DIY Birdhouse | Build It | Ask This Old House

In this video, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a pair of woodworking siblings build a DIY birdhouse in their new workshop.
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Camilla asks general contractor Tom Silva if they can work with her little brother, Jasper, to build another project. Happy to hang around for another job, Tom gets to work with the siblings building a birdhouse from one of the plans in the book.
Skill: ⅕
Cost: Under $50
Time: 3 hours
Shopping list:
1x5 select pine [thd.co/3pIQ289]
½-inch dowel for the perch [thd.co/3yajuaG]
Exterior screws [thd.co/30fYbYV]
Tools:
Handsaw [amzn.to/3IGwI48]
Measuring tape [amzn.to/31MTyGr]
Pencil [amzn.to/3dGM8ag]
Speed square [amzn.to/3rPovoe]
Drill [amzn.to/31QpuK2]
½-inch drill bit [thd.co/3lVBBwl]
Hole saw [amzn.to/3lWrsj7]
How To Build a DIY Kids’ Birdhouse
1. Measure 6 1/4 inches from the end of a 1x5 and mark the distance. Use the speed square to draw a square line at that measurement. This block represents the front of the birdhouse.
2. Use the pencil and speed square to add a peak to the front of the birdhouse. Line up the 45-degree edge of the speed square with the point where the line and edge of the board intersect and draw a 45-degree line. Repeat this on the other edge of the board to create the peak. This should also create an “X” in the middle of the board.
3. Use the speed square to draw another square line connecting the ends of the X drawn in the last step. Measure 6 ½ inches from this line to create a mirror image of the front of the birdhouse. This piece represents the back of the birdhouse.
4. Clamp the 1x5 to a workbench and cut along the X formed by the two peaks. This will create the front of the birdhouse. Cut the back of the birdhouse from the board by sawing across the line representing the back’s bottom edge.
5. Measure 6 inches from the end of the 1x5 and draw a square line. This piece will be one of the sides of the birdhouse. Cut along the square line. Then, place this cut piece on top of the 1x5 and line up the edges. Use a pencil to mark this piece’s length on the 1x5 and saw along the line.
6. Measure the length for the birdhouse’s bottom by placing the sides between the front and back and stretching a tape measure from edge to edge. This should be roughly 7 1/2 inches, but it’s good practice to measure, and wood can vary. Transfer this measurement to the 1x5 and cut it to length.
7. Use this same measurement as the base measurement for the roof pieces. Add 1 inch to both sides to provide an overhang that protects the birdhouse’s entry from rain and snow.
8. To drill the holes for the entry and perch, use the tape measure to find the center of the board. Then, with the front piece clamped to a workbench (with a sacrificial piece underneath), drill through the board using a 1 ¼-inch spade bit and power drill. Repeat the process with a ½-inch drill bit to drill a hole for the perch ¾-inch below the entry hole.
9. Pre-drill through the front and back of the birdhouse and screw into the sides. Pre-drill through the bottom of the birdhouse and screw into the underside of the front, back, and sides. Again, pre-drill and screw the roof pieces to each other and into the peaks.
10. Use a bit of glue to secure a ½-inch dowel in the hole drilled for the perch. Finally, hang the birdhouse from your favorite post, tree, or garden hook and watch the birds enjoy their new home.
Where to find it?
Tom and Camilla showed Jasper how to build a birdhouse using simple 1x5” select pine boards [thd.co/3pIQ289] and a variety of simple tools, including a hand saw [amzn.to/3IGwI48] and a drill [amzn.to/31QpuK2]. All of these tools can be found at home centers and craft stores.
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Build It:
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, and special guests including Jimmy DiResta, take you through step-by-step DIY projects in this popular video series. From end-tables to cutting boards to wine racks to chicken coops and more, learn how to build from the best pros in the game. Segments include mention of all tools and materials needed to get the job done.
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DIY Birdhouse | Build It | Ask This Old House
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[@chubbybeaverwoodworks5027]

Please keep building with the kids! I smile from the beginning to the end and then some! It’s so wholesome to see the new generation wanting to do woodworking!

