{"id":2642,"date":"2016-11-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-11-22T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/birdhousesupply.com\/?p=2642"},"modified":"2017-05-19T19:36:59","modified_gmt":"2017-05-19T19:36:59","slug":"build-a-birdhouse-with-found-materials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/birdhousesupply.com\/blog\/build-a-birdhouse-with-found-materials\/","title":{"rendered":"Build a Birdhouse with Found Materials"},"content":{"rendered":"

Building a rustic birdhouse<\/span><\/span><\/a> can be a rewarding weekend adventure for crafters, amateur woodworkers or family fun. Build one for your yard by following the simple steps below.<\/p>\n

Choosing salvaged wood<\/h2>\n

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Creative Commons John Arlet, 2013<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Old pallets, cedar chests, corner boards and even pieces of old children\u2019s jungle gyms can be used to build a rustic birdhouse to enjoy in your backyard. The first step, in building your own birdhouse with found materials, is to choose the type of salvaged wood you\u2019ll be using. Do not worry too much about the size of your pieces. Pieces can be used in a variety of ways, depending on what you find. Follow these steps to make sure the wood you\u2019re using is safe and reasonably simple to work with:<\/p>\n

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  1. Look for cedar, cypress, redwood, good quality plywood or pine pieces. Cedar, cypress and redwood will not need treating. Plywood and pine tend to last longer. Do not choose wood that is painted or treated with chemicals for the inside of the nesting box<\/span><\/a>. The chemicals could hurt birds lungs and clog breathing holes in the eggs.<\/li>\n
  2. If you\u2019re not using pieces you own, don\u2019t forget to ask for permission before salvaging the wood for your birdhouse. Just because it looks discarded, doesn\u2019t necessarily mean it is.<\/li>\n
  3. Pass on any wood which looks like termites or powder post beetles might have been munching on it. It isn\u2019t worth the risk involved of bringing these pests near your home.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Clean and prep salvaged wood<\/h2>\n

    Discarded wood is usually somewhat beat up and dirty. The materials can easily be cleaned with a sturdy bristle brush and a little dish soap. Give the wood a good scrubbing to remove excess dirt, old paint and some stains.<\/p>\n

    Next, lay out the wood in your garage or workspace for a few days. This allows the wood to dry out and acclimate to your environment. This will make the wood easier to work with and prevent warping or cracking as you work with it.<\/p>\n

    Finally, thoroughly check your lumber for any metal materials. Look for screws, nails, staples and any other objects that don\u2019t belong. All of these could cause injuries to you or the birds. If the wood pieces are thick, consider giving the piece a once-over with a metal detector before using.<\/p>\n

    Assembling your rustic birdhouse<\/h2>\n

    Use a handsaw or table saw to cut your lumber. Here\u2019s what you will need:<\/p>\n

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    1. Two pieces measuring 4.5\u201d by 9.75\u201d for the ends,<\/li>\n
    2. Four pieces measuring 14\u201d by 3.75\u201d for the sides,<\/li>\n
    3. One piece measuring 12.25\u201d by 4.5\u201d for the base<\/li>\n
    4. Four pieces measuring 15.25\u201d long by 3.25\u201d wide by \u215c\u201d thick for the roof pieces.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      You\u2019ll want to use nails or screws specifically designed for outdoor use. If they are not weatherproofed, they will rust and cause problems for your birds after a few months outdoors. Use your nails or screws to attach all pieces, beginning by attaching the sides to the base, and ending with the roof slats. If you would like to angle your roof, use your saw to cut a 45-degree angle gable on each of the side pieces.<\/p>\n