Attracting birds to your yard with handcrafted birdhouses is a fun and rewarding hobby for avid DIYers. With so many free birdhouse plans available online, you can build beautiful and functional bird homes with minimal cost. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first project or an experienced woodworker seeking a new challenge, there are free birdhouse plans for every skill level.
In this extensive guide, we will explore 32 of the best free DIY birdhouse plans and designs that you can build today. With simple, step-by-step instructions and material lists, you’ll have a custom birdhouse ready for feathered friends in no time. Let’s get started!
Why Build Your Own Birdhouse?
Constructing your own birdhouse from scratch offers many advantages compared to buying a pre-made one:
- Customization – DIY plans allow you to choose the exact size, shape, materials, and decorative elements. Personalize for your favorite bird species!
- Cost savings – Free plans and inexpensive materials make birdhouses an extremely budget-friendly project.
- Learning experience – Develop useful woodworking skills and get familiar with using hand/power tools.
- Unique design – Handmade birdhouses have rustic character and thoughtful details you won’t find in generic store-bought versions.
- Sustainability – Upcycling scrap wood or salvaged materials gives materials new life.
- Fun hobby – Building birdhouses is relaxing, creative, and yields a beautiful backyard addition.
- Handmade quality – Attention to detail and solid craftsmanship makes your birdhouse built to last.
Now let’s dive into 32 DIY birdhouse plans for all skill levels!
1. Simple Single Birdhouse
This easy plan from BirdWatching-Bliss.com is a great starter project for beginner DIYers and kids. The straightforward box design and minimal cut list make construction straight-forward.
Materials:
- 1×6 board – one 5′ length
- 1×8 board – one 8″ length
- Wood glue
- 4-6 wood screws – 1 5/8″
- Saw or hand saw
- Drill
- Sandpaper
- Exterior wood finish/stain
Steps:
- Cut pieces from 1×6 board:
- Front – 8″x5″
- Back – 8″x5″
- Sides – 5″x5″
- Bottom – 5″x4″
- Roof – 5″x8″ angles cut for slope
- Cut 8″x4″ piece from 1×8 for perch
- Use wood glue and nails to attach back to sides and bottom.
- Glue and screw front piece on.
- Add perch halfway up front, secured with screws.
- Glue roof piece on slanted back.
- Add desired decorative elements.
- Paint/stain/finish exterior.
- Add suitable birdhouse hanger on back.
- Fill with nesting material and enjoy your new birdhouse!
This quick and easy plan is sure to be a hit with all the birds in your backyard. The smaller size is ideal for chickadees, nuthatches, or wrens. Customize the measurements as needed to attract your favorite species.
2. Simple Birdhouse with Overhang Roof
Another easy beginner plan, this time from * Popular Mechanics*, uses similar straight cuts yet adds a charming oversized roof. This also allows the front birdhouse opening to be raised for improved drainage.
Materials:
- 1×6 cedar board – one 6′ length
- 1×8 cedar board – one 6′ length
- 15 wood screws
- Wood glue
- Drill
- Jigsaw or handsaw
- Sandpaper
- Exterior stain/sealant
Steps:
- From 1×6 board cut:
- Front – 6”x8”
- Back – 6”x12”
- Sides – 6”x6”
- Bottom – 6”x4”
- From 1×8 board cut:
- Roof – 12”x24”
- Join front, back, and sides using wood glue and screws.
- Attach bottom panel.
- Cut roof angles with jigsaw and attach to back panel.
- Sand edges smooth.
- Apply exterior stain and sealant.
- Add hanger to back and fill birdhouse with nest material.
The oversized roof provides shade and shelters the entrance hole from the elements. Feel free to customize the measurements or embellish with decorative wood burnings. This DIY birdhouse accomodates wrens, titmice, nuthatches, and other small birds.
3. Round Top Birdhouse
Moving up in complexity, this round top birdhouse from Lowes introduces angled and circular cuts. But with the detailed schematics and instructions, an intermediate DIYer can achieve impressive results.
Materials:
- 3/4″ x 6″ x 36″ cedar board
- 1/4″ x 3″ x 3″ wood dowel
- Wood glue
- 20 x 1 1⁄4” wood screws
- Saw and miter box
- Drill with 1 3/8” and 1 7/8” bits
- Sandpaper
Steps:
- Cut pieces from 3/4″ board as shown in diagram.
- Drill 1 3/8” hole 3 1⁄2” from bottom of front piece.
- Assemble house using wood glue and screws.
- Cut ends of dowel pointed on one end.
- Drill 1 7/8” holes into center of front and back pieces. Insert dowels.
- Use a jigsaw to cut dowel tops into rounded shapes as shown.
- Sand edges smooth and finish exterior as desired.
- Add removable roof, hinged door, and hardware.
