A Simple Woodworking Project: Let’s Build a Birdhouse

Let’s walk through a beginner-friendly simple woodworking project a classic birdhouse! It’s fun, simple, and great for watching your feathered friends enjoy your handiwork.

A simple woodworking project - how to build a birdhouse

Materials Needed:

  • 1 wooden board (approx. 1x6x6 feet)
  • Screws or nails
  • Wood glue
  • Sandpaper
  • Hinges (optional, for a cleanable roof)
  • Outdoor-safe paint or sealant

Tools Needed:

  • Paintbrush
  • Hammer or screwdriver
  • Saw
  • Measuring tape
  • Drill (optional for screw holes)

Step 1: Cut the Wood
Cut your board into the following pieces:

  • Front and back: 6″ wide x 8″ tall (cut a triangle on top for the roof pitch)
  • Sides: 6″ wide x 6″ tall
  • Floor: 6″ x 6″
  • Roof panels: 7″ x 7″ (2 pieces)

Step 2: Drill the Entrance Hole
Drill a 1.5″ hole in the front piece, about 5″ from the bottom.

Step 3: Sand Everything
Smooth down all edges and surfaces with sandpaper.

Step 4: Assemble the Box
Use wood glue and screws/nails to attach the sides to the front and back pieces. Then, attach the floor piece at the bottom.

Step 5: Attach the Roof
Place the roof pieces so they overlap slightly at the peak. Screw or glue them into place. Hinges can be added to one side if you want the roof to open for cleaning.

Step 6: Paint or Seal
Apply outdoor-safe paint or sealant to protect your birdhouse from the weather.

Step 7: Hang it Up!
Mount your birdhouse on a tree, fence post, or pole—and watch the birds move in!

There you go. See, it’s not that difficult. The most important thing is to enjoy the project. No rush. You may do plenty of mistakes. That’s normal. Don’t give up.

Want to learn more and do simple or advance woodworking projects? We highly recommend Ted’s woodworking projects.

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