How to Make Barn Board Birdhouses

Cut the pieces for the birdhouse from scrap barn wood using the hand saw. Select sections of wood that are weathered but intact. You should avoid or sand any really splintered, cracked or knot-holed sections of wood.

Cut the following pieces to assemble for the birdhouse: a roof that measures 11-by-7 7/8 inches; a back that measures 13-by-7 ¾ inches; a front door panel that's 11 ¼ -by-5 1/16 inches; two pieces of 6-inch wide board that are angled from 12 inches high to 14 inches high on one end. By cutting on an angle, you create the sloping side walls to support the roof. Cut a piece for the bottom or floor of the birdhouse that is 4 7/8-inch square with all corners slightly rounded.

Provide an entry for the tiny birds that is small enough to keep out aggressive sparrows and starlings. Use the paddle bit to drill a 1 1/8-inch entry hole in the door, centered 2 inches down from the top.

Create a ladder for baby birds to practice leaving the nest by making cuts on the inside of the door panel with the hand saw. Make the cuts half an inch deep at half-inch intervals. Lightly sand any really rough edges on every piece of cut lumber.

Balance the side boards on their 12-inch long edges. Lay the back panel on the boards, positioning it so it is flush on the bottom and on both sides. The back panel is now laying on the 14-inch long edges of the sides. Screw three wood screws into each side of the back panel to fasten it to the side panels.

Check that the angled sides stick up about ¼ inch past the backing. This gives more ventilation when the roof is attached. Air circulation is the reason you rounded the corners of the floor piece as well.

Set the floor panel between the sides, 2 inches up from the bottom of the birdhouse. Use one wood screw for each wood panel the floor touches -- two sides and the back -- to secure it in place.

Measure and mark a spot on each front side, 1 inch from the bottom and 3/8 inch in from the front edge. Drill a 1/8-inch hole completely through each side. Place the front piece, with the entry hole on the top, between the side panels, and slide screws through the holes on either side, screwing them into the sides of the front door. The door should now pivot easily on the screws.

Set the roof on the angled top of the birdhouse. Allow it to overhang at the back about half an inch. Make sure the door clears it, and then screw the roof on with two screws per side.

Make the “lock” for the door by drilling one hole for an 8-penny nail on each side at the front of the birdhouse. Drill partway into the edge of the door as well. Be sure the hole diameter is a bit bigger than the nails, and angle the holes down slightly. The nails will slide into the holes and “hook” the door securely closed until is time to clean out the birdhouse.