Free Bat House Plans

This step by step woodworking project is about free bat house plans. I have designed this basic bat box so you can get the job done quickly and cheaply. This is a basic design, so if you want more roof for the bats you can adjust the size and the overall design to suit your needs. My plans come with step by step instructions and you can easily adjust all the dimensions to suit your needs. See my other DIY projects HERE.

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. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a bat house

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 1×10 lumber – 16 1/2″ long BACK
B – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 19″ long SIDES
C – 1 piece of 1×10 lumber – 16 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 16 1/2″ long FRONT
D – 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 19 1/2″ long TOP

1 piece of 1×10 lumber – 6′
1 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 6′
1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 6′
2″ brad nails
wood filler , wood glue

Tools

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

Time

One Day

How to build a small bat house

Assembling the back of the bat house

The first step of the project is to build the back for the bat house. Therefore, cut two pieces of 1×10 lumber and then drill pocket holes, as shown in the diagram. Add glue to the joints and insert 1 1/4″ screws, after aligning the edges flush.

Making the grooves

The next step of the woodworking project is to make the grooves to the back of the bat house. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to make small parallel grooves (1/8″ deep) so you create a rough surface. The bats need a rough surface so they can claw on.

The easiest way you can get the job done is by tuning it along a table saw.

Fitting the sides

Attach 1×3 slats to the sides of the bat house. Make the angle cut to the top of the slats and then secure it to the back using 2″ brad nails. Add glue to the joints and align the edges flush, for a professional result.

Front slats

Continue the project by fitting the 1×0 and 1×6 slats to the front of the bat house. Align the edges with attention and use 2″ brad nails to lock the into place tightly. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to leave a small gap between the slats, so you can make sure the bats will have clean air.

Fitting the top to the bat house

Fit a 1×6 slat to the top of the bat house. Cut the slat at the right size and then center it to the top of the bat house frame. Use 2″ brad nails to secure the top into place tightly.

Free DIY Bat House Plans

Last, but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Use 120-220 grit sandpaper to smooth the edges and make sure the joints are sturdy.

Free Bat House Plans

Make sure you don’t apply toxic substances to the bat house, as this might repeal the little features. Select the right location for the bat house (a post, a tree, a barn wall), after making a few tests. If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest.

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