Birdhouses are more than just quaint additions to your garden. They provide essential shelter for birds and offer a unique opportunity to observe wildlife up close. Read this step-by-step guide on how to create your own birdhouse using PVC pipe and other material from around your home!
Designing the Birdhouse
We took the time to create a birdhouse of our own design, but bird enthusiasts may notice one major feature that was intentionally excluded. Our birdhouse does not contain a perch. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game encourages people to avoid adding perches as they allow predators “better access to the eggs and young in the nest box”. This is not a guide on how to take care of birds, but we want to do our part to encourage safe wildlife practices.
Supplies
Tools
• Drill
• Hacksaw
• Cross cut Saw
• Measuring tape
• Pencil/Pen/Marker
• Hole Saw bit
Materials
• 1 - 8 inches of 4" PVC Pipe (4" diameter)
• 3 - 8” x 8” Wood squares
• 1 - Epoxy
• 1 - Exterior/Outdoor use Spray Paint
• 1 - Clear Gloss Spray
• 1 - File
• 1 - Medium grit sandpaper
• 1 - Eye Hook (screw or bolt)
Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the PVC Pipe
Measure and cut 4” PVC pipe to roughly 8 inches in length with a hacksaw. We did most of the cutting with a hacksaw, which worked well, and finished with a crosscut saw. A circular saw will also work fine.
Tip: We suggest getting a longer PVC pipe and cutting it down to the appropriate length. This lets you have more room for errors and potentially enough PVC pipe left over for another project!
Step 2: Roof Cuts on the PVC Pipe
For our gable roof, which looks like an upside down “v” shape, 2 mirrored cuts are made at 45° angle. Measure and mark your intended cut path on the PVC pipe using a pencil or marker. Then use a hacksaw to make your cut(s). Next, use a file to shave down any areas that may not be even.
We encourage beginners to instead do a shed roof. This only requires 1 wood square and 1 angled cut on the PVC body between 30° and 50°.
Step 3: Add an Entrance Hole
A standard size of an entrance hole for small birds is 1 1⁄2 inches in diameter. The hole size is dependent upon the type of bird you want to attract. Mark the entrance hole on the PVC pipe just below the roof. Use a hole saw bit and drill to cut out the entrance hole.
Tip: Check the edges after cutting the hole. Use a file to smooth any sharp edges! Also, use resources such as this Birdhouse Size Requirements resource from the Ogden Nature Center to decide the entrance hole size you will need.
Step 4: Sand the PVC Pipe.
First, use a file to remove any sharp edges on areas cut in previous steps. Next, sand the entire outside of the PVC pipe. Scuffing the exterior will help with the adhesion of the paint. Use medium grit sandpaper during this process.
Step 5: Paint and Protect the PVC Pipe
Paint the PVC pipe with your chosen color, and sure whatever paint you use is meant for outdoor use. Allow some time for it to dry. Next, add clear gloss for protection. Let the gloss dry completely before moving on!
Preparing the Roof and Base
Step 6: Cut Wood Squares for Roof and Base
For the gable roof and base, cut 3 wood squares:
• One 6’’ square piece for the base
• Two 5” x 8’’ pieces for the roof
The roof must extend over the entrance hole by roughly 2 inches to provide proper cover. Each piece of wood used for the gable roof should have 1 side cut at a 45° angle. That will be important to get the “v” shape. After adhering the wood pieces together at the 45° sides, it should be close to ~90°.
Going the beginner route with a shed roof? No angle cuts needed! You just need one 10’’ square piece of wood for the roof and one 6” wood square for the base.
Tip: Test the edges of all your angle cuts by placing the wood roof squares on top of the PVC body. The sides of the cut pipe should be relatively flat but do not need to be completely perfect. A few minor bumps and gaps will be good for ventilation but feel free to use your file to create a more perfect fit.
Step 7: Epoxy Roof Squares Together
Use a quick setting epoxy to adhere the cut wood squares together to form the roof. We added a light coat of epoxy to the 45° angled edges and firmly held the pieces together. Once the epoxy is set, allow it to cure for the recommended amount of time.
Tip: Epoxy should be used outside or in a well-ventilated area. We also recommend using a face mask to avoid inhalation of fumes.
(Optional) Step 8: Paint and Coat Wood
Lightly sand the wood, paint/stain with a color of your choice, let it dry, then add a coat of clear gloss, then let it dry.
Step 9: Place the Eye Hook
Find the center of the roof ridge. File a small area until flat. Drill a pilot hole, then place or screw in an eye hook. If using an eye hook bolt, screw a nut on the underside of the roof to secure it.
Assembly - Putting it all together
Step 10: Adhere Base and Roof
Spread epoxy to the base where you intend to place the bottom of the PVC body. Then, place the PVC pipe on the wooden base and apply pressure until it sets. Adhere the roof similarly by spreading epoxy along the cut edges of the PVC pipe and placing the roof centered on the epoxied areas. Apply pressure until it sets and allow for the appropriate amount of time for the epoxy to cure.
Tip: You only have a few moments to recenter the roof if it looks off so double check and move fast!
Step 11: Add String/Wire and Find a Good Branch
Loop a string or wire through the eye hook and find a good place to hang your new birdhouse!
Create Your Own
Viola, you’re done! Not only do you get the satisfaction of building with your hands, but you have created a potential safe haven for the birds in your community. This project showcases how simple materials like PVC pipe, with a touch of creativity, can result in a functional habitat. Looking for more outdoor DIY projects? Check out our guide on how to build your own functional hydroponic garden to pair nicely with your new birdhouse!
***follow our blog to learn more about our next project: DIY Bird Feeder!