Build a Feathered Friend’s Dream Home

Turn a quiet Saturday afternoon into fun, creative family time by building your own birdhouse! Kids will love lending a hand, and South Africa’s Garden birds will be chirping their thanks. All you need is a few basic supplies from DIY Depot – timber, nails, paint, and a dash of imagination – and you’re ready to create a safe little haven for local birdlife.

What you’ll need:

  • Timber board (untreated, approximately 1.5cm thick)
  • Nails or wood screws
  • Wood glue
  • Sandpaper
  • Hand saw or jigsaw (optional)
  • Hammer or screwdriver
  • Drill (for entrance hole)
  • Outdoor paint or wood stain (non-toxic)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Hinges (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Build a Birdhouse

STEP 1: Cut your wood

Use a saw to cut your timber into the following pieces:

  • Back Panel: 25cm x 20cm
  • Front Panel: 25cm x 20cm (with a 3-4cm diameter entrance hole, about 5-7cm from the top)
  • Two Sides: 25cm high x 15cm wide (rectangle or sloped)
  • Base: 15cm x 15cm
  • Roof: Two pieces 18cm x 20cm

STEP 2: Sand and Prep

Smooth all edges and surfaces with sandpaper to prevent splinters – especially important for little helpers. Pre-drill holes for nails to prevent wood from splitting.

STEP 3: Assemble the Box

Start by attaching the sides to the back panel using nails or screws. Add the base, then the front panel with the entrance hole. Reinforce with wood glue where needed.

STEP 4: Attach the Roof

Place the two roof panels so they slightly overhang to protect from rain. Nail or screw them on. For easy cleaning, consider using small hinges to make one side of the roof openable.

STEP 5: Paint & Decorate

Use non-toxic, water-based outdoor paint or stain. Let the kids go wild with colour, patterns, or even name the birdhouse!

Pro Tips:

  • Drill a few tiny holes in the base for drainage.
  • Clean out the birdhouse once a season to keep it safe and welcoming.

Adding a simple bird feeder and a shallow bowl of clean water nearby turns your garden into a sanctuary. Birds help with pest control, pollination, and bring joyful life to any outdoor space. Plus, teaching kids to care for wildlife builds a lifelong respect for nature.

BUILD, PAINT and proudly HANG your handmade birdhouse. It’s more than a weekend project – it’s a home for your feathered friend’s.