For many bird lovers, building a birdhouse is a great way to show their support for their feathered friends. To be sure, a wide variety of birdhouse designs are available, from the traditional rustic box-style structure to the modern art deco-style house. Because birdhouses should be tailored to the specific species of birds, it’s important to make sure you understand the specific needs of the birds you wish to attract before designing your birdhouse. In many cases, art deco-style birdhouses are more difficult to design than traditional box-style houses. However, with a few basics of architectural design in mind, any bird enthusiast can easily create a beautiful art deco birdhouse. It all begins with understanding the basics elements of art deco design and finding straight, simple materials that fit the desired overall look. Birdhouse Overview and Planning
Different species of birds have different needs when it comes to house design. For example, house finches prefer larger homes, while chickadees and wrens take to smaller houses. In addition, birds that typically nest in colonies (e.g., swallows) require larger nesting areas, while solitary species like nuthatches can use smaller homes. Moreover, when building a birdhouse, it’s important to be aware of the needs of the local bird population and consider what species may be attracted to a particular art deco design. No matter the species of bird, it’s always important to provide ample ventilation, a sheltered spot from which to hunt and feed, and an entrance that is scaled appropriately for the intended inhabitant. Size also plays a major role when considering how safe the house will be for the birds: larger birds are more likely to prey on those living in smaller boxes, whereas smaller birds will often make do with larger birdhouses. House Designs for Different Bird Species
A cedar gable-roof nesting box is a simple, yet beautiful design for art deco birdhouses. This design is perfect for smaller birds and solitary species, as its size provides a sufficient shelter without providing too much area for a predator to make it inside. The materiel that goes into creating this birdhouse should also be of the highest quality: untreated cedar planks, like those found at any home improvement store, work perfectly. The roof of a cedar gable-roof nesting box should be slanted to provide additional shelter from the elements, while the sides should be kept relatively straight and true. To ensure the birdhouse withstands the elements, it’s important to use weather-resistant hardware (bolts, nails, etc), and to make sure the entrance hole is located at the bottom third of the vertical face. Cedar Gable-Roof Nesting Box Plans
Art deco designs can be used to create stunning bluebird houses. This species of birds is well-known for its bright blue feathers and colorful songs, and this house should honour that reputation. Bluebird houses should contain several compartments for nesting needs, and it helps to have some kind of “art deco” aesthetic to them. Some elements to consider include: lots of windows, bright colours, and a flare-style roof. In addition to aesthetics, bluebird houses need to be protected from predators and the elements. Slanted roofs provide some form of shelter, while a coated metal roof will deter pests. To ensure optimal air flow, the walls should be built slightly apart, and the entrance hole should be placed between the roof and side walls at the lower third of the vertical face. Bluebird House Plans
Sparrows are generally considered pests in most birdhouses, and it can be difficult to keep them out of the vicinity. However, with a few simple design changes, art deco birdhouses can be fairly sparrow-resistant. Firstly, the entrance hole should be wide enough for the bird to access, but small enough that sparrows are unable to fit through. In addition, the interior walls of the birdhouse should be placed slightly outward to limit the clutches that can fit inside. When building a sparrow-resistant art deco birdhouse, the use of plastic or metal materials is highly recommended. Sparrow Resistant Bird House Designs
For those looking to attract purple martins to their yard, one of the best ways to do so is to build a high-quality purple martin house. This species of birds enjoys living in colonies, so it’s essential that the house is large enough to accommodate multiple families. As the birds tend to return to the same nesting location year after year, the house should be built to last. The material of construction should also be selected carefully. Natural cedar is a great material for purple martin houses, since it provides a sturdy foundation and is relatively long-lasting. The roof of the house should be flared to provide ample shelter from the elements, and the entrances should be placed in the lower third of the vertical face. Additionally, the house should be made with an art deco aesthetic in mind, with decorative elements and bright colours.How to Build a Purple Martin House
Finches are one of the most frequently recognized songbirds, and it’s not unusual to see a flock of them taking up residence in residential yards. While it’s not required to build a birdhouse for them, it’s definitely recommended as a way to help out these birds in the local vicinity. When constructing a home for finches, it’s important to remember that these birds prefer small, sheltered nesting spots. Accordingly, the best birdhouses for finches are small, box-style structures with plenty of ventilation. They also prefer to be surrounded by natural foliage, so placing the house in a tree or near a shrub can help attract finches to the area. Additionally, an art deco design can provide a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing structure for the birds.How to Construct a Finch Birdhouse
Creating an art deco-style platform birdhouse is a great way to give back to nature, as well as to add a unique accent to any backyard. Platform birdhouses can be built for most species of birds, but it’s important to design it with the needs of the local bird population in mind. When constructing a platform birdhouse, it’s important to consider elements like ventilation, material, and size. Most birds that prefer platform birdhouses are smaller species, so keeping the size relatively small is essential. Additionally, the material of construction should be of the highest quality, such as untreated wood or metal, to ensure that the house will last for years to come. Additionally, incorporating elements of art deco design can give the birdhouse an element of style. DIY Platform Birdhouse
Wrens are a rapidly growing species of birds, and they’re becoming a popular backyard bird to watch. To attract wrens to an area, a proper wren house must be quickly constructed. Although a traditional box-style house is typically adequate for these birds, an art deco house offers a unique aesthetic appeal. When building a wren birdhouse, the size should be the main factor taken into consideration. Wrens prefer small houses, approximately 8 inches high by 6 inches wide. The entrances should always be placed lower in the vertical face and should be wide enough for the birds to gain entry but small enough to prevent other possible predators from entering. Aside from these basics, adding an art deco-style design to the wren house can give it a unique flair. Build a Wren House
For those who want to build their own art deco designed birdhouse, free woodworking plans are available online. From basic birdhouses to specific designs for certain species of birds, there are dozens of plans available to choose from. Before building a birdhouse, it's important to make sure the plans are scaled to the size of the birds you wish to attract. Ideas can be found online or by perusing books and magazines about bird houses. Once the correct plans are found, the materials of construction must be selected. This will depend strongly on what the birds you’re looking to attract prefer as well as what kind of aesthetic you’re going for. When buying hardware, such as nails and screws, it’s always best to use weather-resistant hardware, as this will ensure the house withstands any elements thrown its way. Free Woodworking Plans for a Birdhouse
Whether it be for aesthetic purposes or for practical reasons, building a carb-side wren house can be an exciting and rewarding project for any experienced or novice carpenter. This type of birdhouse is fairly easy to construct, and there are plenty of woodworking plans available online. To build a carb-side wren house, it’s important to have the correct materials of construction. Depending on the design, the house may call for untreated wood, plywood, or certain metals. Additionally, the house should be made with an art deco design in mind. Some features to consider include brass accents, brightly-coloured paints, and flared roofs. Once the house is finished, it can be securely mounted on trees or posts throughout the yard. Building a Carb-Side Wren House