13 DIY Bird House Plans

Birdhouses are an excellent addition to any outdoor space, bringing a touch of nature right to your doorstep. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking for a fun and rewarding project, birdhouses offer a chance to get creative while providing a cozy home for local wildlife. In this article, we’ll walk you through 13 birdhouse plans that cater to various tastes, skill levels, and bird species, ensuring your backyard becomes a haven for your feathered friends.

1. Classic Wooden Birdhouse Plan

Source

The classic wooden birdhouse is a timeless favorite for a reason. Its simple structure, easy-to-follow instructions, and natural materials make it a go-to for beginners. Constructed from untreated wood, it provides a safe, weather-resistant environment for birds to nest in. The design includes a roof to protect against rain, and a front hole to allow easy access for the birds.

You can personalize the design by adding a perch below the entrance hole, though some birds prefer no perch to discourage predators from sneaking in. The dimensions of the hole can vary depending on the species of bird you’re hoping to attract, with 1 1/8 inches being ideal for chickadees and smaller birds, while 1 1/2 inches suits species like bluebirds.

The best part? This birdhouse can be customized with fun paint colors and patterns to match your outdoor decor. Whether you’re looking for a rustic finish or a more modern touch, it can blend seamlessly into any backyard. Add a coat of non-toxic sealant for extra durability against the elements.

2. PVC Pipe Birdhouse

Source

For a more modern twist on a traditional birdhouse, a PVC pipe birdhouse is an excellent choice. PVC pipes are durable, easy to work with, and resistant to moisture, making them perfect for outdoor use. This plan is particularly great for those who want a low-maintenance birdhouse that will last for years to come.

The construction involves cutting a length of PVC pipe, drilling holes for ventilation, and creating a small entrance at the base. You can attach the pipe to a tree or a fence, ensuring it’s high enough to be out of reach from predators. This birdhouse is perfect for attracting cavity-nesting species like wrens and sparrows.

To give it a more natural look, you can paint the exterior of the pipe or wrap it in a material like burlap. The PVC pipe birdhouse is also easy to clean, with no intricate corners or crevices where debris could accumulate.

3. Log Birdhouse

Source

For a rustic and charming birdhouse that blends beautifully with a natural landscape, a log birdhouse is a fantastic option. This design uses a hollowed-out log or a thick branch, providing a cozy and secure nesting space for birds. Not only does it offer insulation against temperature changes, but it also gives your backyard a woodsy, inviting feel.

To build a log birdhouse, start by finding a suitable log that is at least 6-8 inches in diameter. Hollow out the log, leaving a small entrance hole at the front. You can either drill the hole or use a saw to create an opening. The log will naturally provide shelter from rain and wind, while the wood allows the birdhouse to blend seamlessly with trees and shrubs.

Log birdhouses are particularly attractive to woodpeckers, chickadees, and other birds that naturally nest in tree cavities. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly design, this is a great option that requires minimal construction materials and lets you incorporate natural elements from your surroundings.

4. A-Frame Birdhouse

Source

For a contemporary take on a traditional birdhouse, the A-frame design is sleek and stylish. This structure mimics the shape of a house with its slanted roof, making it not only functional but visually appealing as well. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to add an architectural element to their outdoor decor.

Building an A-frame birdhouse is straightforward, with the most important components being the slanted roof, a base for stability, and a hole for access. You can adjust the size of the birdhouse to accommodate different bird species, though smaller holes are best for keeping predators out.

One of the benefits of this design is that it’s highly customizable. You can opt for a classic wooden finish, paint it in your favorite colors, or even stain it to give the house a weathered look. The A-frame birdhouse will not only attract birds but also serve as a unique piece of outdoor decor.

5. Modern Hanging Birdhouse

Source

If you’re looking to incorporate birdhouses into a modern patio or back porch setup, a hanging birdhouse can offer the perfect solution. These birdhouses are typically smaller and lighter, designed to hang from a tree branch, a post, or even a patio hook. Their minimalist designs can blend seamlessly with contemporary back porch ideas, creating a chic focal point for your outdoor space.