[@LeoDodier]

This old house has another homerun! This series so far has been some of the most heartwarming videos I’ve ever seen. Keep up the great work!

[@deminigor5753]

I'm 46, and today, made my first birdhouse. Thanks sir.

[@eddiephillips2000]

Big sister teaching little brother woodworking! Love it!! Tom is one class act teacher/guide too!!

[@paulcharpentier1241]

I like how Tommy is just guiding them on what to do, allowing them to make it how they want to.

[@george8873]

Enjoyed how Camilla was using her knowledge to teach Jasper like Tommy was.

[@miltoncallan1471]

Tommy, I have been a fan of TOH for almost as long as you have been on it. This is my favorite series with Camilla!

[@DocMcFluhry]

These videos have been amazing! As an educator, I love Tommy's style and you can tell he genuinely loves passing his knowledge on to a young kid like Camilla. Camilla is obviously a star as well. She is incredibly inspirational but above all I can see the passion she has found in woodworking. You can tell she loves it. I hope it gives her all the joy in the world. I've often told my wife I want to quit my desk job to spend more time in my shop working with my hands and I see now how much I can take for granted. Even with one hand Camilla is more talented, bright and pure than most of us will ever hope to be. This is content that I didn't know I needed. TOH has a homerun here and I hope they consider making more.

[@tonythetiger9839]

Camilla has great potential, nice touch with that stick as the perch! My daughter and I love Camillas workshop

[@JAMESRAYMONDakaRHINO]

The perch is not necessary for the birds. It allows predators access to the nest! Nice job other wise!

[@HenrysHowTos]

What a heart warming video!

[@johnduffy6546]

Mr. Silva is a National Treasure. A Master carpenter, a phenomenal teacher and a pleasure to watch on TV and video. You are a "natural" with children...Keep doing what you do and, I thank you so much.

[@Longeno55]

Camilla and Jasper may be the future of This Old House ; ) This is a nice series of how to videos. That bird house is solid and the birds are going to love it!

[@Durianpieenthusiast]

More of this series please! It can be really difficult and time consuming to come up with projects that are sufficiently simple, safe and that kids would enjoy the product.

[@michaelbradford4444]

To the parents of Camilla and Jasper....great job on raising your children !

[@samfdsd2134]

they are just like grandpa and grand children so sweet!!

[@brucehomstad5256]

Tommy, you are the best! Love what you do!

[@garthbutton699]

Yeah I agree nice choice

[@hal0hal0mc]

Dude I remember watching This Old House as a kid like 27 years ago with my grandfather (a master carpenter) and seeing Norm and the gang. Glad to see some things never change

[@kevinklepp5894]

She has a lot of talent as young as she is you showed her right tom and she is teaching her brother the right way as well thanks for the great videos

[@HargunGill-m7r]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful what a simple wonderful way project has been explained ❤

[@bishidas]

I am loving this series. First, you can never go wrong with Tommy Silva - I want him to be my parent, my uncle, my cousin or my friend, just because he's genuine. And now this sweetest, capable and confident Camilla! Oh, how this dad's heart smiles with every episode. So wholesome!!!!

[@luigar1976]

Great show. This is what it should be like teach the newer generations. Those kids a little angels.

[@davidbrooks4294]

Hey! That's the cool girl that did the awesome dog bowl stand . Helping teach her brother. So cool.

[@heroknaderi]

I enjoyed this. And it makes kids exited too i love watching them work with this old house crew.

[@desireeespinosa3954]

What a great big sister!!! I was never that patient with my baby brother… I still wouldn’t trust him with my tools lol but I love him

[@joshuascott6409]

That sign off at the end was so heart warming. I'm sure the kids will go on to do many great projects in their workshop. Many viewers are rooting for Camila to join ATOH in future.

[@Realgirl4]

Awesome! Love the patience in teaching these kids! They are smart kids.

