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A stone birdbath acts as a refreshing spot for birds to relax while enhancing the look of your outdoor space. This Old House’s mason, Mark McCullough, and host Kevin O’Connor create a stunning birdbath out of two stones in the above video. In this guide, we’ll explain how to build a stone birdbath, from the preparation to the construction process.
Selecting the Right Stones for Your Birdbath
Selecting the right stones for your birdbath will make it durable and attractive. The base stone should be rectangular or cylindrical with flat ends, standing about 18–20 inches tall for stability. For the bath itself, an oval or round stone with a circumference of 12–16 inches gives birds enough room to splash around.
You can opt for stones that match in color for a cohesive look, or you can choose contrasting stones for a more eye-catching design. Gather stones from your property, visit a local stone yard, or purchase them from a landscaping supply store.
Preparing Your Workspace for Birdbath Construction
Before you start, set up a safe and organized workspace. Gather all tools and materials you’ll need ahead of time to keep the project running smoothly. Here’s a list of tools and materials you may need for this project:
- Caulk
- Circular saw with a diamond blade
- Dust mask
- Epoxy putty
- Eye protection
- Hammer and chisel
- Hammer drill
- Masonry pin (stainless steel)
- Tape measure or ruler
- Two large stones
- Two sandbags
Shaping the Base Stone
The base stone supports the bath and needs stability. Start by placing a sandbag on your work surface to mimic the ground. Set the base stone on the sandbag and check for any wobbling. If it’s unsteady, use a hammer and chisel to smooth out any high spots or imperfections on the stone’s surface. While the top doesn’t need to be perfectly level, it should be flat enough to securely hold the bath stone.
Fitting the Bath Stone
Fitting the bath stone to the base is where you’ll get the structure just right. Dry-fit the bath stone by placing it on top of the base and gently rocking it to find any uneven spots. Mark those areas with chalk, then use a hammer and chisel to remove the high spots. Keep dry-fitting and adjusting until the bath stone sits firmly on the base.
Carving the Birdbath
Transforming the top stone into a functional bath requires careful and precise shaping to ensure functionality and appeal. Wear eye protection and a dust mask—especially if using a circular saw—to maintain safety during the process. Follow these steps to carve the birdbath:
- Place the bath stone on a sandbag, positioning the intended top side facing upward.
- Draw a circle representing the bath’s edges using a colored pencil or marker.
- Choose your preferred carving method for effective shaping: a hammer and chisel or a circular saw. If using a hammer and chisel, tap a pointed masonry chisel across the surface to create depressions and chip away at the surface with a flat chisel. If using a circular saw, use a diamond blade to make a series of relief cuts, removing the stone between cuts with a chisel.
- Gradually deepen the bath, checking your progress frequently to ensure uniform depth.
Connecting the Stones of the Birdbath
To keep the birdbath secure, connect the two stones. Identify the center of the bath stone’s bottom, then apply a small dab of caulk to mark the spot where the stones will connect. Separate the stones and make a hole where the caulk marked the connection point using a hammer drill.
Fill the hole in the base stone with epoxy putty, then insert a stainless-steel masonry pin into the epoxy. This will ensure the bath stone remain in place on the base. Securing the pin only in the base stone makes it easier to disassemble the birdbath if you ever need to move it.
Birdbath Installation and Finishing Touches
Choose a level spot and place the base stone there, making sure it sits securely. Set the bath stone on top of the base, aligning it with the pin, and twist it gently to lock it in place. After, fill the bath with fresh water to invite birds to your yard. To keep your birdbath in great shape, clean it regularly and refill it with fresh water every few days.
Our Conclusion
Building a stone birdbath is a creative way to add charm to your garden and invite more wildlife to your backyard oasis. With the right materials and a little patience, you can craft a unique birdbath that will last for years and become a gathering place for birds.
