DIY vs Store Bought Bird Houses: Which One is Right for Your Birds?
Welcoming birds into your backyard isn’t just a peaceful pastime — it’s a meaningful way to connect with nature, support local wildlife, and add charm to your outdoor space. Whether you’re a casual birdwatcher or a dedicated nature lover, one key question always comes up:
Should you build a homemade bird house or buy a ready-made one from the store?
We’ll look at both options side by side — considering customization, cost, durability, and design. With practical tips and expert-backed insights, this guide will help you confidently choose the right birdhouse for your outdoor space and the birds you hope to attract.
The Rise in Popularity of Garden Bird Houses
Garden bird houses are becoming a favorite backyard accessory. According to Audubon Society reports, backyard birds are increasingly reliant on human-made shelters as natural nesting sites disappear.
These birdhouses, or nesting boxes for birds, are essential for cavity-nesting species like chickadees, wrens, and bluebirds. But not all bird houses are created equal. From handcrafted wooden shelters to plastic store-bought models, your choice impacts both the birds and your backyard experience.
Benefits of Homemade Bird Houses
1. Customization and Control
When you make a birdhouse yourself, you control the size, shape, material, and design. This allows you to cater to specific bird species in your area. Want to attract robins or woodpeckers? Adjust the entrance hole size and interior depth accordingly.
2. Cost-Effective and Rewarding
DIY bird houses are often cheaper. Recycled wood, old fence panels, or even repurposed pallets can serve as sturdy, eco-friendly materials. Plus, there’s something special about building a home for birds with your own hands—a sense of pride that no store-bought option can replicate.
3. Family-Friendly Activity
Making a birdhouse is an excellent project for kids and families. It teaches woodworking, patience, and a love for wildlife. Many schools and nature centers even include “how to make a bird house step by step” workshops for students.
Downsides of DIY Bird Houses
Even with all the benefits, homemade bird houses do come with challenges:
- Lack of durability: Unless sealed and treated properly, DIY models may wear out quickly in harsh weather.
- Design errors: Incorrect hole size or ventilation can make the house unusable for birds.
- Time and tools: Not everyone has the time or tools to build one properly.
Store Bought Bird Houses: Pros and Cons
Store-bought bird houses are a quick and convenient option, especially if you want something ready-to-use with attractive designs. Many come with weatherproofing and are made from durable materials, making them ideal for beginners or busy homeowners. However, they can be expensive, and not all are designed with birds’ safety or nesting habits in mind. It’s important to choose ones that meet proper size and ventilation standards. You can Buy Best Bird House that balances quality, design, and bird-friendly features.
Check Now: Top-Rated Bird Houses You Can Buy
1. Convenience and Variety
From garden centers to big retailers, it’s easy to find bird houses to buy. You can search “bird house near me” and get dozens of choices within seconds. Materials range from cedarwood to eco-friendly plastics.
2. Designed by Experts
Reputable brands build houses following ornithological standards. That means correct ventilation, drainage, and predator guards are often built-in.
3. Time-Saving Option
For busy bird lovers or beginners, store-bought options are plug-and-play. You don’t need to worry about tools, measurements, or trial-and-error.
But here’s the catch:
- Less personal: No emotional connection like with homemade bird houses.
- Cost: Quality models can be expensive—not always the most affordable bird houses on the market.
- Limited customization: Unless you’re ready to tweak a store-bought one, you’re stuck with generic designs.
Our Recommendation: Building vs. Buying
Based on our hands-on testing and reviews from real users, we recommend trying both options. Homemade bird houses offer a rewarding DIY experience and the chance to customize for specific bird species. On the other hand, store-bought bird houses are practical, reliable, and ideal for those short on time or tools. Birds tend to accept both equally, as long as the design meets basic safety and comfort requirements.
DIY vs Store Bought
| Feature | Homemade Bird Houses | Store Bought Bird Houses |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low (depends on material) | Medium to High |
| Customization | Full control | Limited |
| Time Investment | High | Low |
| Bird-Friendly Design Accuracy | Variable (needs research) | Usually reliable |
| Durability | Depends on craftsmanship | Generally more durable |
| Learning Value | High | Low |
Kind of Birdhouses to Attract Birds
Birds look for safety, comfort, and proximity to food and water. Here’s what makes a bird house attractive:
- Proper entrance hole size for the species
- Safe mounting height (5–9 feet for most songbirds)
- Good ventilation and drainage
- Placement in a quiet area with some shade
FAQs
Start with untreated wood (like cedar), cut panels, assemble a simple box with screws (not glue), drill a ventilation hole, and make sure to sand sharp edges. Mount it safely on a pole or tree.
Nothing fancy. Birds bring their own nesting material. Just keep it clean and dry. Some people drill small holes for drainage.
Yes. Birds prefer natural, muted tones that blend with surroundings. Bright colors may attract predators or scare birds away.
Face the entrance away from prevailing winds. East-facing bird houses work well to avoid harsh afternoon sun and storms.
Birds prefer simple, wooden birdhouses with the right hole size, good ventilation, and natural colors placed in quiet, safe spots. Avoid plastic and bright paint.
Final Thoughts
If you love hands-on projects, want to save money, or enjoy customizing your backyard features, DIY bird houses are for you. They’re fun, educational, and highly rewarding.
But if you want a guaranteed bird-safe option with zero hassle, then it’s smart to buy bird house products from a reliable brand.
Ultimately, whether you build or buy, the goal is the same: offering birds a safe, cozy nesting spot in your garden.
