How Do I Build a Birdbath?

Use medium-grit sandpaper to sand the outside of your three terracotta pots. Also sand the inside and sides of the clay saucer. This will remove any rough edges. Brush the loose dust away using a dry paintbrush. Wash the pots with running water and let them dry completely.

Coat the outside and inside of all three terracotta pots and your clay saucer with an oil-based polyurethane. Allow the first coat to dry. Apply two more coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before proceeding. The polyurethane will waterproof your pots.

Place your clay saucer upside down on your work surface. Place your smallest pot in the center of the upturned saucer so that the bottom of the pot is on the bottom of the saucer. Use Liquid Nails, a special adhesive, to attach the two pieces. Allow the Liquid Nails to dry completely.

Stack the three terracotta pots on top of one another. Place the largest on the bottom, top down. Place the middle-sized one on top of the larger one, top down. Place the smallest one, with the attached clay saucer, on the middle-sized one, top down. Apply a layer of plumber's caulk where the pots touch one another. This will seal them further. Allow the caulk to dry.

Place your finished birdbath outside on a flat surface. It is best to place it on a piece of stone or wood to keep it off the ground, which will help it last longer. However, if you do not have a hard surface to place it on, you can place it directly on the ground. Add water to your saucer.