are level with the wood surface.
- Sand the Birdhouse. Using a random orbital sander, sand all exterior surfaces of the birdhouse. Start with a coarse grit (like 60 or 80) and work your way up to a finer grit (120 and 150) for a smooth finish.
Step 6: Install Hanging Hardware
Create indentations with a hammer, then drill pilot holes and install two eye hooks on the roof for hanging.
- Mark and Indent Hook Locations. Determine the placement for the two eye hooks on the roof peak. Use the side of a hammer claw to create a small indentation at each mark to serve as a starting point for the drill bit.
- Tip: The best way that I can think of or figured out is to actually use the side bit of the hammer and put an indentation. That way you get a flat point to drill.
- Drill Pilot Holes and Install Hooks. Drill a small pilot hole at each indentation. Then, screw the eye hooks into the pilot holes until they are secure.
Step 7: Apply Finish
Apply a coat of tung oil to the exterior of the birdhouse to protect it from the weather.
- Apply Tung Oil to Exterior. Using a clean rag, apply a coat of tung oil to all exterior surfaces of the birdhouse. Do not apply any finish to the interior.
- Watch out: Do not apply any finish to the inside of the birdhouse, as the chemicals can be harmful to birds.
- Watch out: Do not apply any finish to the inside of the birdhouse, as the chemicals can be harmful to birds.