Reveal 62+ Alluring A Bird House Plan Voted By The Construction Association

(29 reviews)

Building a bird house is an enjoyable project for any DIY enthusiast. But, with so many bird house plans online, it can be hard to find the best option that’s right for you. To help out, we've put together this top list of bird house plans from beginner-friendly basic designs to more complex bird-friendly options that will make your feathered friends flock. Whether you're an expert carpenter or a total novice, these plans are sure to give you beautiful results that you can be proud of.

Free Log Bird House Design Plans

Log bird houses bring a rustic charm to any home landscape. Log bird house designs can be as simple or ornate as desired. A variety of plans are available, so home design enthusiasts have the opportunity to create a log bird house all their own. When entering the world of log bird house design, first consider which species of bird is being attracted and its nest size requirements. To start building a log bird house, first create a plan that will accommodate the nesting requirements of the chosen species. As well as designing an opening for the birds to enter the house, the plan should also include plans for the roof, frame and door.

Free Log Bird House Design Plans

How To Build a Bluebird House

Bluebirds are welcomed by most homeowners as they keep insect populations in check in the home garden. Bluebirds are native to North America and are state birds in seven states. To attract bluebirds to your garden environment, build a bluebird house. A bluebird house should be constructed with opening 19 mm wide at the bottom of the front, with holes in the sides of the denim or wood.A hole 25 to 50 mm above the opening at the back of the house will keep competitors away. Position the bluebird house four meters above the ground, and assure that cats cannot climb the pole or wires to reach it. As with other species of birds, maintain the bluebird house and keep it clean by removing the old nests every year.

How To Build a Bluebird House

Basic Birdhouse Plans for Beginners

For those beginning to explore bird house design and construction, basic wood bird house plans provide a simple means to start building a bird house. NESTSIZE suggests the minimum nest box size be 12" high and 8" wide. The entry hole should be 1-1/2" to 2" in diameter. Beginners can purchase pre-cut mating that conforms to these dimensions, or design their own bird house. Establish dimensions, decide upon preferred fasteners, assess roofing materials, and decide between a hinged-top design or simply a wood or mesh floor for access.

Basic Birdhouse Plans for Beginners

How to Construct a Purple Martin House

Purple martins dominate in North American — they are the largest of the swallows that migrate to North America. They have retuning to sites annually, so they rely on man-made housing to maintain their colonies. A purple martin bird house is relatively easy to construct allowing those who love birds to create their own unique living space for the purple martin species. Purple martin bird houses should be placed 15 feet off the ground and arranged in tight groupings. When constructing a purple martin bird house consider ventilation and drainage as two of the most fundamental design principles. More so, the use of post gourds is highly encouraged.

How to Construct a Purple Martin House

5 Original Ideas of Bird House Design

Bird house building plans can be adapted to fit the species of birds attracted to the home garden. If home builder's are looking for an original and creative bird house design, five great ideas are available. Bird house designs are abundant, but these five plans provide an individualized flair. A flamingo-style bird house adds a fun look to the garden. If a bird house is constructed to look like a miniature Swiss chalet, it will greet feathered friends in style. Pamper feathered friends with a tobacco stick cabin, a bayou gazebo or a Fruit Loop bungalow. Decorative embellishments like those found on houses at neighborhood park, can also be attached to bird houses.

5 Original Ideas of Bird House Design

DIY Rustic Birdhouse

For those wishing to build a rustic-style bird house, consider the use country palette wood and a polyurethane coating. Choose a design that best fits the size and species of birds that will frequent the bird house. Create a plan of the shape, size and roof design desired. To begin building the rustic bird house, cut the pallet wood into the desired sizes. Construct the bird house using the wood screws to assemble the walls and slats that make up the roof. Afterwards, paint the wood with a waterproof sealer. Insert the nestbox, roof, and decorative pieces such as weather vanes and wood shingles to complete the look.

DIY Rustic Birdhouse

Bird House Building Plans

Creating a bird friendly environment relies on knowledge of the birds visiting the home garden. Construct a bird house using bird-specific plans to appeal to particular species. Common backyard birds in North America include sparrows, bluebirds, chickadees, cardinals, wrens and finches, whose nests range in size. Designs available for bird-house building plans may be found online, especially for those interested in the dimensions of building specific bird houses. While building the bird house, use treated wood or plywood, and attach metal, plastic or ceramic guards to the entrance holes to keep predators away.

