How to Use Plywood for Bird Houses

Bird houses are inspiring items to have around the home and garden, giving an insight into the world of birds, and letting us watch them go about their daily lives, and start a family. While there are many varieties of bird houses available for purchase, making your own is very simple, and makes having a bird house even more rewarding. Many materials can be utilized in bird house construction, but plywood is a very suitable option, giving strength and durability to your homemade bird house.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood, 1/2 inch thick
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Scroll saw
  • Glue
  • Band clamp
  • Hammer
  • Aluminum nails
  • 2 small hinges
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Varnish, natural oil/resin based
  • Paintbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Trace three squares, measuring 8 inches on all sides on the plywood,. Trace two squares that are also 8 inches, but draw a triangle on one side, that measures 4 inches from the side of the square to the tip of the triangle. Draw two more rectangles, 8 by 9 inches.

    • 2

      Cut out around your outlines using the scroll saw. Make sure to cut the squares with the triangle on top as one piece. Cut a window in one piece with the triangle top, 5 inches from the bottom, and two inches high and wide.

    • 3

      Miter one of the 8 inch sides of the 8 by 9 rectangles with the scroll saw to a 45 degree angle.

    • 4

      Arrange the two triangle topped squares and two of the regular squares into a box shape, the triangle topped squares on opposite sides. Glue the joints together, then clamp with the band clamp. This forms the body of the bird house, with the triangles making a peak for the roof.

    • 5

      Hammer a nail through the glued joints after they are dry, one every inch. Remove the clamp. Invert the box, so the triangle peaks are down, then position the remaining 8 by 8 square over the bottom of the box and nail in place, one nail every inch around the perimeter. Re-invert the box.

    • 6

      Position the two remaining ply rectangles for the roof over the triangle peaks, their mitered edges joining at the top. Hammer in one side at this point---there will be a one inch overhang at the bottom for the eaves of the bird house.

    • 7

      Position the hinges on the unattached roof side, 1 inch in from either side. Screw down using the drill. Fit the roof piece back in place on the bird house and screw the remaining side of the hinges to the nailed-down side of the roof, giving you a roof that lifts on one side.

    • 8

      Drill four small holes into the sides of the bird house, under the roof eaves for ventilation. Drill a small hole in each corner of the base for drainage.

    • 9

      Varnish the birdhouse using a natural oil or resin based varnish. Avoid chemical varnishes. Let dry and air for at least three days prior to putting the bird house in position.