The modern hanging birdhouse is easy to build, requiring just a wooden box with a small entrance hole and a secure hanging mechanism. You can make the design even more stylish by using geometric shapes or incorporating a variety of materials, such as metal accents or woven elements.

This birdhouse design is perfect for small bird species like finches and warblers, which prefer compact spaces that offer shelter but are still exposed enough for easy access to food and water. Consider adding some decorative touches like a small perch or a colorful roof for extra flair.

6. Vertical Birdhouse Tower

Source

For a unique and eye-catching addition to your outdoor space, a vertical birdhouse tower can be a great choice. This structure features several birdhouses stacked on top of each other, creating a multi-level nesting area for multiple bird families. It’s an ideal design if you have a large backyard and want to accommodate various bird species in one place.

The vertical tower can be constructed using wooden planks or pallets, and each birdhouse is stacked securely to ensure stability. The individual houses should be spaced sufficiently to avoid conflict between birds while still providing a cohesive look. This design works well for species that like to nest in groups, such as purple martins or tree swallows.

While this design requires a bit more work than the simpler birdhouses, it’s an exciting challenge for seasoned DIYers. The tower also offers a great opportunity to experiment with different colors and styles for each level, turning it into a decorative feature as well as a functional birdhouse.

7. Cottage-Style Birdhouse

Source

If you love the charm of cottage-style decor, this birdhouse design will bring a cozy, homey feel to your backyard. Inspired by quaint cottages, this birdhouse typically includes elements like a steep roof, a decorative chimney, and even small windows. It’s a delightful option if you want to create a whimsical, fairytale-inspired space for your feathered friends.

To build a cottage-style birdhouse, start with a basic wooden box and add architectural details like a gable roof, a small chimney, and a front porch. The entrance hole should be appropriately sized for the bird species you want to attract. You can even add a flower box or miniature garden next to the birdhouse for extra charm.

This birdhouse is perfect for those looking to add a touch of personality to their garden while providing birds with a safe, snug home. It’s especially appealing to families with children who will enjoy the fun, miniature cottage appearance.

8. Barrel Birdhouse

Source

The barrel birdhouse is a whimsical and eye-catching design that adds a touch of rustic charm to your backyard. Resembling a miniature barrel, this birdhouse is not only functional but also an interesting decorative piece. Its round shape provides plenty of space for birds to move around, and the curved design makes it a natural fit for areas with a lot of greenery.

To make a barrel birdhouse, you’ll need a half-barrel or a small wooden drum. Cut a hole in one of the sides for the bird’s entrance, ensuring the hole is the appropriate size for the species you’re trying to attract. The top of the barrel should be angled to allow rainwater to slide off easily, and it can be secured to a post, tree, or hanging from a sturdy branch.

Barrel birdhouses are perfect for birds that enjoy having plenty of space, such as starlings or woodpeckers. They also make great conversation starters and can be painted or decorated to suit your outdoor decor, whether you prefer a rustic finish or something more colorful.

9. Floating Birdhouse

Source

If you have a pond or lake in your backyard, a floating birdhouse is a unique way to incorporate nature into your outdoor space. These birdhouses are designed to float on the water, providing birds with a safe and serene spot to nest and rest. The floating design ensures that birds stay protected from ground predators and offers a peaceful environment surrounded by water.

To build a floating birdhouse, you can use materials such as waterproof wood, plastic, or even a recycled boat. Attach pontoons or Styrofoam to the base of the birdhouse to keep it buoyant. Make sure the entrance is positioned just above the waterline so the birdhouse remains dry during high water levels.

Floating birdhouses are particularly attractive to waterfowl species like ducks, swans, and water-loving birds like herons. Not only do they serve as a nesting site, but they also add an extra dimension to your outdoor space, creating a tranquil water feature that both humans and birds can enjoy.

