Directions for Building a Bluebird House

Bluebirds are small, cavity-dwelling members of the thrush family. In North America their numbers have declined steadily due to unsuccessful competition with introduced species such as the starling and house sparrow. Creating bluebird houses is a way to help these native beauties reestablish their populations. When making a bluebird house it is important to also make the commitment to monitor the houses and make sure only bluebirds are nesting in them, shooing away other species that are nosing around.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood, ¾ inch exterior grade
  • Jigsaw/saw
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Wood glue
  • Clamps
  • Nails, 2 inch, galvanized
  • Hammer
  • Drill
  • 2 hinges
  • Screws, ½ inch, galvanized
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the plywood into a base piece of 5-by-5 inches, two side pieces measuring 12-by-6.5 inches, a front panel of 5-by-9 inches a back panel of 5-by-12 inches and a lid of 5-by-8 inches. Take the two side pieces and measure 8.5 inches on one side. Draw a line from this point to the end of the other side so that the piece has an angled top. Cut along the angle line and repeat on the second side piece. Cut out a 1.5-inch hole in the front panel, 7 inches from the bottom.

    • 2

      Take the two side pieces and measure 8.5 inches on one side. Draw a line from this point to the end of the other side so that the piece has an angle top. Cut along the angled line and repeat on the second side piece. Cut out a 1.5-inch hole in the front panel, 7 inches from the bottom.

    • 3

      Place the base flat on a work surface and line two opposite edges with glue. Set the front and back pieces over the glued edge and clamp them in place at right angles; let dry. Hammer in place with one nail every inch along both of the glued joints.

    • 4

      Run a line of glue along the upright edges of the front and back pieces as well as the remaining open sides of the base. Position the angled side panels over the glue with the 12-inch side of the side panels lining up with the back and the 8.5 inch side a little shorter than the 9 inch front. This gives ventilation space when the lid is attached. Clamp and let dry. Nail in place with one nail every inch through the glued joints.

    • 5

      Attach the two hinges to one 5-inch edge of the lid piece with the screws and drill. Position the lid over the top of the bluebird house and screw in the hinges to the back of the house. The lid will have a slight overhang at the front. Drill a 1/8-inch hole in the corners of the base piece for drainage.