Browse » home» How to Make a Birdhouse with a Functional Roof Overhang for Protection

---

How to Make a Birdhouse with a Functional Roof Overhang for Protection

Building a Birdhouse with a Functional Roof Overhang for Protection

Hey there, bird lovers! Want to attract feathered friends to your backyard? A birdhouse is a great way to provide a safe haven for birds, but you want to make sure it's a comfy and protected one. A functional roof overhang is essential, keeping those little guys dry and shielded from the elements. So, let's dive into building a birdhouse that's not just cute, but practical too!

Gather Your Supplies

First things first, let's gather our tools and materials. You'll need:

• Wood: Choose a weather-resistant wood like cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine. You'll need boards for the base, walls, roof, and overhang.
• Screws: Wood screws in various lengths for assembling the birdhouse.
• Saw: A circular saw or handsaw for cutting the wood to size.
• Drill: A cordless drill with various drill bits for creating pilot holes and fastening screws.
• Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
• Pencil: For marking cutting lines.
• Sandpaper: For smoothing rough edges and surfaces.
• Wood Glue: Optional but recommended for added strength.
• Paint or Stain: For finishing and protecting the wood (optional but recommended).
• Entrance Hole Drill Bit: If you're using a drill bit for the entrance, you'll need one sized appropriately for the bird species you want to attract.
• Safety Glasses: For eye protection while working with tools.

Now that you've got your supplies, let's move on to the construction!

Building the Base and Walls

Building the Base

Start by constructing the base of the birdhouse. Cut two pieces of wood to the desired dimensions. These will be the bottom and top of the base. We'll use a standard base size of 6 inches by 6 inches. You can adjust this based on your birdhouse design. The top piece will be the "floor" of the birdhouse, so it's important to make sure it's level and sturdy. Drill pilot holes and screw the two pieces together around the edges.

Building the Walls

Next, cut four pieces of wood to the same height, which will be the walls of the birdhouse. Let's aim for a height of 8 inches for this birdhouse. Again, you can adjust this depending on your preferences. Use wood glue and screws to attach the walls to the base. Make sure the walls are aligned and flush with the base. For added stability, you can also use a small piece of wood as a brace in the back of the birdhouse, running from the floor to the top of the back wall.

Creating the Overhang

This is where the magic happens! The overhang is what will keep the birds dry and protected from the elements. Here's how to create it:

Cutting the Overhang Boards

Cut two pieces of wood for the overhang. These should be slightly wider than the base of the birdhouse. For example, if your base is 6 inches wide, you could cut the overhang boards to be 8 inches wide. You can experiment with different overhang widths based on your preferences. The length of the overhang boards should be the same as the width of the birdhouse. In our case, that would be 6 inches.

Attaching the Overhang Boards

Now, you'll attach the overhang boards to the top of the walls. Position the overhang boards so that they extend out beyond the walls. Make sure the overhang boards are parallel and flush with the top edge of the walls. Use wood glue and screws to attach them to the walls.

The Roof

We'll use a simple gable roof for our birdhouse. Cut two pieces of wood that are slightly longer than the width of the birdhouse. These will form the two sides of the roof. The exact length will depend on the angle you want for your roof, but aim for about 8-10 inches. You'll also need a piece of wood for the ridgeboard, which will run along the top of the roof. Make this piece about 1 inch shorter than the width of the birdhouse. Screw the ridgeboard to the top of the overhang boards.

Now, use wood glue and screws to attach the two roof boards to the overhang boards and the ridgeboard. Position the boards so that they overlap slightly and create a slight angle. Make sure the roof is securely attached and doesn't wobble.

Adding the Entrance Hole

Finally, let's create the entrance hole. The size of the entrance hole depends on the type of bird you want to attract. Research the size of the entrance hole needed for your target species. Once you know the size, you can use a drill bit or a saw to cut the hole in the front wall of the birdhouse.

You can also create a perch just below the entrance hole to make it easier for birds to land. To do this, cut a small piece of wood about 1-2 inches long and screw it to the front wall below the entrance hole.

Finishing Touches

You're almost done! Give your birdhouse a little TLC with some finishing touches:

• Sanding: Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges and surfaces. This will help protect the birds and give your birdhouse a polished look.
• Painting or Staining: Optional but recommended. Apply a weather-resistant paint or stain to protect the wood from the elements and give your birdhouse a beautiful finish. Choose colors that blend in with your surroundings or stand out in a vibrant way.

Installation

Now it's time to find the perfect spot for your new birdhouse. You want to choose a location that offers:

• Shelter from the elements: Avoid placing the birdhouse in direct sunlight or in areas that are exposed to strong winds.
• Visibility: Choose a spot that is visible from a distance so you can easily see if your birdhouse is being used.
• Access to food and water: Make sure your birdhouse is close to a source of food and water, such as a feeder or a birdbath.
• Predator protection: Avoid placing the birdhouse near areas where predators such as cats or snakes might have access.

You can mount your birdhouse using screws, nails, or a birdhouse hanger. Make sure the mounting is secure and that the birdhouse is level. You can also add a small piece of wood underneath the entrance to create a small "landing pad" for the birds.

Enjoy Your Birdhouse!

That's it! Now you have a beautiful and functional birdhouse that is sure to attract feathered friends. Remember, patience is key when it comes to attracting birds. It may take some time for birds to discover your birdhouse, but eventually, you'll be rewarded with the sight of birds happily nesting and raising their young in your backyard.

Enjoy your new birdhouse and happy birding!