[@mattdclarkson]

I hope one day that these kiddos have their own KZbin channel with videos of projects they've worked on

[@rickysimpson569]

Isn't it great to see kids raised right and have respect!

[@rerolley]

Good to see Tom helping the young woodworkers. I will note that Massachusetts Audubon suggests not adding perches to lessen the potential for predators to enter the house.

[@dennislogan6781]

It's good to see doing something with their hands productively.

[@jessiec4128]

Awesome video building that bird house. It was nice the kids were able to help Big Time. I live just outside the city limits, and have built lots of bird houses growing up in south Louisiana. I moved to Texas once I grew up and still had bird houses there too. Now I am back in Louisiana and planning on building my bird house here once again.

[@yannisgouras4482]

THE GENETIC IS STRONG WITH THESE TWO!!

[@johngregg5735]

This is a great episode! Excellent job, Tom!

[@johnroberts9560]

HI TOH , I love watching this young lady build something , I think we should all sign a petition that she has her own segment on TOH & call it camillas crafty corner or something like that , she's such an inspiration too us all , nice job building this bird house Camilla we all love you !!! 😘🤧❤🛠

[@garthbutton699]

It's Camilla's attitude.

[@johnroberts9560]

@@garthbutton699 I know it , she's such a nice respectful girl , I applaud her parents for raising such nice respectful kids , it's hard too find that nowadays !!! 😊

[@tonythetiger9839]

i would love to see that, my daughter has loved each episode even though she is a tad younger (5)

[@johnroberts9560]

@@tonythetiger9839 I hope the producers of the show sees our comments on this channel & let's her have her own spot on the show !!

[@minnesotavikings7163]

Great! I like Camilla's workshop. Great job to Camilla, Jasper, and of course Tommy.

[@MRrwmac]

Tom, Thank you for guiding them both!!!!

[@SelectFlex]

What awesome kids! There needs to be a Build-a-Birdhouse elective in EVERY school.

[@Guardducks]

A family of woodworkers, very cool. 👍🏼

[@bpmanagement9983]

Love you working with the kids.😘

[@jameskappel]

can not stop grinning 💓💓

[@donmcallister3745]

How cool was that…👌🙌👌 Hopefully the birds enjoyed their new home… A great job by Camilla and Jasper… Tom did okay too…😛

[@RickWeiner13]

Just what i needed in my life right. Quality project and wholesome. Thank you.

[@johnsuchocki15]

These are my favorites videos. Heartwarming teaching moments.

[@TrainFlood]

Man what an amazing and heartwarming set of videos. Hope my daughter takes to this kind of craft like Camila.

[@aschmitt36schmitt97]

It's amazing how you can pick up so many tips on a bird house build. Great work kids and Tom to I suppose.

[@robertf6344]

Nice birdhouse and I love the perch !

[@BillLowenburg]

Sweet kids, great project. I'm gonna build me a couple of those! Thanks for the video.

[@mikemckinney5491]

Awesome, Camilla has to be a full time cast member 🙏

[@loper181]

The student has become the teacher. Well done to all.

[@KevinJones-pj8kx]

I think the kids would find a japanese dozuki type pull saw easier to use for cutting. It was wonderful how Tom helped them do a layout, then cut and assemble the bird house. Nice to see them wearing eye protection.

[@tonythetiger9839]

I was thinking the same about a pull saw.

[@aintnunbutapenut]

Man what cute sweet smart kids 🤗

[@BClocals]

This video brought a smile to my face today! Avoiding the news and watching this is good for our health 👍

[@truthBtold99]

good to see the young ones learn'in some craft... thank you

[@buggyridge]

Thanks Tom! Heart warming.

[@gregmgm06]

Perfect material for an ongoing series!

[@MH-qq3kj]

Just a fantastic show. 👏👏👏

[@robertokeefe25]

It doesn't get any better than this

[@1252PFC]

Camilla Workshop. Love it! Congratulations

[@rsm2097]

Beautiful kids. Very well illustrated.

