Birdbath Pedestal

Birdbaths rise to new heights with this sturdy pedestal you can make from scraps of 4 x 4s. Seal a terra-cotta saucer to use as a birdbath, or simply set a blooming plant on the pedestal.

You'll need elementary carpentry skills. Omit the chamfers and the decorative trim if you're a beginner. Instead, use 1 x 2s for trim.

• Galvanized nails (or screws)
• Scraps of CCA (chromated copper arsenate)-treated Southern pine. Use the dimensions on the plans (next page) or adapt the design to suit your materials on hand.
• Circular saw
• Router
• Power driver/drill
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Level

You can print out this page to refer to the diagram.

1. Cut four 4 x 4s to length. Chamfer the outside edges. Glue and screw together using 1-1/2-inch spacers along the bottom edges.

2. Build the top of the stand from 1 x 6s enclosed in a mitered 2x4 surround. Rout chamfers in the 2x4s. Glue and nail the pieces together; attach to the top of posts. Finish the top with decorative trim routed from a 1 x 2.

3. To complete the bottom, miter 2x4s; nail to the 4 x 4s. Attach decorative trim routed from 1 x 2s.

4. To finish, paint the top and the bottom trim. Add decorative embellishments using a paint pen. Seal with two coats of clear polyurethane.