DIY Network

Clear Acrylic Birdhouse Welcome the birds to this Plexiglas palace. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-105

This futuristic birdhouse has clear appeal.

Ever wonder what birds actually do inside a birdhouse? You could finally find out thanks to this project from B. Original host Michele Beschen: Built from clear Plexiglas, it gives you a bird's-eye view of the interior.

Note: These non-traditional birdhouses are fun to build and display, but they're not "up to code" for all birds. If you want to attract a specific bird species to your yard, do some research on that species or ask a local naturalist for tips. That will give you an idea how to best attract your desired birds while you B. Original.

advertisement

This project calls for 1/8" thick Plexiglas or other clear acrylic. Try to purchase acrylic that has a good paper backing on both sides. This materials is easy to cut on a table saw using a vinyl-cutting blade; a scroll saw also works well for small pieces. If you prefer, you can ask to have the pieces cut at the store where you buy the acrylic.

Materials:

1/8" Plexiglas or other clear acrylic
table saw or scroll saw (if cutting your own material)
drill and forstner bit
grease pencil and carpenter's square
ruler
clear corner guards with adhesive strips
heavy-duty shears or tin snips
clear silicone caulk
wooden dowel
small rocks

Design and Cut Panels

Before shopping for your acrylic, you'll need to rough out your design to figure out how much to buy. The exact dimensions are up to you; a few minutes with a pencil and some graph paper will give you a rough design. Make sure you bring your dimensions and drawings with you when you shop for acrylic, especially if you're having the store staff cut it for you.

	Figure A
	Figure B

One simple design would be for the birdhouse to be 6" wide, 10" long and 9" tall. Here's what the cutting list would look like for those dimensions:

• 2 side panels, 6" x 10"
  
• 1 bottom panel, 6" x 10"
  
• 2 end panels, 6" x 9"
  
• 2 roof panels, 5½" x 12"

You'll need to cut the end panels to a point at one end to allow for the pitched roof. The bottom of the pitch will line up with the top of the side panel, so measure up the height of the side panel on the long side of the end panel and make a mark. Then use your carpenter's square to draw a line at a 45 degree angle in from the edge of the piece. Repeat on the opposite edge of the panel, and you should have an outline of your final end panel. Cut along the line to shape your end panels (figure A).

Once your end panels are complete, drill an entrance hole in one of them using a 1 3/8" forstner bit (figure B). Rest your panel on a wood block for drilling to protect your work surface.

	Figure C
	Figure D

Assemble the Birdhouse

• Connect your side, end and bottom panels using clear corner guards, which are easily cut with heavy-duty shears or tin snips (figure C). Allow for the thickness of each panel as you measure and cut.

• Caulk each seam on the inside of the house with clear silicone caulk (figure D). (The caulk goes on white but dries clear.) Smooth out each bead of caulk with your finger.

• Let the base dry and cure completely before putting your roof on. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the caulk to see how much time to allow.

• Use silicone glue to glue your roof panels in place
  (figure E) and reinforce all your joints. Cap off the roof with a strip of clear corner guard to add stability.

• Add a perch. Michele Beschen painted a small wooden dowel and glued it to the front with silicone glue (figure F). Add small, colored rocks to the inside of your house to create a colorful floor, and you're ready for the birds to move in!
  

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Copper Log Cabin Birdhouse
  	Clear Acrylic Birdhouse
  	PVC Pipe Birdhouse
  	More Creative Birdhouse Ideas