If you’re looking for a fun family project that everyone can enjoy, then consider building a simple birdhouse! This activity is suitable for builders of all levels and can provide some quality time for the whole family. Read on to learn more about how to craft a functional and cute birdhouse!
1. Why Building a Birdhouse is a Great Family Project
Building a birdhouse is a great way to have fun with the family while learning an important life skill. Plus, you will get to enjoy the birds as they come and enjoy their new home.
- It’s Educational – the process of building a birdhouse involves practical applications of mathematics, science, and problem solving. Not only can you do a great job helping your children practice applied science, but they will also gain an appreciation for the environment.
- It’s Fun – Families have a great time building their birdhouse together. Going to a nearby park to source good wood, looking for hardware kits, and then finally building it together is an exciting process that everyone can enjoy.
- It’s Affordable - Birdhouses are simple enough and affordable enough that all families can build one. With basic materials available in most home centers, a few basic tools, and some imagination, you can build a great birdhouse.
- It’s Rewarding - Watching the birds flock to their brand new home is a great feeling. You will be proud to show off your accomplishment and your pride in knowing that the birds will be happy in their new home.
Building a birdhouse is a fun, educational, and affordable activity that brings the entire family together while teaching kids hands-on skills such as problem solving, science, and applied mathematics.
2. What You Need To Start
When it comes to building a birdhouse, there is no need to manually gather the necessary tools either. For this simple project, you will need:
- Scheme of a birdhouse. This can be found online or you can design it yourself using a 4×4-inch drawing paper.
- Saw. Most households have a saw, but if you don’t, a hand saw or any type of saw will be suitable.
- Carpenter’s Square. This will help draw accurate measurements and guide you while cutting the wood.
- Wood. Cedar or pine are ideal materials to work with. You can cut this using the saw to make the frame, the walls and the door.
- Screws and Nails. These will be used to connect the wood and hold it together.
- Hammer. For nailing the frames together.
- Paint. You can choose the color and type that you like. Acrylic paints are easy to use and will last longer.
- Sponge. For cleaning any wood before painting it.
- Glue Gun. This will connect and secure two pieces of wood with glue.
These are the things that you need for setting up a birdhouse. With all of them in hand and a little help from mom or dad, your family can start building a birdhouse in no time!
3. Preparing the Wood and Assembling the Parts
Now that the parts have been cut for the birdhouse, it is time to assemble them. Sand down any sharp edges on the pieces and apply primer to seal the wood. This will also help the paint stick better and provide a longer lasting result. To begin the building process:
- Attach the back to the floor - Use wood glue and nails to secure the back of the birdhouse to the floor. Make sure to use a level and carpenter’s square to ensure the pieces are square.
- Add the sides and front – Using the same process as before, add the sides and front to the bottom and back of the birdhouse. Nail the pieces in place and adjust as needed.
- Attach the roof – Glue and nail the roof to the sides of the birdhouse. Make sure the roof fits snugly and securely so it does not let in rain or other elements. Once it is in place, fasten it with nails as well.
- Secure the perch – This is the part where your kids can help out the most! Cut a length of dowel rod to the desired size and glue the perch to the inside of the front of the birdhouse.
Once all the pieces are in place, you can paint the birdhouse a color of your choosing. Give it a few coats of outdoor paint and seal the finish with a coat of sealer. Hang the birdhouse outside and enjoy!
4. Finishing Touches Make a Difference
Within any building project, paying attention to the details makes all the difference. The same applies to building a birdhouse. With just a few additional elements, you’re able to take this simple project from basic to beautiful. Here are a few key items to consider when adding the finishing touches:
- Paint: Reinforce the design of your birdhouse by adding a dash of color. Whether selecting contrasting hues for the roof and body or light and bright neutrals for a seamless look, explore options that match your intended outcome.
- Design: Have fun with the design of the entrance. Some novice fliers prefer basic square doors while more advanced birds may need sloping roofs and circular openings. Consider adding elevated perches to create the perfect landing space.
- Extras: Add a birdbath or feeder to the immediate area to attract wild life to the space. This is an excellent way for younger family members to participate in the project.
These extras create the finishing touches that make this simple project stand out. By working as a family, it’s easy to bring your visions to life and transform a birdhouse into an eye-catching statement.
5. Enjoy Watching Birds Come and Go
You can easily create an inviting birdhouse in no time. This can be a fun family project for all ages. Birdwatching is a great way to appreciate wildlife and get outside for some fresh air. Here are five steps to help you build a simple birdhouse:
- Gather Materials: You will need some basic materials such as wood for assembling the birdhouse, paint for decorating, and nails for keeping it secure.
- Sand and Prime: You want to make sure the wooden surface is smooth and safe for the birds. Get some sandpaper and give each wooden piece a gentle sanding.
- Design: Brainstorm ideas for your birdhouse design and choose a style you think birds would like. You can also look for design inspiration online.
- Assemble: Using the materials you collected, assemble the birdhouse following the design you came up with. You can use nails or a wood glue to keep the birdhouse sturdy.
- Decorate: Make your birdhouse unique by adding a little personality with paint, crafts, or decals.
Once you have built your birdhouse, you can position it in your garden or backyard. Keep an eye out for birds, they are sure to come by soon. Enjoy watching them come and go!
Final Thoughts
Ah, the satisfaction of completing a fun family project! Building a simple birdhouse can be a great way to get your family outdoors and exercising their minds and creativity. So why wait? Gather up your tools, find some wood, and take the plunge. With some careful planning, family members of all ages can have a rewarding experience that results in a beautiful birdhouse that will show off your family’s ingenuity and design skills!