How to Build a Butterfly House With a Garden Gate

Put goggles on and take apart the garden gate. Remove any nails remaining in the wood with a hammer.

Set up table or circular saw. Take one of the 1-inch by 4-inch by 6-foot planks from the garden gate and measure into two 3 1/2-inch by 26-inch and one 3 1/2-inch by 7-inch. Measure the 1-inch by 6-inch by 6-foot board into one each 5 1/2-inch by 24-inch, 5 1/2-inch by 4-inch, 5 1/2-inch by 8 1/2-inch, 5 1/2-inch by 2-inch and 5 1/2-inch by 21 7/8-inch.

Adjust table saw to a 30-degree angle and bevel the top of the 5 1/2-inch by 24-inch board and the 5 1/2-inch by 4-inch board.

Set up the jigsaw and measure 1 1/2 inches from the beveled end of the 5 1/2-inch by 24-inch board and 3 inches from the bottom. Mark these dimensions with a marker or wood pencil. Measure and mark nine slots that are 3 inches by 1/2 inch. Spread out the slots between the top and bottom measurement.

Drill a 1/2-inch hole in the top and bottom of each slot. Place the jigsaw in the top hole of each slot and cut until you reach the bottom hole of each slot. Remove cut wood with a file and/or sandpaper.

Screw the hinge into both 5 1/2-inch by 4-inch and 5 1/2-inch by 21 7/8-inch pieces of wood.

Place the 5 1/2-inch by 24-inch board on the work surface. Place one of the 3 1/2-inch by 26-inch pieces along the edge of this board in a vertical fashion and line up the edges. Predrill three 1 1/2-inch holes along the edge and screw the wood screws into these holes. Attach the hinged piece of wood to the side by lining up both pieces and predrilling two holes. Screw together with wood screws. Repeat the process for the other 5 1/2-inch by 24-inch board.

Predrill five 1 1/2-inch holes into the 3 1/2-inch by 7-inch piece of wood. Place three of the holes on one of the long sides and two on the other long side. Turn the box upside down and screw wood screws through these holes into the bottom of the box. Open the hinged door and place the 5 1/2-inch by 2-inch piece of wood on the floor of the house and secure with 1-inch nails.

Apply a finish to the butterfly house. Reapply if needed and then seal with a varnish.

Predrill three 1 1/2-inch holes into the copper pipe cap. Turn the house upside down and attach the copper pipe cap to the bottom of the house. Predrill four 1 1/2-inch holes in the 5 1/2-inch by 8 1/2-inch piece of wood and screw into the top of the house with wood screws. Place the copper pipe 24 inches in the ground and place the butterfly house on top of the pipe. Open the door and place a piece of bark on the inside. Close and secure the door.