[@gabrielwalliczek5071]

I was thinking about making a bird house but cutting the side at a 45 degree angle so they fit together a little bit nicer. This is a nice 30 minute job

[@ryanthompson7703]

Love these last few videos, great work!!

[@atubebuff]

A star is born.

[@chrisanthony144]

Anther great video with the awesome kid carpenters.

[@colinfenton]

So beautiful to watch

[@timdillontablet3551]

Absolutely beautiful

[@sofiep7861]

Love the project and this program. I wish I had something like this when I was a kid. One suggestion, you should leave out the perch, because that invites predator bird to come, perch in front of the house, and attack the nest. The small parents birds that live there doesn't need the perch.

[@LinKaaxMu]

Great project with great teacher and great students! Keep up the great work!!

[@garykorzelius5930]

This was an excellent video. The kids were great!

[@bennieharrison9965]

This is so simple. Thanks!

[@donniecarlisle2296]

Love how Tommy helps him

[@ride129]

This series brings me so much joy!

[@glennstrouse893]

Great series.

[@williamturns341]

Excellent!!!!

[@bradklaatu]

What a groovy set of videos. Keep 'em coming, please.

[@amdistant5547]

With all four sides blocked other than the hole, still not sure how easy it would be for the birds to eat out of it, but still fun making and watching it.

[@adeladahdah4418]

Tom. I loved this video!

[@databang]

Compliments to the young architects.

[@cimmeriian]

She just taught me something I've always been struggling with - getting a good first slice with a hand saw. I normally use a knuckle to guide the saw blade while sawing. Dangerous but not _that_ dangerous, however I never thought to use the back of the blade to make a notch first which is way safer. Sometimes it takes someone in a different position to enlighten others - it's how we got Mr. Rogers 🙂. Also, I had to go through several wood working videos to learn everything she and Tommy covered in this one seven minute clip. Camilla - She could beat you in wood working contest with one arm tied behind her back ... but she'd probably end up helping you out instead 😀

[@rawbacon]

Birdhouses make great gifts.

[@fireworxz]

Thanks

[@augustreil]

Tommy is awesome and love these episodes, thumbs up.

[@SIRWHEELZ4084]

Camila's Workshop should 100% be a segment on TOH/ATOH.

[@kevinshumaker3753]

Another 'Tommy' (Tommi?) teaching her little brother proper tool use and passing the torch. Awesome. Could we get a whole series of GenNext2?

[@jameswilliamjones]

Hate to be that guy but I recommend reviewing the birdhouse plans recommended by the Audubon such as the xBox design. Certain additions to the house including ventilation holes and a drip edge to keep the floor dry as well as removing the perch completely. Perches allow predators to gain access and a correctly sized hole can deter undesirable birds like starlings and swallows.

[@OU8Aspark]

I like to use a Miter Saw for my bird houses!

[@ranger5705]

I liked the bird house building video. Please also show how to hang it with the tree.

[@williamhawks2372]

I hope the old house let that girl go and work together and help to build a house together I think she be happy 😊 because I see that she enjoy Building thing I bet she will do a good job to figure things out how to Build it to lots of people will like to see her to do more on this old house

[@runs3492]

Great job y'all 👏

[@danielmota1095]

This was great!!

[@nathangebben5738]

Love this!

[@daves4026]

Beautiful tv thank you 🙏🏽

[@grillo7196]

That was great!

[@miriamsinclair1655]

This is so sweet

[@Nudnik1]

Excellent!

[@paulsworkshop4179]

This is such a cool project and a great video!

[@bobketteringham4779]

Enjoyed. However, could use ventilation holes, drainage holes, and way to clean house in Fall.

[@billgreen6263]

Real nice!

[@marcosferra9332]

Ótima iniciativa . Trabalhar com as crianças é o segredo para auxiliar a natureza de verdade .

[@Aydenramirez-r2b]

Just a tip Camila your supposed to hold the drill with both hands have a great day😊

[@roccoconte2960]

Nice job.