It seems that my little collection of barn board birdhouses has sparked some interest from people who would like to build a barn board birdhouse of their own. Even more cool is the fact that these people have been inspired to build their birdhouses from barn board that they will recycle from old outbuildings on their own property!
The birdhouses they build will become gifts for family members. And in one case, will serve as remembrances of the family farm. I think these are wonderful ideas for creating new family treasures and heirlooms out of something old that would otherwise be demolished and forgotten.
Links to Free Birdhouse Plans
There are a gazillion places to find free birdhouse plans on the internet, but I thought I’d save you from having to do all that searching by listing some links to free bird house plans right here. These are all very basic plans, but if you can master the basic techniques, then there’s no reason why you can’t expand your plans to create more decorative birdhouses.
Missouri Department of Conservation
Rustic Birdhouse Building Tips
Don’t just recycle the barn board. When you are dismantling those old buildings, don’t forget to save and recycle odd bits of metal for use on your birdhouses as well. All can be incorporated into the design of your birdhouse.
- rusty spikes and nails make a perfect perch
- use tin or corrugated metal for the roof
- lightning rods become church spires
The older and rustier, the better. These items are what gives a barn board birdhouse its rustic appeal.
Last, but certainly not least - be careful and make sure you’re up to date with your tetanus shots!
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