Bird houses DIY projects are a simple and rewarding way to bring life into your backyard while offering essential shelter to local birds. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a quick weekend project, building a birdhouse from scratch is inexpensive, beginner-friendly, and perfect for parents and kids to tackle together.
With just a few tools and a single cedar board, you can create a cozy nesting spot that helps birds thrive through the seasons. In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a basic birdhouse using natural materials, how to mount it safely, and why this small project makes a big impact—for both birds and humans.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Materials for Your Birdhouse
When starting a bird houses DIY project, your material choice matters—not just for durability, but for bird safety too. The best option is untreated cedar. It’s naturally weather-resistant, non-toxic, and long-lasting, making it ideal for outdoor use. Unlike pressure-treated or chemically treated wood, cedar won’t release fumes or residues that could harm birds.
Pine is another budget-friendly alternative, but it tends to rot more quickly when exposed to rain and snow. If you choose pine, be prepared for your birdhouse to last only a season or two.
Avoid using heavy adhesives or excessive wood filler. While a dab of wood glue may help keep the structure sturdy, ventilation is crucial—birds need fresh air, and airtight sealants can do more harm than good.
Material checklist:
- 1×6 cedar board (approx. 5 feet per birdhouse)
- Small nails or wood screws
- Non-toxic wood glue (optional)
- Waterproof wood filler (minimal use, if needed)
- Sandpaper to smooth rough edges
Using natural, safe materials ensures the birdhouse is not only sturdy but also a welcoming—and safe—space for its tiny occupants.
Building the Birdhouse: Step-by-Step Overview
Once you’ve gathered your materials, building your bird houses DIY project is surprisingly quick and beginner-friendly. With some basic cuts and a little assembly, you’ll have a functional and charming home for your feathered visitors in under an hour.
Step 1: Cut Your Wood Pieces
Using your cedar board, cut the following:
- Front and back panels
- Two side walls
- Roof pieces (2 angled pieces for a pitched roof)
- Base with drainage holes
Tip: Pre-drill nail holes to prevent the wood from splitting, especially if kids are helping with the build.
Step 2: Drill the Entrance Hole
Using a 1½” to 2″ spade bit, drill a circular opening in the front panel. The size of the hole determines which birds can use the house:
- 1½” = chickadees, wrens
- 2″ = bluebirds or sparrows
Make sure the hole is smooth and splinter-free to avoid injuring birds.
Step 3: Assemble the Box
Nail or screw the walls together, starting with the sides, then the front and back. Secure the base next, ensuring it’s flush and stable. You can add a small amount of wood glue at the joints for extra strength, but avoid sealing the box airtight.
Step 4: Attach the Roof
Fit the roof pieces together at an angle to allow rain runoff. Secure them firmly, and consider adding a slight overhang for added weather protection.
Step 5: Add Ventilation & Drainage
Drill tiny holes near the top sides for ventilation and a few in the base for drainage. Good airflow helps prevent mold and keeps the interior dry.
This easy bird houses DIY project is also great for children to assist with—especially during the hammering stage. With adult supervision, it becomes a creative and educational family activity.
To Paint or Not to Paint?
One of the most common questions in bird houses DIY projects is whether to paint or decorate the finished product. While a splash of color might make your birdhouse pop in the garden, it’s not always the best choice for the birds themselves.
Bright, bold colors may attract predators by making the birdhouse more visible. If you do decide to paint, stick with natural tones like brown, green, or gray to help the birdhouse blend into its surroundings. This provides birds with a sense of safety and reduces the risk of unwanted attention.
Also, always use non-toxic, water-based exterior paint or stain, and only paint the outside of the birdhouse. Never coat the interior, entrance hole, or ventilation areas—birds need clean, breathable space free from chemical fumes or residue.
For a completely natural approach, skip the paint altogether. Cedar wood, especially, weathers beautifully over time, taking on a soft gray patina that still looks attractive while being safe and subtle in the landscape.
Ultimately, the goal is a balance between function and form. If you’re building this birdhouse for wildlife—not just decoration—always prioritize the birds’ safety and comfort first.
Where and How to Mount Your Birdhouse
Proper placement is just as important as the build in any bird houses DIY project. Where you install your birdhouse can affect whether birds will actually use it—and how safe they’ll be once they move in.
Height Matters
Mount your birdhouse at least 5 to 10 feet off the ground, depending on the species you want to attract. Higher placements offer better protection from predators like cats, raccoons, and even curious humans.
Height Matters
Mount your birdhouse at least 5 to 10 feet off the ground, depending on the species you want to attract. Higher placements offer better protection from predators like cats, raccoons, and even curious humans.
Choose a Quiet, Sheltered Spot
Birds prefer calm areas away from heavy foot traffic and noise. Install the house on a tree trunk, fence post, or dedicated pole in a shaded or partially shaded location. Avoid mounting it in direct sunlight, which can overheat the interior during warmer months.
Avoid Hanging It
While hanging birdhouses may look cute, they tend to swing in the wind, which can deter birds from nesting. A secure mount with an L-bracket or back plate is ideal for stability.
Face It the Right Way
Position the entrance hole facing away from prevailing winds—ideally facing east or southeast in most climates. This helps keep rain and cold air out, making the birdhouse more comfortable and safe.
Keep It Away from Feeders
While it might seem convenient, placing your birdhouse near a feeder can invite too much traffic and competition. Give nesting birds their own peaceful area, separate from feeding zones.
Birdhouse Projects for Kids & Parties
One of the best things about bird houses DIY projects is how easily they turn into fun, meaningful activities for kids and groups. With minimal tools and materials, you can turn birdhouse building into a creative, hands-on experience that teaches basic woodworking skills and a little wildlife empathy, too.
Kid-Friendly Builds
Pre-cutting the wood pieces makes it easy for kids to safely assemble the birdhouse with guidance. Let them help with:
- Sanding edges
- Hammering nails
- Drilling small holes (with supervision)
- Decorating (if safe paint or markers are used)
Younger kids love seeing their finished project mounted outdoors—and they’ll be even more excited when birds start showing up.
Party Activity Idea
Hosting a birthday or seasonal get-together? Turn your bird houses DIY project into an interactive party craft. Pre-make kits with labeled wood pieces and simple instructions. Each child can build and take home their own birdhouse—a lasting memento that’s more meaningful than dollar-store favors.
You can even set up a decorating station with natural embellishments like pinecones, twigs, or dried flowers—just remind participants not to block the entrance or vents.
Conclusion
A simple bird houses DIY project is more than just a craft—it’s a way to support local wildlife, connect with nature, and enjoy meaningful time with family. Whether you’re building one to help birds survive harsh weather, as a weekend project with your kids, or as thoughtful handmade gifts, the result is always rewarding.
With just a few materials and some creativity, you can build a functional, bird-safe shelter that brings beauty and life to your garden. And the best part? You’ll get to watch birds make themselves at home in something you built with your own hands.
So grab that cedar board, fire up the drill, and start building—your backyard birds will thank you.