This plans yields a stylish birdhouse any backyard DIYer would be proud of. The round top provides a distinctive look, while the removable roof makes interior access and cleaning easy. Follow the measurements exactly or scale up for larger bird species.
4. Modern Birdhouse
If you’re looking for a sleek, contemporary design, this modern birdhouse from Remodelaholic doesn’t disappoint. The straight lines and crisp angles result in a geometric masterpiece.
Materials:
- 3⁄4” x 5” x 36” cedar board
- 1⁄4” x 12” x 12” plywood
- 2” x 3” piece of dowel
- Wood glue
- Brad nails and screws
- Drill
Steps:
- Cut front, back, sides, bottom, and partitions from plywood according to diagram.
- Drill 1 1⁄4” entrance holes in partitions.
- Assemble box using glue and nails.
- Cut 10” x 10” roof square with 5” x 5” cutout from cedar.
- Attach bottom board to roof square.
- Glue dowel pieces inside roof opening.
- Finish as desired with paint or stain.
- Mount with wood screws.
The minimalist design and neutral color palette give this modern birdhouse appeal. Think about adding pops of color with a bright roof or bold exterior finish. Small songbirds like finches, chickadees, and house wrens will feel right at home.
5. Log Cabin Birdhouse
This log cabin-inspired birdhouse from Woodworker Express puts a rustic spin on the classic box shape. The overlapping wood strips are easy to assemble and look great.
Materials:
- 1×6 cedar board – one 6’ length
- 15 1⁄2” x 1⁄2” x 1⁄2” wood strips (tongue depressors work well)
- Wood glue
- 18 gauge wire brads
- 20 wood screws
- Drill
- Brad nailer (optional)
Steps:
- Cut plywood pieces according to diagram: front, back, sides, roof, and divider.
- Attach back to sides, then front using glue and brads.
- Add divider and bottom pieces.
- Layer wood strips in overlapping pattern over exterior using glue and brads. Trim to fit.
- Attach roof piece with screws.
- Finish as desired with stain/sealant.
- Add metal roof ridge cap for durability.
- Mount birdhouse with screws.
You can use pine, cedar, birch, or other wood strips depending on the look you wish to achieve. Consider mixing woods for added color and interest. Chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, and wrens will feel right at home in this woodsy retreat.
6. Simple DIY Bluebird Box
Attracting vivid blue bluebirds to your yard starts with placing a suitably sized nesting box designed just for them. This easy plan from The Spruce fits the bill.
Materials:
- 1×6 cedar board – one 6’ length
- 1×8 cedar board – one 6’ length
- 20 wood screws
- 4” x 3/8” dowel
- Wood glue
- Drill
- Jigsaw
Steps:
- Cut plywood pieces according to diagram: front, back, sides, and roof.
- Use jigsaw to cut side ventilation slots.
- Assemble box using glue and screws.
- Cut 45 degree angles on dowel ends and insert into roof as perch pegs.
- Sand edges smooth. Apply water sealant if desired.
- Attach box to tree, post, or pole at proper bluebird height.
Proper nest box placement, dimensions, ventilation, and entry hole size are key factors for attracting bluebirds. Consult Audubon guidelines to ensure your DIY bluebird house meets all the specifications needed to entice these colorful songbirds to take up residence.
7. Purple Martin House
Purple martins are unique in that they nest colonially, requiring multi-unit apartments perfectly suited to their needs. This large martin house from Birds and Blooms fits the bill.
Materials:
- 3⁄4” x 10” x 10’ cedar board
- Two 1” x 4” x 8′ cedar boards
- 1⁄2” x 4” x 4” wood blocks
- Exterior wood glue
- 2” wood screws
- 4” bolts with washers and nuts
- Drill with 1 1⁄8” bit
Steps:
- Cut plywood pieces according to diagram.
- Drill entrance holes in each compartment.
- Stack compartments and use glue and screws to attach blocks in between to space units.
- Sand exterior smooth. Apply protective finish if desired.
- On center back, screw backing board.
- On bottom, attach extended landing perch.
- Use bolts to attach martin pole or add hanging hardware.
With proper siting near open fields and water, this stately home can attract up to 15 breeding pairs of purple martins. Placing near established colonies will greatly increase your odds of enticing these migrants.
8. Bat House
In addition to feathered friends, be sure to also extend DIY home invites to helpful backyard bats. This single chamber bat house from Northwest Science Center provides perfect roosting habitat.
Materials:
- 1″ x 10″ x 4′ cedar board
- 1⁄4” x 2’x4′ plywood
- 15-20 1 5/8” deck screws
- Exterior wood glue
- Black paint/stain
- Drill
- Jigsaw
Steps:
- Cut plywood into pieces according to diagram.
- Use jigsaw to cut ventilation slots.
- Assemble back, front, sides, and partitions using glue and screws. Leave 1⁄4” gaps between pieces.
