DIY Wooden Birdhouse for Garden Birds

A well-designed nest box can attract robins, wrens, sparrows, or tits depending on the entry hole diameter and mounting height. This design follows British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) guidelines for small tit species: 25 mm entry hole, internal floor 100×100 mm, depth 200 mm. A pivot screw on one side allows the front panel to swing out for post-season cleaning — crucial for bird health.

What You’ll Need

• Rough-sawn pine board — 15 mm thick, 150 mm wide, about 90 cm long total
• Wood screws 40 mm (non-galvanised can rust and harm birds — use stainless or brass)
• Stainless pivot screw (20 mm) for the opening front panel
• Wood glue
• Drill with 25 mm spade bit or Forstner bit
• Hand saw or jigsaw
• Pencil, tape measure, square
• Linseed oil or water-based preservative (NOT creosote — toxic to birds)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut the parts: Floor: 100×100 mm. Back: 150×300 mm. Two sides: 150 mm wide, 200 mm tall at front tapering to 250 mm at back (cut the top at an angle). Front: 150×200 mm. Roof: 150×200 mm (overhangs the front slightly).
2. Drill the entry hole: In the front panel, centre a 25 mm hole 125 mm from the bottom. Smooth the edges inside and out.
3. Drill drainage: Drill four 6 mm holes in each corner of the floor for drainage and ventilation.
4. Assemble the box: Glue and screw the floor between the two side panels. Attach the back panel to the rear edges. Add the roof panel, overlapping the front edge by 20 mm to shed rain. Do NOT glue the front panel — use a single pivot screw on one side near the top so it can swing open.
5. Add a latch: A bent nail or hook keeps the front panel closed during nesting season.
6. Treat the outside: Apply one coat of linseed oil to the outside only. Never treat the inside — fumes and chemicals harm birds and eggs.
7. Mount: Position 2–4 metres off the ground, tilted slightly forward so rain runs off the roof and away from the hole. Attach to a tree or post with rustproof straps — never use nails that could damage the tree.

Safety Notes

• Use rough-sawn (not planed) timber — birds need the rough surface inside to climb out after fledging.
• Never paint the inside and use only bird-safe preservatives outside.
• Do not open or disturb the box during nesting season (typically March–August in the UK).

Tips & Troubleshooting

• Face the box between North-East and South-East — birds avoid hot south-facing boxes and cold north-facing locations.
• If not occupied after one season, try moving it to a quieter, more sheltered spot.
• Clean the box every October-November — remove old nesting material and rinse with boiling water.