Things You'll Need
- Plywood
- Sand paper
- Screws
- Drill
- Screen
- Stapler
- Saw
- Caulk
- Paint
- Pole
- Floor flange
Instructions
Cut all of your birdhouse pieces before you begin. All the piece will be cut from 1/2 inch plywood. You will need 14 cut pieces in all. The first piece will be the base and will measure 29-1/2 inches by 15-1/2 inches. You will need two side pieces measuring 18-1/2 inches by 7 inches. Next will be two pieces that are 15-1/2 inches by 7 inches for the back and the front pieces. You will need three divider pieces. The main divider should be 14-1/2 inches by 7 inches, while the two additional dividers will be 9 inches by 7inches. For the porch you will need two separate dividers, each measuring 7 inches by 5 inches. The ceiling piece will be 19-1/2 inches by 15-1/2 inches. Two roof peaks are needed. One will measure 29-1/2 inches by 11-1/2 inches and the other will be 29-1/2 inches by 12 inches. The other roof peak will be 11 inches by 11 inches. Use sand paper to smooth rough edges before beginning assembly.
Begin by using five screws to attach each of the two sides to the base. Space the sides so that there is a 5-1/2 inch space between the side and the edge of the base panel. They should be attached to the long sides of the base.
Place four holes that are 5/16 of an inch each in top of the main divider using a drill. The top is the long side of the divider. Space the holes at 2-1/4 inches and 4-1/2 inches from the edges of the divider and 1 inch down from the top.
Screw the main divider to the center of the base so that is evenly spaced between the sides. Attach the two additional dividers with screws. They should be perpendicular to the main divider, one on each side, and in the center. When you complete this step, you have a base with four compartments. Place six holes in these compartments. The holes should be 5/16 of an inch each, with one hole placed on each corner of the divider and an additional hole in between. This allows for airflow between the compartments.
Drill four more air holes into the front panel. They should be placed on the top of the panel, which is the long side and located 1 inch down. Space the holes at 2-3/4 inches and 5 inches. Drill two entrance holes in the front panel. They should be located at 2-1/16 inches and 3 inches from the side of the panel and 1 inch from the bottom. Repeat the entire step for the back panel.
Attach the side panels to the front and back. Use metal hinges to secure them so that they will open up. When you are done attaching the panels with the hinges, you will have exposed ends on the front panel. Screw an eye hook into the exposed ends. Attach the hook part of the eye hook to the side panels. This will allow you to open and clean your martin house.
Place the porch dividers on the front and back panels, making sure they are spaced between the two large entrance holes you drilled. Secure them with screws.
Cut the 11 by 11 roof peak into two separate triangular pieces by cutting it from corner to corner. Make a 2-1/8-inch hole in each peak piece. The hole should be 3 inches from the top of the peak. Cut two squares of screen and attach them over the peak holes you with staples. Attach the peaks to the short sides of the ceiling using screws. Place your ceiling onto the birdhouse and screw it into place.
Use a drill to create four holes, which are 2-1/8 inches in size. The holes should be located one over each compartment. Cut more screen and staple it in place over the holes.
Lay the smaller of the two roof panels onto the roof peaks and secure it with screws. Do the same with the larger panel on the other side of the roof peaks. Part of it will overlap the smaller roof peak. Seal the edges of your roof with caulk to prevent leaks.
Paint or stain the exterior of your birdhouse. If you choose to paint, use an oil-based, exterior paint. Allow the paint to dry completely before setting your birdhouse out.