Build a Bird House from Household waste

A Simple, Eco-Friendly Guide for Your Garden


Creating a bird house from scrap materials is a brilliant way to support local wildlife while cutting down on waste. Many items you might normally throw away can be turned into safe, functional homes for your garden birds. With a little creativity, you can make something sturdy, weatherproof and inviting for nesting birds.

Why Use Household Waste?

Using reclaimed materials has several benefits:

  • Reduces waste by giving discarded items a second life
  • Costs almost nothing to build
  • Encourages creativity and family involvement
  • Supports local wildlife, especially cavity-nesting birds
  • Keeps resources out of landfill while helping nature thrive

From old wooden boxes to broken drawers, many items can form the structure of a bird house with very little modification.

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Materials You Can Repurpose

Here are some common household items that make excellent birdhouse components:

✔ Wooden Tea / Biscuit / Wine Boxes

Sturdy, natural and perfectly sized for small bird houses.

✔ Scraps & Offcuts of Wood

Leftover bits from DIY projects make great walls, bases and roofs.

✔ Small Wooden Crates

Fruit crates or gift boxes can be converted into nesting boxes with minimal effort.

✔ Broken Terracotta Plant Pots

Weather-resistant and breathable; ideal for a rustic-style bird shelter.

✔ Old Cutting Boards

Cracked or worn boards can be turned into strong panels.

✔ Gourds or Pumpkin Shells

Hollow gourds make traditional, natural nesting houses.

⚠ Materials to Avoid

Metal tins, glass jars, or thin plastics — these can overheat, trap condensation or become unsafe for birds.
(They’re great for insect hotels, but not for nesting birds.)

What Else You’ll Need

  • Galvanised screws or nails
  • Drill & entrance-hole bit (25–32 mm for common garden birds)
  • Sandpaper
  • Waterproof roof covering (scrap felt, slate or wood)
  • Optional: Non-toxic outdoor paint or stain
  • Optional: Straw or dried grass for a small starter layer

Step 1

Prepare the Main Body

  • Choose your base item — a wooden box, crate, or assembled scrap pieces.
  • Sand rough edges to protect feathers and tiny feet.

Step 2

Add an Entrance Hole

Drill a circular entrance:

  • 25 mm → blue tits, coal tits
  • 28 mm → great tits
  • 32 mm → sparrows

If using a gourd or plant pot, cut the entrance with a small saw.

Step 3

Install the Base and Walls

  • If using loose scrap wood, screw the pieces together to form a simple box.
  • Ensure the base has small drainage holes.

Step 4

Weatherproof the Outside

  • Paint or stain the exterior only, using natural colours.
  • Avoid painting the inside.

Step 5

Add a Small Nesting Layer

  • Place a small handful of straw or dried grass to encourage nesting.
  • Avoid fluffy materials that can tangle around chicks.

Step 6

Position Your Bird House

Placement is key for success:

  • Mount 2–4 metres above ground
  • Choose shade or partial shade
  • Face away from prevailing winds
  • Keep the flight path clear
  • Fix securely so it doesn’t sway

Tips for Success

  1. Install the house in autumn or winter so birds can find it early.
  2. Clean the bird house once a year (after nesting season).
  3. Avoid adding perches: predators use them as stepping points.
  4. Keep the entrance hole smooth and round — no sharp edges.
  5. Patience is key — some birds take weeks or months to move in.

A Fun, Sustainable Garden Project
Building a bird house from reclaimed materials is a rewarding way to welcome wildlife into
your garden while doing your part for the environment. Every homemade shelter helps local
birds find a safe nesting site — especially during harsher seasons or when natural tree
cavities are scarce.