Make a DIY birdhouse on the cheap

Learn how to make a DIY birdhouse with our free tutorials, or how about following our guide to upcycling an old birdhouse!

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Published: February 28, 2024 at 4:10 pm

Learn how to make a DIY birdhouse with the free bird box plans as we collate the best DIY birdhouses from around the web! We also share a tutorial on how to upcycle an old birdhouse, or if you're looking for ideas for key storage - we have a brilliant tutorial on how to make a birdhouse out of card. And if you're looking for more bird-themed projects, why not try this gorgeous applique bird cushion, or these beautiful patchwork bird softies.

Want some free patterned paper to boost your stash or to decorate your DIY birdhouse? Take a look at our ever-growing collection of free patterned papers, there are lots to choose from and there are lots of different themes – including these bird printables or these stunning hummingbird papers.

We love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to share your craft projects with us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, too!

How to make a DIY birdhouse

If you want to try your hand at DIY, we've rounded up some of the best DIY birdhouse designs and bird box plans - which is your favourite? Or, if you are looking to upcycle an old birdhouse - scroll down for our storybook-inspired upcycled birdhouse tutorial!

Upcycled DIY birdhouse

We love this DIY birdhouse from Dream a Little Bigger that uses pennies to create a hardwearing copper roof for the birds!

Beautiful DIY birdhouse

This DIY birdhouse tutorial by Jack Sander over at DIY Specialist is excellent - there are photos for each step, and Jack shares lots of tips for building the best DIY birdhouse - and look how cute it is!

Easy one-board DIY birdhouse

The folk over at Sun Catcher Studio have made some free bird box plans so you can create your own one-board DIY birdhouse, and they even share tips on how to hang a birdhouse. Nice!

Modern DIY birdhouse

Chris Gardner at Curbly has put together this handy modern DIY birdhouse tutorial, we love the roof raised on dowels. Happily, it took less than 48 hours for a goldfinch to move into Chris's DIY birdhouse!

Easy wooden birdhouse

Cindy over at Skip to my Lou has created this simple DIY birdhouse tutorial and they even take into account easy cleaning at the end of the season.

DIY birdhouse made from an old shutter

Jeanie at Create and Babble has made this fantastic DIY birdhouse tutorial where she upcycles an old shutter. The slats in the shutter are ideal for ventilation and we think this is such a brilliant design!

DIY birdhouse made from corks

If you can't quite bring yourself to throw out your cork collection - how about using them to make this fun DIY birdhouse from Felt Magnet?

Traditional DIY birdhouse

Use a single pine board to make this traditional birdhouse from Lowes - it's a simple shopping list (always appreciated) that creates a fantastic-looking end product!

License plate DIY birdhouse

Do you have old license plates knocking around? Or perhaps you pick them up as souvenirs from trips away - Runner Duck shows us how to turn them into your own unique and bespoke DIY birdhouses!


How to upcycle a birdhouse

Why not put favourite old books to great use when you use them to transform a tatty old birdhouse into a beautiful decoration! Add unique character to your home with this cute, retro-looking birdhouse made from upcycled books. Using the covers from paperback books, they can be decoratively hung from the wall in true birdhouse style or placed on a dressing table, adapting the lid to make it removable for them to store special trinkets in. You can buy wooden birdhouses from most hardware stores but also look in reclamation yards where you can pick up some bargain buys. You could also try making this project with old maps or scrapbook papers for a completely different effect.

You will need

  • Wooden birdhouse
  • Vintage children’s books (or wrapping/decoupage paper)
  • Claw hammer
  • Metal ruler
  • Scalpel and blades
  • PVA glue and paintbrush
  • Glue gun and glue stick
  • Ribbon
  • Pom-pom trim

Step 1

Use a claw hammer to gently prise the roof from the birdhouse and then carefully remove any protruding nails from the main body of the birdhouse.

Step 2

Take a look at the children's books and choose a book with a cover that will make the most effective front wall for the birdhouse. Use a scalpel to remove the outer cover of the book being careful not to rip the paper. Select the part of the cover you would like to use and lay it flat, picture side down, on your workbench. Lie the birdhouse front side down on top of the book cover and draw around it. Make sure you draw a circle where the bird entrance is positioned. Remove the birdhouse, then use a ruler and scalpel to cut out the shape, along the lines you have drawn.

