A well-planned nest box can attract birds to set up home in your backyard.
And well as providing a place for birds to nest birdboxes can be things of beauty in their own right, they make wonderful decorative garden features.
Different species of birds prefer different birdhouse designs. So if you are starting a project you should consider the species of bird you wish to attract. Your DIY project should be sized to make a nest they will most want, especially the entrance hole. They can be pretty choosy customers!
In this post, we have curated a list of free birdhouse plans that you can use to build your bird house project. Watch the videos below to find dimensions and more details from the awesome people that generously shared their birdhouse designs.
Alternatively, if you want a book with lots of simple easy plans we can recommend this one:
Tim’s Very Basic Simple Bird House With Easy To Follow Instructions
Tim’s cheap birdhouses cost less than $5 and can be put together using basic tools. The video instructions are detailed and precise and he gives all the measurements:
You will find better designs on this page though but as Tim says “he never heard the birds complain” about his cheap and easy bird boxes.
Ben’s Bluebird Birdhouse Plans
In this video, Ben shows us how to man a box for bluebirds from one board. It’s an easy plan that you can build using limited tools. It’s very cheap to make and the plans are free.
free birdhouse plans
Stan’s Hummingbird Nesting Platform
Hummingbirds don’t nest in boxes and prefer an open nest. They are attracted to the forks in tree branches. You can build a platform that will be attractive to hummingbirds and also proved them with material to build their home.
This video has all the information you need to build a hummingbird nesting platform.
Ben’s Chickadee Bird Box Plans
This simple diy birdhouse is quite easy to make and chickadees will love it. It has ventilation in the roof and a double-entry hole to keep predators out.
Not only does Ben show you the plans with sizes but he builds the box in the video so you can see exactly how to do it.
Larry’s House Finch Birdhouse Plans
According to Larry finches like a 6×6 inch floor with a 2-inch entrance hole 4 inches above the floor. In this video, Larry takes an old wooden toolbox and turns it into birdhouse showing that you don’t always need to start from scratch.
He also has a great tip involving using soap to stop wasps from nesting in your bird box. Another great diy birdhouse.
Devin’s Cardinal or Robin Birdhouse Plans
Robin’s or Cardinals don’t like enclosed spaces, but you can build them a shelf area ledge instead.
Devin gives you all the measurements in the video and shows you how to put it together.
Sparrow Birdhouse Plans
While this bird box might not last forever it’s a great little video showing how you can easily put something together and get results!
Julian’s Woodpecker Birdhouse Plans
Julian has a little time on his hands so made this house for woodpeckers. It’s a little bit more complicated than most and requires a chainsaw but the results are spectacular.
One tip is that woodpeckers like to finish the job of making the entrance hole themselves so if you make the hole a little small they will enlarge it themselves.
Dove Birdhouse
This video proves that you don’t need birds house plans to make a bird house. Although with a workshop like that I’m sure JKL has plenty of woodworking experience.
Larry’s Nuthatches Bird Box Plan
A nuthatch needs a 4×4 bottom. Larry make this diy birdhouse from triangular offcuts, it’s in unusual design and a good way to make use of oddly shaped scrap wood.
Greg’s Swallow Houses
Swallows are hungry little insects and can be used to control flies. Greg has made hundreds of swallow boxes for his farm. “Build it and they will come!” is his motto.
Jim’s Wren Bird House Plans
Wrens like an entrance hole that has a 1.25″ diameter. This beautiful box by Jim would do the trick.
The way Jim describes how he builds his box means you the sizes could easily be adjusted.
How To Make A Birdhouse FAQs
What is the best wood to use for a birdhouse?
Wood is the best material for building with and is closest to birds natural habitat. Cypress or cedar are great. Pine us useful but it needs a coat of exterior latex paint to be more durable. Never paint the inside of a nest box.
Woodworking projects can be time-consuming and choosing the right wood can make your work last much longer. There is no sense in building a house that will be ruined after only a few seasons.
What is the best size hole for a birdhouse?
The entrance hole size plays a big part in which species of bird will be attracted to your bird house. There is no one “best size” the diameter of the hole needs to suit the species of bird.
Think about the species that you are trying to attract and research what size of entrance hole works for them. That’s the best size of hole to create for your birdhouse.
What attracts birds to a birdhouse?
Birds are not that different from other animals. They want food, water, shelter, privacy, and a nice place to live.
Bird feeders can provide food and birdbaths or birdbath fountains can make sure there is always water for them. Make sure you place your birdhouse in a quiet area away from the busiest areas of your yard.
Which direction should a birdhouse face?
It’s a good idea to face your birdhouse in the opposite direction from the prevailing winds. This usually means north-east and it should stop the wind from constantly blowing into the entrance hole.
How high should a birdhouse be off the ground?
Generally, nest boxes should be installed at least 5 feet off the ground. A tree is a good place but a pole is sometimes even better since it makes it much harder for predators to gain access to the box.
The Verdict
Hopefully, you’ll find bird houses plans that suit you on this page and very soon birds will be nesting in your handiwork.
Not to put too fine a point on it, birdhouses can bring a lot of joy into your life. When birds come and set up home in your yard you’ll feel more connected to nature. And if they set up home in a bird box that you created with your own two hands it will be even more special.
And while we’re not sure exactly how to “make a little birdhouse in your soul”… you can make one for your backyard and perhaps that will do the job just fine!
