Text and Photos: Chloé Comte
__
With the drop in temperatures felt in recent weeks, we thought it was the perfect time to share this minimalist birdhouse project to help them find food this winter.
This small birdhouse is designed to hold fat balls, but you can also easily place other types of feeders for small birds.
Materials:
– Reclaimed wood (old slatted bed base)
– Miter saw
– Drill + bits matching the screw size
– Deck screws (designed for wood and rust-resistant)
– Wood glue
– Matte clear varnish
– Brushes
– Chalk paint
– Masking tape
– 7/8” brass hook
– Pencil
– Wooden sticks (chopsticks, recycled)
Steps:
1- Start by measuring and numbering your wooden pieces as follows:
- 1: 23 cm (9’’) straight cuts
- 2: 21 cm (8-1/4’’) straight cuts
- 3: 14 cm (5-1/2’’) 1 straight cut and 1 at 45°
- 4: 32 cm (12-1/2’’) straight cuts
2- Use a miter saw or wood saw to cut your four pieces.
3- Sand all wooden pieces to remove any splinters.
4- Apply a first coat of varnish to all wood pieces.
5- Once dry, paint the edges in your preferred color.
6- Apply a second coat of varnish once the paint is dry.
7- Use masking tape to mark the edge of piece number 1.
8- Mark drill spots with a screw.
9- Transfer the drilled tape onto piece number 2 to align both perfectly.
10- Drill, glue with wood glue, and screw both pieces together.
11- Repeat steps 7-10 for pieces 3 and 4.
12- Attach the base to the roof by placing piece 3 (cut at 45°) underneath and marking guides.
13- Glue both parts together.
14- Once dry, mark and drill through both pieces, then screw them together.
15- Measure 4 cm (1-1/2”) from the roof edge, mark the center.
16- Drill straight through both sides of the roof to insert the wooden stick.
17- Drill the roof top and attach the brass hook for hanging.
18- Place the fat ball at the center of the birdhouse.
19- Your birdhouse is ready to be placed outdoors for the winter.
20- It is recommended to feed birds only in cold periods, from mid-November to the end of March.
Tips & Tricks:
– After sanding and before varnishing, clean all surfaces with a slightly damp cloth.
– The correct drill bit size is mentioned on the screw packaging.
Trucs et conseils