Step 3

Paint a layer of PVA glue over the front of the birdhouse and pop the cover, picture side facing out, on top, smoothing out any lines or bubbles as you do so. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth and then place a heavy bowl or similar object on top to weigh the paper down while the glue is drying.

Step 4

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for both of the sides and the back of the birdhouse, making sure you poke a hole through the back layer where the picture hook goes.

Step 5

Cut four strips of leftover book covers measuring 1cm (1⁄4") wide and the height of the birdhouse. Fold in half, then paint some PVA glue onto the back of each strip, one by one, then press one onto each edge of the birdhouse, making sure to line up the fold with the edge. Flatten out any creases or bubbles and wipe away any excess PVA glue. Leave to dry.

Step 6

While the birdhouse is drying, choose a hardback book to use for the roof. Measure the side panels of the discarded wooden roof and cut the hardback book to fit, using the spine as the top, centre point.

Step 7

Use a glue gun to secure the roof in place. Run a line of hot glue around all exposed top edges of the birdhouse, then press the hardback book, picture side up, firmly in place. Make sure the spine is at the top of the roof.

Step 8

Cut a base for the birdhouse that is slightly larger than the birdhouse. Hot glue it to the bottom of the birdhouse.

Step 9

Cut a pom-pom trim to the size of the perimeter of the birdhouse roof and hot glue in place around the edge of the roof. Cut a length of blue ribbon measuring the same as the length of the roof, and stick along the spine of the roof to hide the paper joins.


How to make a birdhouse from card

Brighten your home with Clare Buswell’s charming birdhouse decoration and secret key storage! This beautiful DIY birdhouse can be attached to a wall with Velcro dots if desired. Ensure that you align the stand and roof with the back edge of the birdhouse if you would like to hang the key holder on a wall.

You will need

Step 1

Trace the DIY birdhouse templates for the back panel, side panels, and the base onto patterned paper and cut out. Score along fold lines and crease using a bone folder. Alternatively – trace around your templates onto some card, then cover with patterned paper for a sturdy finish.

Download your free DIY birdhouse templates:

How to make a birdhouse from card – step 1

Step 2

Attach the two side panels to the base of the birdhouse by gluing the tabs on one short side of each side panel to the short sides of the base, creating one long piece.

How to make a birdhouse from card – step 2

Step 3

Apply a little covering of glue to secure the tabs on the back panel. Next, attach the back panel to the base and side panels, carefully lining up all corners and edges.

How to make a birdhouse from card – step 3

Step 4

Trace the DIY birdhouse templates for the birdhouse stand and roof onto patterned paper and cut them out. Score firmly and fold carefully along the fold lines.

Download your free DIY birdhouse templates:

How to make a birdhouse from card – step 4

Step 5

Attach the base of the birdhouse to the stand using glue or double-sided tape. Next, attach the roof to the birdhouse by securing the tabs to the back and side panels.

How to make a birdhouse from card – step 5

Step 6

Trace the front panel DIY birdhouse template and cut it out. Trim circular window. Score and fold along fold lines. Attach to the side panel, add Velcro dot on the tab to create a door. When attaching the Velcro dot to the birdhouse door, attach one side to the tab, then attach the other side to the Velcro dot. Remove the backing and close the door, securing the other side of the Velcro dot to the side panel in the correct position.

Download your free DIY birdhouse templates:

How to make a birdhouse from card – step 6

Step 7

For the perch, roll a strip of patterned paper tightly using a cocktail stick and glue to secure it in place. Pierce a hole in the front panel, push the tube through and glue in place.

How to make a birdhouse from card – step 7

Step 8

Line inside of birdhouse with some patterned paper. Attach a cup hook to the inside of the back panel. Attach some ribbon around the base of the birdhouse and add a ribbon bow. Add button to the door tab to finish your DIY birdhouse!

Your DIY birdhouse can be attached to a wall with Velcro dots if desired. Ensure that you align the stand and roof with the back edge of the birdhouse if you would like to hang the key holder on a wall.

How to make a birdhouse from card – step 8

How to make a birdhouse from card portrait

Be inspired to make a DIY birdhouse with Gathered

Whichever design you've decided to try from this comprehensive round-up, you might also enjoy having a go at making your own birdhouse from scratch! Take a look at this easy step-by-step to building a birdhouse in 10 easy steps. It's a cheap and cheerful way to use up any offcuts of wood and leftover paint you may have in your shed!

Birdhouses painted in green and pink with white spots

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