- On back, attach top slanted roof piece.
- Paint/stain exterior black for increased heat absorption.
- Seal any wood seams with caulk.
- Install on pole or structure 15-20 feet above ground facing south/southwest.
Be sure to situate bat houses ~100 yards from human dwellings, with a clear flight path to the entrance. Bats play a crucial role in controlling insect pests and pollinating plants. Providing roost boxes will encourage these beneficial creatures to take up residence.
9. Robin Nesting Shelf
Robins raise multiple broods each spring and frequently seek out man-made structures for nest building. Attract them handily with this simple nesting shelf from BirdWatching HQ.
Materials:
- 1×6 cedar board – one 6’ length
- Two 3” x 6” shelf brackets
- 1⁄4” x 2” wood dowel
- 8 wood screws
- Drill
Steps:
- Cut 18” x 6” board for shelf.
- On underside, screw brackets spaced evenly.
- On front edge, drill holes for dowels spaced every 2” apart. Cut dowels 6” length. Insert in holes.
- Screw shelf on wall or under eave at desired height.
- Fill with nesting material.
Be sure to situate in a sheltered spot near trees or shrubs, 4-12 feet above ground. Installing near an outdoor light fixture will further attract night-singing male robins in spring. Keep cats away. Enjoy watching the breeding antics of these ubiquitous songbirds.
10. Finch Birdhouse Made From Flowerpot
Breath new life into used terracotta pots by transforming them into charming birdhouses. This easy project from Better Homes & Gardens creates the perfect finch nesting nook.
Materials:
- 6” terracotta flowerpot
- 1” x 6” cedar board
- 5”x 7” cedar for roof
- Small terra cotta saucer
- 20 wood screws
- Drill with 1 1⁄4” bit
Steps:
- On pot, use drill to make two 1 1⁄4” entry holes opposite each other, 3” from top rim.
- Cut cedar board into 6” x 6 1⁄2” front piece. On center, drill 1 1⁄4” hole.
- Insert board into pot and screw in place through drainage hole.
- Cut roof piece. On front, cut out notch and drill 1 1⁄4” hole.
- Attach roof piece by screwing through underside of saucer into roof board.
- Screw saucer onto lower drainage hole.
- Fill pot with nesting material. Use screw eyes on back to hang.
The enclosed nesting chamber provides finches, chickadees, wrens and other small birds shelter from the elements while raising their young. Hang your flow-pot birdhouses in sheltered spots around the yard and enjoy watching bird families thrive.
11. Tree Slice Birdhouse
Upcycle tree disc cutoffs from the lumber or firewood pile into this rustic birhouse. Follow the steps from Crafted by the Hunts below:
Materials:
- 3″-4″ thick tree slice/disc at least 6″ diameter
- 1″x 8″ cedar board
- Small terra cotta saucer
- 20-30 wood screws
- Drill with various size bits
Steps:
- On tree slice, drill 1 1⁄4” entry hole 2” from top edge.
- Cut cedar into sides, divider, front & back strips to fit inside slice.
- Assemble interior box using glue and screws. Drill vent holes.
- On front, drill entry hole aligned with tree slice hole.
- Flip over. Use saucer as backing, screwed into interior box bottom.
- Apply water-sealant if desired. Hang with wire through saucer.
Fruit tree slices work well for this project. Choose your favorite wood species for contrast. Chickadees, nuthatches and other small birds will adore this all-natural abode.
12. Gourd Birdhouse
For an organic, sustainable nesting option, you can’t get much better than a homegrown gourd. These hardy fruits readily accept housing modifications, as shown in this tutorial from Frugal Luxuries.
Materials:
- Cleaned, dried ornamental gourd at least 6” diameter
- Small gourd or wood for roof
- Wood glue
- 20 gauge wire
- Drill with 1 1⁄4” bit
- Wire cutters
- Acrylic paint (optional)
Steps:
- Use wire to cut entry hole 2” down from top rim of gourd. Clean out interior.
- Cut roof piece to fit curve of gourd. Drill vent holes as needed.
- Glue roof onto gourd top. Reinforce with wire if needed.
- Add perch, decorative accents, hardware as desired.
- Paint and seal exterior to protect from elements.
- Hang in a sheltered area away from prevailing winds.
Encourage natural pest control and enjoy seasonal decor by growing and crafting ornamental gourds into long-lasting bird homes. Site them away from squirrels that may chew into the organic materials.
13. Milk Carton Birdhouse
Reusing paper milk and juice cartons keeps them out of landfills and provides DIYers with an easy, kid-friendly birdhouse building material. Follow this guide from Fireflies and Mudpies to make adorable carton abodes.
Materials:
- Clean, rinsed 1 pint milk or juice cartons
- Scrap of 1×6 wood for perch
- Wood glue
- Brad nails and/or strong tape
- Acrylic