How to Make Bird Feeders Out of Wood

You can make a simple bird feeder out of wood to feed your wild feathered friends year round. You can adjust the sizes to make any size bird feeder, but make sure to build it from woods like cedar, redwood or teak so the feeder will be naturally resistant to insects and mildew.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Measuring tape
Saw
Cedar plywood
Cedar wood trim
Dowel rods
Decking screws
Screwdriver
Wood sealer

Step 1

Cut a 3/4-inch thick sheet of cedar plywood 15 inches long by 12 inches wide. This is the base for your bird feeder.

Step 2

Cut four cedar trim pieces to fit around the edges of your bird feeder: two that are 16 inches long and two that are 13 1/2 inches long. Your trim should be 3/4-inches thick and 2 1/2-inches wide. These are the sides of your bird feeder.

Step 3

Attach the two 16-inch cedar trim pieces to the 12-inch-wide sides of the cedar plywood with decking screws. Each piece of the cedar trim should sit on top of the cedar plywood, flush with the side edges. You will have a 2-inch overlay on the front and the back of the cedar plywood so you can attach the dowels for the birds to perch upon while they dine.

Step 4

Attach the two 13 1/2-inch cedar trim pieces to the front and the back of the bird feeder with decking screws, on top of the cedar plywood and flush with the edges. The ends of these trim pieces should lie flush against the insides of the 16-inch trim pieces you've already attached. You should now have an enclosed frame around the top of the plywood to house the bird food.

Step 5

Cut two 7/16-inch dowel rods 13 1/2 inches long. Attach one rod to the front and the back of your bird feeder with decking screws. The dowel rods will fit between the two side trim pieces, about 1/2 inch from the cedar trim on the front and on the back.

Step 6

Coat your dowel rods with polyurethane or wood sealer to protect them from the elements.

Resources

Bird Feeder Plans

Article Written By Katherine Kally

Katherine Kally is a freelance writer specializing in eco-friendly home-improvement projects, practical craft ideas and cost-effective decorating solutions. Kally's work has been featured on sites across the Web. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of South Carolina and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.

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