How to Build a Cypress Birdhouse

Wood is by far the most popular choice for birdhouse construction material. Cypress is a natural choice for birdhouses because of its durability and resistance to rot and weather damage. When building a birdhouse out of cypress, remember to construct the birdhouse with the dimensions that suit the particular bird you want to encourage, or have seen in your garden, since birds seek out a home close in size to that of their natural nesting preferences.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 cypress blocks, 8 by 8 by ½ inch
  • Scroll saw
  • Band clamp
  • Hammer
  • Aluminum nails
  • 2 cypress blocks, 8 by 9 by ½ inch
  • 2 small hinges
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Door clasp
  • Sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 2-inch-diameter circle out of one of the 8-by-8-inch blocks using the scroll saw, right in the center, for the birdhouse entrance. This size door, and the birdhouse size, is suitable for finches and similar birds; adjust the dimensions to suit the particular type of bird you hope to attract.

    • 2

      Assemble the four 8-inch-square blocks into a box shape, with two sides positioned on the inner edge of the other two blocks, flush with the edges. Clamp the box in this shape with the band clamp.

    • 3

      Using the hammer, carefully tap the aluminum nails in the ends of the two outside blocks and into the two inside blocks, to hold the walls together. Aluminum nails are much less likely to rust than normal steel nails.

    • 4

      Position one of the 8-by-9 blocks on the box you've just formed, making sure the edges are flush with the sides of the box. Nail it into place.

    • 5

      Turn the box over and screw in the two small hinges onto the side of the box that is opposite the side with the entrance hole. Position the remaining 8-by-9 block on top and screw in the other portion of the hinges into the side of the block, creating a roof that can be lifted up.

    • 6

      Screw the door clasp at the front of the roof, so that it is fastened shut.

    • 7

      Drill three small holes in the top sides of the box, for ventilation, and four small holes in the corners of the bottom of the box for drainage, in case any water gets inside.

    • 8

      Sand the box, smoothing out any snags or rough edges.