In this episode of My DIY Dad, builder Chris Donnelly and his kids Griffin and Romi make a cool wooden birdhouse for their garden. This simple project can be undertaken in a weekend and is ideal to get the kids involved in, as there are several steps that are easy and safe enough for them to help you with. Plus, you may have many of the materials and equipment required for the project already on hand.
Inviting kids to join in with your DIY is a great way for them to gain practical knowledge and get to know their way around tools. It’s also a lovely way to bond and get them outside and off those screens! Be sure to be vigilant with your safety procedures and precautions to get them into good habits, as well as cleaning up as you go and after the work is done.
Chris is a builder so has plenty of offcuts and wood in his shed, but you can buy your timber dressed if you don’t have any to use up. Chris has chosen redwood, which is dense and durable, making it the perfect option for this outdoor structure, and has given it a professional looking finish with a coating of Resene Furniture and Decking Oil. This gives a natural look to the timber. If your timber’s colour is a little tired, you could use Resene Waterborne Woodsman instead in your chosen colour to enhance the timber. If you decide to choose a darker colour use the Resene CoolColour option where you can to help reflect more heat. You can also paint your birdhouse in your, or your kids’ favourite colours. It’s generally best to opt for mid to dark colours as very light colours can end up glary outside and show more marks.
In terms of where to place the birdhouse in your garden, try putting it somewhere facing east to avoid strong sunlight and prevailing winds, as well as high enough off the ground so that predators can’t reach it. In your own backyard choose a sheltered area away from any areas where the wind tunnels through.
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to make your very own birdhouse.
