A Fun & Educational Event for Kids

Looking for a hands-on activity that your little ones will love? Join us at Niehaus Lumber for our Little Builders Workshop on Saturday, March 22 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, where kids can build their very own wooden birdhouse! This event is perfect for young DIYers who love to create and explore woodworking in a safe and fun environment.

Building a birdhouse is a fantastic way to introduce kids to basic construction skills while also providing a cozy home for local birds. Plus, this is a great opportunity to spend quality time together and nurture their creativity.

Why Join the Little Builders Workshop?

• Hands-On Learning – Kids will get to assemble and customize their birdhouse with real materials.
• All Supplies Included – No need to bring anything; we’ve got you covered.
• Expert Guidance – Our team will be on hand to help every step of the way.
• A Fun Keepsake – Your child will leave with a handcrafted birdhouse to take home!
• Event Goodies – Each child will receive a DIY Birdhouse Kit, Paint, and a Custom Niehaus Kids Apron to make their experience even more special!

Tools & Supplies You’ll Need:

Before we jump into the step-by-step guide, here’s what you’ll need to build a sturdy wooden birdhouse. (All materials will be provided at the event, but if you want to build one at home, here’s what to grab!) 

Wooden Cut Pieces (Cut from a 1x6 board)

• (S) Two Side Pieces: 6" x 6" each (No pre-drilled holes)
• (B) Back Piece: 5 1/2" x 6" (With pre-drilled holes)
• (F) Front Piece: 5 1/2" x 6" (Includes a hole in the center for bird entry and pre-drilled holes)
• (B) Bottom Piece: 7 1/2" x 6" (With pre-drilled holes)
• (T) Top Piece: 9" x 6" (With pre-drilled holes)
• 1/4" Dowel Rod: Serves as the bird perch

Other Supplies

• 24 Exterior Nails: (1D x 1-1/2 in., 14-gauge, hot galvanized*)
• Hammer
• Paint & Brushes (Optional for decorating)
• Eye Screw (Optional, you can find some in our store).

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Birdhouse - (Download our guide here)

Step 1: Attach the First Side (S)

• Take one Side Piece (S) and line it up with the Front Piece (F).
• Using a hammer, carefully nail three nails through the pre-drilled holes in the Front Piece (F) to connect it to the Side Piece (S).

Step 2: Attach the Second Side (S)

• Take the other Side Piece (S) and line it up with the Front Piece (F).
• Just like before, hammer three nails through the pre-drilled holes in the Front Piece (F) to attach it.
• Now, both Side Pieces (S) should be securely connected to the Front Piece (F).

Step 3: Attach the Square Back Piece (B)

• Line up the Back Piece (B) with the two Side Pieces (S).
• Hammer three nails on each side through the pre-drilled holes to secure the Back Piece (B).

Step 4: Attached the Long Bottom Piece (B)

• Now that the sides, front, and back are secured, it’s time to attach the base.
• Flip the structure so the bottom is facing up, line up the Bottom Piece (B) with the rest of the structure.
• Hammer three nails through the pre-drilled holes in the Bottom Piece to attach it to the Side Pieces (S), Front (F), and Back (B).

Step 5: Attach the Roof/Top Piece (T)

• Rotate the structure again so the base is now at the bottom.
• Place the Extra-Long Top Piece (T) on top of the birdhouse, aligning it with the back while leaving an overhand in the front.
• Hammer three nails on each side through the pre-drilled holes to secure it.
• Make sure all the nails are fully in, and the birdhouse is sturdy.

Step 6: Add the Finishin Touches

• Take the decorative front stick and insert it into the small pre-drilled hole below the entrance.
• If needed, gently tap it with the hammer until it’s snug and secure.
• Time to decorate!
  • Paint your birdhouse with bright colors.
  • Use stickers, stencils, or any fun decorations to make it unique.
  • Let the paint dry completely before placing it outside.

Pro Tips for a Long-Lasting Birdhouse

• Give it a fresh look! Use the paint provided to design a one-of-a-kind birdhouse—get creative with bright colors, fun patterns, or even a name for your feathered visitors!

• Pick the perfect spot! Hang your birdhouse in a quiet, shady area to keep birds safe from predators and harsh weather.

• Check for visitors! Watch from a distance to see if birds have moved in, and be patient—it may take time for them to find their new home.

• Keep it cozy! Add a little dried grass or wood shavings inside to make the space more inviting for nesting birds.

• Give it a seasonal refresh! At the end of the nesting season, gently clean out old materials to keep the birdhouse safe and ready for new residents next year.

Little Builders Checklist

• Gather all materials and tools
• Assemble the walls and base securely
• Attach the roof properly
• Decorate with paint and other creative accessories
• Mount in a safe, bird-friendly location

Last But Not Least...

Building a wooden birdhouse is a rewarding and educational project that kids will enjoy, and our Little Builders Workshop at Niehaus Lumber is the perfect place to get started! Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or guardian, this event is a great way to introduce children to the joys of woodworking and nature.

Join us and create a special memory while giving local birds a cozy new home. We can’t wait to see you there!

Event Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025

Event Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location: Niehaus Lumber - 1023 Main St Suite A, Vincennes, IN 47591

Registration: Registration for this event closed 3/17/25. Walk-ins will NOT be guaranteed a birdhouse.