How to build a platform bird feeder

This step by step woodworking project is about how to build a platform bird feeder. I personally like having singing bird in my backyard. That is why over time I have built many bird houses and feeder, to attract them to my property and to help them get over the winter. This project is about building a simple platform bird feeder from common materials.

We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Made from this plan

Building a platform bird feeder

Materials

A – 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 12″ long BOTTOM
B – 2 piece of 1×2 lumber – 13 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 5″ long TRIMS
C – 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8″ long BRACES
D – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 7″ long GABLE ENDS
E – 6 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 16 1/2″ long, 1 piece of 1×1 lumber – 16 1/2″ long ROOFING

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Time

One Weekend

Bird feeder plans

Bottom tray

Build the bottom of the tray from 1×4 lumber.

Base trims

Use 1×2 lumber for the trims. Cut both ends of the trims at 45 degrees and lock them to the bottom with glue and 1 1/4″ brad nails.

Fitting the roof supports

Attach 1×2 supports to the ends of the tray, as shown in the plans. Make sure the corners are right-angled.

Gable ends

Build the gable ends from 1×4 lumber. Cut the sides at 45 degrees.

Fitting the roofing

Attach the 1×2 slats to the roof of the bird feeder. Use brad nails and glue to lock the slats into place.

How to build a platform bed frame

Smooth the surface with sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain to protect the components from the elements. However, make sure you don’t use products that are toxic for the birds.

Platform Bird Feeder Plans

Components for bottom tray

The first step of the project is to assemble the tray for the birdhouse. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to build the bottom from 1×4 lumber and the trims from 1×2 lumber. Cut both ends of the trims at 45 degrees.

Add glue to the joints

Add glue to the joints for a better bond.

Assembling the tray

Use 1 1/4″ brad nails to lock the trims into place.

Tray

Fit the rest of the trims to the tray. Align the edges with attention for a professional result.

Bird feeder platform

The tray once assembled looks already beautiful.

Fitting the vertical supports

Attach 1×2 vertical supports to the sides of the tray. I used some scrap pieces for the bird feeder, so don’t mind the angle cut at the top.

Assembling the bird feeder

Make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the nails.

Components for the bird feeder

Build the components for the roof of the bird feeder. Use 1×4 slats for the gable ends and 1×2 slats for the roofing.

Clamping the roofing slats

Add glue to the roofing slats and clamp them together tightly. Align the edges with attention before clamping them together.

Building the roof

Next, attach the roofing boards to the gable ends, as shown in the image. Insert 1 1/4″ nails to lock the boards into place. Add glue if you want to enhance the bond of the components.

Fitting the roofing slats

Fit the roofing boards on the opposite side of the roof.

Bird feeder Roof

The gable roof for the platform bed feeder seen from another angle.

Fitting the roof

Use brad nails to lock the vertical supports to the roof of the bird feeder.

Platform bird feeder plans

The bird feeder is almost ready for use. All it need is some sanding and a few coats of stain to protect the components from decay.

How to build a platform bird feeder

I sanded the components with 80 grit sandpaper, followed by 120 grit sandpaper. Drill pilot holes and insert two eye screws to the roof of the bird feeder. Hang the bird feeder to a tree and fill the tray with seeds.

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