DIY Birdhouse Kits That Blend Craft and Curb Appeal
These hands-on kits from Amazon and Etsy let you build a custom home for backyard birds while getting your craft on—without spending much.
By Blake Brooks
Word has it that a handful of eye-catching DIY birdhouse kits are up for grabs online, giving you the chance to craft a shelter for your feathered visitors that looks great and costs little. The kits sold through marketplaces such as Amazon and Etsy come together in only a few steps, and once finished they make a charming touch for any yard. That's not the only upside—birds will be drawn in to inspect your handiwork for themselves. So keep your money in your pocket, break out the craft supplies and get ready to be impressed by the projects listed here.
1. Cottage Birdhouse Kit
This sweet, stylish cottage design gives your backyard birds a home with plenty of charm. Putting it together is quick and can be finished within minutes. Since gluing and painting are part of the process, have those materials ready and treat it as an enjoyable project. Pick a palette that complements your yard or garden, then let the piece dry after applying a second coat. The parts interlock with one another, so when positioned correctly everything should sit snugly together.
**Kit includes:**
- Approximately 18 interlocking wood pieces
Available on Etsy
2. Paintable Camper Birdhouse
Featured among Etsy's picks, the Paintable Camper Birdhouse delivers on its promise. Once assembled, it brings back memories of road trips from favorite getaways.
The design draws on a 1974 Scotty, reimagined by the seller with a retro feel. Building the birdhouse is relatively straightforward, while the detailing opens up countless ways to personalize it. Push the pieces out, click them into place and you're done—no glue required. Keep in mind that it arrives unpainted, which leaves more room for your own creative touches.
**Kit includes:**
- Instructions for each of the five punch cards
- Over 40 pieces to help you make:
- Awnings on three sides
- Flowers for the two window boxes
- Curtains
- A spare tire
- A leveling jack
- A welcome mat
- Two flamingos
- A classic Weber-style grill
Available on Etsy
3. Birdhouse Log DIY Kit
Summer may still be here, but this Amazon kit lets you jump straight into the holiday spirit. It has a rustic, seasonal look, and the package comes with instructions that are simple to follow.
Some assembly is necessary, though the effort pays off, and the DIY portion can be a great time to share with family. Nontoxic waterproof glue is provided, making it safe for the people building it as well as the birds. Once it's ready, hang it using the included twine. A tree branch or roof overhang makes the best spot. The floor can be taken out, so you can clean the interior whenever you like.
**Kit includes:**
- Birdhouse parts (over 40 pieces)
- "U.S.A" and "Canada" signs
- Nontoxic white glue
- Twine
- Instructions
Available on Amazon
4. American Barn Birdhouse Kit
Old McDonald had a farm—E-I-E-I-O! This charming DIY kit brings a barn right into your backyard. It could make a lovely gift, particularly for friends who enjoy birdwatching, or you might prefer to hold onto it yourself. In either case, it's simple and enjoyable to put together. Finishing it calls for your own Philips screwdriver, masking tape and a few optional extras. The opening measures 1 to 1/4 inches, allowing many species to enter. Should you want a larger opening, a drill can be used to go up a size.
**Kit includes:**
- Thick wood pieces
- Instructions
- Access to online instructions video
Available on Amazon
5. Wormhole Birdhouse DIY Kit
This one earns top marks for ingenuity. It comes ready to paint and assemble, so beginners and seasoned birdhouse DIYers alike are welcome. Wood glue and rubber bands are needed to bring it together. The pieces arrive wrapped in masking tape, which must be removed from the areas you plan to paint; the placements also help keep your brushwork within the lines for a clean result. Every birdhouse has a distinctive "wormhole" entry hole that you can decorate with any number of designs and patterns. Since the holes are predrilled, no power tools are required for this project.
**Kit includes:**
- Ready-to-paint wood pieces
- Two 0.25-inch dowels for optional perches
- Instructions
Available on Etsy
These aren't the standard birdhouses you see every day, and chances are they'll become your go-to picks. Any of these options lets you show off your creative side while staying within your budget. The selection is broad, and you really can't go wrong.