10. Birdhouse With a Roof Garden

Source

For a truly innovative and eco-friendly birdhouse design, a birdhouse with a roof garden is a fantastic option. This design combines the benefits of providing shelter for birds with the joys of gardening. The roof of the birdhouse is used as a small garden space, allowing you to plant flowers, succulents, or even herbs that will attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, creating a thriving ecosystem.

To build a birdhouse with a roof garden, start with a basic wooden birdhouse design, ensuring it has enough space for both the birds and the plants. The roof should be flat or gently sloped to allow for planting. Use soil or moss on top to create a growing medium for your plants, ensuring that it’s securely anchored to prevent plants from spilling over.

This type of birdhouse not only attracts birds but also adds beauty to your garden and helps promote biodiversity. It’s a great option for gardeners who want to make the most of their outdoor space while providing a safe haven for local wildlife.

11. Nesting Box Birdhouse

Source

A nesting box birdhouse is an essential addition for any backyard bird enthusiast looking to provide a cozy and safe environment for birds to raise their young. This design is simple, straightforward, and effective in meeting the needs of many bird species, including robins, sparrows, and bluebirds.

The nesting box birdhouse is typically a rectangular box with a small entrance hole. The interior should be spacious enough to accommodate a small bird family, with a removable floor for easy cleaning. It’s important to choose wood that is both durable and breathable, such as cedar or pine, to maintain a healthy environment for nesting.

This birdhouse can be customized to suit different species by adjusting the size of the entrance hole. For example, smaller hole sizes are better for chickadees and wrens, while larger ones will attract sparrows and bluebirds. The nesting box birdhouse is a reliable and functional design that works year-round, providing birds with a safe space to breed and shelter.

12. Barn-Style Birdhouse

Source

Inspired by classic farmhouses, the barn-style birdhouse is a charming and rustic addition to your outdoor decor. Its design typically includes a gable roof, large overhangs, and a front that mimics the look of a barn’s entrance. This birdhouse is perfect for those who love the cozy, country aesthetic and want to attract birds that are comfortable in a large, open space.

Building a barn-style birdhouse involves constructing a sloped roof and attaching it to a rectangular wooden box. You can add fun details like faux windows, a decorative door, or even a small bell or weathervane on top for added charm. The large front opening allows easy access for birds, and you can choose to add a perch or leave it simple, depending on your preference.

Barn-style birdhouses are excellent for attracting species like sparrows, swallows, and purple martins, which prefer a wide opening for easy entry. This birdhouse works especially well in larger gardens or fields, providing ample space for birds to fly in and out.

13. Pallet Birdhouse

Source

For an eco-friendly and budget-conscious birdhouse design, the pallet birdhouse is a fantastic choice. Made from repurposed wooden pallets, this birdhouse not only helps reduce waste but also provides a durable, weather-resistant home for birds. Plus, the rustic, industrial look of a pallet birdhouse makes it an interesting feature for any outdoor space.

To build a pallet birdhouse, begin by disassembling a wooden pallet and using the slats to construct the birdhouse frame. You can create an open-fronted design or add a small entrance hole, depending on the birds you want to attract. Since pallets are often weathered and worn, they provide a natural camouflage for the birdhouse, allowing it to blend seamlessly with trees, fences, or other outdoor structures.

This birdhouse is perfect for species like sparrows, chickadees, and finches that enjoy a cozy space with good ventilation. Not only does a pallet birdhouse make a practical addition to your backyard, but it’s also an environmentally-friendly project that adds character to your space.

Conclusion

Birdhouses are a wonderful way to enhance your backyard, providing shelter for local birds while adding beauty and charm to your outdoor decor. Whether you prefer rustic designs like log or barn-style birdhouses, or modern creations like PVC pipes or floating houses, each birdhouse plan offers a unique way to invite nature into your space. These 13 plans are just the beginning of what’s possible, and they can be tailored to fit your backyard’s style and your feathered friends’ needs.

So, whether you’re looking to create a cozy, functional space for nesting birds, or simply want to add a decorative element to your garden, these birdhouse plans will inspire you to get started. Happy building, and enjoy watching the birds make themselves at home in your new creations!