Things You'll Need
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Plywood (3/4 inch)
- Carpenter square
- Jigsaw
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Hammer
- 3-penny nails
- 3/4-inch wood screws
- Screwdriver
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
Instructions
Outline the basic pieces for the birdhouse. Use a pencil and measuring tape to draw a rectangle 7 inches wide and 5 inches tall on a piece of 3/4-inch plywood. Use a carpenter square for exact measurements. Make a mark 3 inches above the middle of the drawn rectangle to signal the roof peak. Draw diagonal lines from this peak to each corner of the rectangle. These two resulting triangles complete the front of the birdhouse. Repeat to make a piece for the back of the birdhouse.
Use the pencil to draw two 6-by-5-inch rectangles in another area of the plywood. These will make the sides of the birdhouse. Draw a 6-by-6-inch square for the floor of the house. Then draw one 6-by-9-inch rectangle and one 6-by-9.25-inch rectangle as slopes for the roof. One slope should be longer so the pieces will fit snugly together.
Use a jigsaw to cut out the drawn shapes. Then use a drill and drill bit to create a 1.5-inch hole 4 inches from the bottom of the rectangle that is the front of the house. The hole will act as a door for canaries. Place all the pieces on a table and make sure they fit properly. Secure the pieces together using a hammer and 3-penny nails. Fill in any cracks in the birdhouse with wood glue.
Attach the 6-by-9-inch rectangle to the top of the walls with nails. Make sure the top edge is aligned evenly with the roof-line peak. Place the larger piece of the roof on top of the other side of the walls. Make sure it slightly overlaps the first piece of roofing in order to create an overhang that allows for rainwater to flow off the birdhouse. Ensure all the wall pieces fit well together and that there are no gaps in the structure. Screw the bottom of the house to bottom of the two side walls.
Drill a 1/2-inch hole at the top of each side of the birdhouse for ventilation purposes. Use a piece of sandpaper to smooth rough spots on the plywood. Ensure that all the nails are hammered in properly. Place the birdhouse in a tree away from any obstacles or the threat of other animals, such as cats.