Bird House Building Plans

How to Build a Bird Condo

Bird houses are meant to attract feathered friends, so why not build a bird condo? A bird condominium provides a larger space for multiple bird families. These dwellings are easy to build by using template plans found online or obtained through the local Audubon Society. Building the bird Condo requires basic carpentry tools, and begins with four walls held together by either nails or wood screws. It is best to use treated wood or plywood, as the bird condominium will be exposed to the weather and the elements. Next, cut the door that will provide the means of entrance and exit.

How to Build a Bird Condo

Bird House Designs For Different Species

Not all bird houses are the same. The type of bird house designed depends on the species of bird living in the home's surroundings. From bluebirds to kestrels, house design for bird species can be found online. The design for a bluebird bird house should house 2 to 4 eggs. These eggs hatch in fourteen day and fledge in twenty days. The design for a kestrel should include hole sizers of 1 1/2-1 3/4 inches wide and number of nesting cavities. Other bird species, like the American titles, should have access to an entry hole size of 1 1/2 inches wide.

Bird House Designs For Different Species

Simple Bird House Plan for Kids

Kids love to discover the process of creature kit construction and bird houses can be an ideal bird house building project. Start the project by finding a template plan online, using a illustrations or finding a kit pre-cut for their use. In wood selection, avoid using pressure-treated wood, painted wood or stains. When selecting a simple bird house plan for kids, consider a birdhouse height of 8 to 12 inches, an entry hole of 1 1/2-2 inches, and a floor of 4x4 inches. For the roof, select a polyurethane seal and attach to the birdhouse frame segments. Determine the species of birds to be attracted when periodically visiting the area.

Simple Bird House Plan for Kids

Basic Platform Bird Feeder Plan

Platform bird feeders are easy to build and two bird house plans may be accessed online. To construct a basic platform bird feeder, begin with a square-shaped board of 1/2-inch exterior plywood, or use treated lumber. Cut the sides and ends of the feeder, and create a lip of 1/2-inch on all four sides to stop the seed from spilling over. The lip of the feeder is also helpful when mounting the feeder to an overhead support. Choose a hinged top or open top option for ease of filling the feeder. For extra protection, use a polyurethane seal to protect the feeder from nature's elements.

Basic Platform Bird Feeder Plan

Detailed Bird House Plan for Different Species

a bird house plan Along with creating an attractive aesthetic, a well-crafted bird house plan is essential for an inviting environment for different species. When designing a bird house plan , there are multiple factors to consider, such as ventilation, size, drainage, perching area, and insulation to make sure your feathered friends are comfortable in their new dwelling.

Compensation for Screened Ventilation Areas

a bird house plan Birds need fresh air coming in and out of their bird house to maintain a healthy atmosphere. When planning the vent holes , it’s important to keep in mind that they should be small and high enough that predators are not able to get in. To aid in the air circulation, you can add a vented cap or gable at the top of the house to add an extra layer of protection.

Size Matters When Selecting a Bird House Plan

a bird house plan Choosing the right size plan for the type of bird you want to attract is essential for optimal living conditions. Accurately measuring the length and width of the bird house also ensures the entrance hole satisfies the specific needs of the type of bird that will be living in it. Placing the house in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day also adds to the biodiversity of the housing unit.

Adequate Drainage Is Vital for Any Bird House Plan

a bird house plan When rain occurs, some bird houses may become pooled with water, making it a harsh and unwelcoming environment for your feathered friends. To avoid this, a well-drafted bird house plan should include a drainage system that will prevent the buildup of water in the bird house.

Create a Comfortably-Sized Perching Area

a bird house plan Birds need a place to rest in the bird house. To create a comfortable perching area, you should make sure it’s properly sized for your birds. For example, if the bird house plan is for a barn swallow , the width of the resting area should be 1.25 inches or wider.

Plan for Optimal Insulation

a bird house plan To ensure comfort and warmth for your birds in the colder months, including insulation in your bird house plan is key. Insulation will trap heat inside the bird house and keep the environment warm so the birds can snuggle under a cozy layer of insulation . Additionally, this insulation can keep the bird house from becoming overly hot during the summer months.

Final Checks and Adjustments

a bird house plan Once you're satisfied with the bird house plan , take a second to do a final check over the house, looking for any potential gaps, cracks, or openings for predators to access the area. After adding any necessary reinforcements, you can mount the bird house, or base, to the wall or tree and start inviting wildlife to your backyard.

11