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How to Build a Platform Bird Feeder

How to Build a Platform Bird Feeder
You can build a platform bird feeder from cedar wood to feed the wild birds in your yard year-round. These instructions will help you build a platform bird feeder that measures 16 inches long and 12 inches wide with dowel rod perches along the front and the back. Adjust the size of the wood trim and the baseboard if you'd like to build a larger or smaller bird feeder, but you should always build it with wood that is naturally resistant to mildew and insects.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Measuring tape
  • Saw
  • Cedar plywood
  • Cedar wood trim
  • 4-inch square cedar post
  • Dowel rods
  • Decking screws
  • Screwdriver
  • Wood sealer
Step 1
Make the base from a 2-inch thick sheet of cedar plywood. Cut the plywood 16 inches long by 12 inches wide.
Step 2
Make the edges of your bird feeder tray from cedar trim that's 3/4 inches thick and 2.5 inches wide. Cut two cedar trim pieces that measure 16 inches long and two pieces that measure 14.5 inches long.
Step 3
Attach the cedar trim pieces that measure 16 inches long to the 12-inch-wide sides of the plywood. You can use decking screws to attach the wood together. Each of the cedar trim pieces rest on top of the cedar plywood and are flush with the side edges. There will be a 2-inch trim extension on the front and on the back of the cedar plywood. This is to allow you to attach the dowels so that the birds will have a place to perch.
Step 4
Attach one of the 14.5-inch-long cedar trim pieces along the backside of the bird feeder and one along the front of the feeder. The 14.5-inch trim fits between the two 16-inch end sides and also rests on top of the cedar plywood. The trim creates the enclosed frame around the top of your bird feeder and is where you will place the food.
Step 5
Cut two 7/16-inch dowel rods to measure 14.5 inches long. Attach one rod to the back and one rod to the front with decking screws. The rods fit between the two side trim pieces. You can place them 1/2 inch from the trim so the birds can perch comfortably. Add a coat of wood sealer to your dowel rods to protect them from moisture damage.
Step 6
Cut the cedar post to the desired height of your bird feeder platform. Cut a 20-inch square piece of 2-inch cedar plywood for the base of your platform.
Step 7
Attach one end of the cedar post to the center of your platform base with decking screws. Attach the other end of the post to the center of the base of the bird feeder with decking screws.

Resources

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.

Write for Trails.com

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