Twelve years ago, I found an old porch light at an estate auction. I knew instantly that I wanted to make a birdhouse out of it. I had a stack of old tiles, and it just worked. The house with the chipmunk on top is the one that I made twelve years ago. It has been hanging in my backyard ever since. Wisconsin Winters to Wisconsin Summers, year after year and it still looks great.

The one I made for purposes of this Instructable is the green one. I found the fixture on Ebay after a search for hanging porch light, swag light, porch lantern.

However, I have made many of these birdhouses and have found these old lights at Goodwill to garage sales. Just keep your eyes open.

Step 1: BIRD HOLE CHART:

http://www.woodworkersguide.com/2009/04/27/a-bird-house-specification-chart/

Step 2: SUPPLIES:

What you will need:

An old swag light or porch lantern
Spray primer
Spray sealer
Acrylic paint and brushes
Drill and bits
Commercial flooring tiles

Step 3: CUTTING THE TILE:

I love when I can find a porch light with the glass insets so that I have a template already made.

If you haven't worked with commercial floor tile before, you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to cut. All you need do is score along your cut line and snap in half. I tend to use the edge of my counter.

The tile will snap with ease.

Step 4: PAINTING AND SEALING:

Give the panels a good spray with the primer, making sure to get the edges. The rest is up to your creativity.

Use a generous coating of sealer, again making sure to get the edges.

Step 5: FINISING TOUCHES:

To finish, just put on your perch, slide the panels in and find the perfect tree.

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18 Comments

The Green Gentleman

6 years ago on Introduction

Really nice! Wow! We just made one, but not so elegant. Of course, there were little fingers involved, so elegant isn't on the agenda for a few years.

May have to make one of these...