You can build a sturdy, attractive birdhouse with nothing more than a hand saw, a hammer, a drill (brace-and-bit or hand drill, if available), nails or screws, and sandpaper. If you don't have a drill, you can carefully start holes with a nail and hammer.
Materials
- One 1×6 cedar or pine board, about 6 ft (1.8 m) long
- 1¼–1½ in. galvanized nails or exterior screws
- Wood glue (optional)
- Sandpaper (80- and 120-grit)
- Pencil and tape measure
Cut List
Using your hand saw, cut:
- Front: 9 in.
- Back: 11 in.
- Two sides: 9 in. each
- Cut the top edge of each side at about a 15° angle for a sloped roof.
- Floor: 4 × 4 in.
- Roof: Two pieces, each 6 × 7 in.
Entrance Hole
Drill or carefully cut an entrance hole in the front piece:
- 1¼ in. diameter for chickadees and wrens
- Place the hole about 6 inches above the floor.
If you don't have a hole saw, you can:
- Make several small holes in a circle with a hand drill or nail.
- Carefully cut and file the opening smooth.
Assembly
- Sand all cut edges.
- Attach the sides to the back.
- Install the floor about ½ inch above the bottom edge to allow drainage.
- Nail or screw on the front.
- Attach one roof panel permanently.
- Attach the second roof panel so it overlaps the first.
- If possible, make one roof panel removable with a screw for annual cleaning.
- Drill or punch a few small drainage holes in the floor and two ventilation holes near the top under the roof.
Mounting
- Mount the birdhouse 5–10 feet above the ground.
- Face the entrance away from prevailing winds.
- Avoid adding a perch—most cavity-nesting birds don't need one, and it can make it easier for predators.
Tips for Hand-Saw Success
- Clamp the board before sawing if possible.
- Start each cut with short, light strokes.
- Let the saw do the work instead of forcing it.
- Mark every cut with a square to keep the edges straight.
Here's a simple layout:
Roof
__________
/ /
/_________/
Front
+--------+
| ○ |
| |
| |
+--------+
Side
/----
/ |
| |
| |
+-----+
This design can be completed in about 2–4 hours with only hand tools and is suitable for common backyard birds such as wrens, chickadees, and nuthatches.
