How To Make A Birdhouse Out Of A Coffee Can
Recycle your coffee can and put them to good use by creating
a birdhouse. Making a birdhouse out of a coffee can, makes cleaning
up after the birds a whole lot easier.
What is Needed…
ÿ Two scraps of ¾-inch-thick pine board, measuring at
least 4 ½ inches square
ÿ Two ¼-inch dowel. 8 ½ inches long
ÿ 1¼-inch finishing nails
ÿ One 11-ounce coffee can
ÿ Hooks, wire, or a chain for hanging the birdhouse
ÿ Table saw, hammer, tape measure
ÿ Power drill
ÿ Safety glasses, ear protection
And the Building Begins…
Step One: Cut the ends of the birdhouse 4 ½ inches
square from scrap pine boards.
Step Two: Locate the entrance hole in one board by measuring
3 7/16 inches from one corner. (When measuring, place your ruler
diagonally from corner to corner and draw a light pencil line).
Be sure to mark the corner from which you are measuring-you will
need to measure from it again in step four).
Step Three: Drill a one-inch entrance hole for wrens or the
appropriate size hole for smaller birds you would like to attract.
Step Four: Hold the front and back pieces together with a
clamp. Locate the perch by measuring 1 ¼ inches from the
same corner used in step two and mark this spot on the pencil line,
then drill a ¼ inch-hole through the front piece (with the
entrance hole) and most of the way through the back.
Step Five: Cut the roof pieces from ¼-inch plywood
or paneling scraps. Cut one piece to measure 5 ¾ inches by
nine inches, and the other six inches by nine inches.
Step Six: Nail the roof pieces to the front and backboards
with 1 ¼-inch finishing nails. The large roof piece should
overlap the smaller at the peak. (If you are using paneling, the
backside should face out). Leave enough room between the front and
back pieces so you can easily insert the coffee can.
Step Seven: Clean and dry the coffee can. (Watch out for
sharp edges) Drill two 1 ¼-inch holes on the opposite side
of the can for ventilation.
Step Eight: Place the coffee can between the front and backboards.
Cut a ¼-inch dowel 8 ½ inches long and insert it through
the perch holes. If the fit is too snug, lightly sand the dowel,
which holds the can in place.
Step Nine: Attach a chain, hooks or wire for hanging the
birdhouse. With any luck, you will not have to wait for your ling
feathered friends to discover the new home you provided. Just sit
back, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the chirping of happy
birds.
