GuideOther Builds
Make a Wooden Nest Box for Garden Birds
A nest box gives small garden birds a safe place to raise their young where natural holes in old trees are scarce. It is quick to make from a single board, which makes it a great project to build with children, and it can be used for many years.
What you will build
You will cut a front, back, two sides, a floor and a roof from one board of untreated wood, and screw them together with the roof hinged so you can clean the box. A round entrance hole near the top of the front decides which birds can use it.
The right hole size depends on the species you hope to attract, and the recommended sizes differ between regions. Look up the advice of your national bird conservation organisation before drilling, and follow their guidance on height and direction too.
Real-world examples
Photos of similar builds by other people, shared under open licenses. They show the idea in practice; the details differ from this guide.
Materials
- 1 board of untreated, rough-sawn wood about ¾ in (15–20 mm) thick and 6 in (15 cm) wide, about 5 ft (1.5 m) long
- Galvanised or stainless screws or nails, 1½ in (40 mm)
- A strip of rubber or leather, or a small hinge, for the roof
- A hook and eye or a screw to keep the roof closed
- Wire or a strap for hanging on a tree without damaging it
Tools
- Saw
- Drill with a hole saw or spade bit for the entrance
- Small drill bit for drainage and pilot holes
- Tape measure, square and pencil
- Sandpaper
- Safety glasses
Step by step
1Mark and cut the parts
Mark the back, front, two sides, floor and roof along the board, with the sides cut at an angle so the roof slopes forward. Cut the back longer than the rest so it can be fixed to a tree or wall. Keep the inside rough; fledglings need to grip it to climb out.
2Drill the entrance hole
Drill the entrance hole in the front panel, near the top so the nest sits safely below it, at the size recommended for the birds you want. Sand the edges smooth. Do not add a perch: birds do not need it, and it helps predators.
3Add drainage and ventilation
Drill a few small holes in the floor so any water drains out. Leave a narrow gap under the roof at the top of the sides, or drill a couple of small holes there, so the box does not overheat.
4Assemble the box
Fix the sides to the back, then the floor between them, then the front, using pilot holes so the wood does not split. Fit the floor slightly up from the bottom edges so the end grain does not sit in water.
5Fit the opening roof
Attach the roof to the back with a strip of rubber or leather, or a small hinge, so it can lift for cleaning. Add a hook and eye or a screw to hold it shut against curious predators.
6Hang it in the right place
Hang the box on a tree trunk or wall, out of reach of cats, with a clear flight path to the entrance. Follow local advice on height and direction; a common recommendation is to avoid strong afternoon sun and the prevailing wind and rain.
Tips for a better result
- Put the box up in autumn or winter so birds can find it before the breeding season starts.
- Do not paint or treat the inside; a water-based, wildlife-safe treatment on the outside is optional.
- Tilt the box slightly forward so rain runs off the entrance.
- Keep boxes for the same species well apart; most small birds defend a territory.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Adding a perch under the hole.
- Hanging the box in full afternoon sun, where chicks can overheat.
- Placing it where cats can jump onto it or next to a bird feeder.
- Opening the box while birds are nesting.
Safety
- Wear safety glasses when drilling, and supervise children with tools.
- Use a stable ladder when hanging the box, and have someone hold it.
- In many countries it is illegal to disturb active nests. Clean the box only after the breeding season has ended, following local guidance, and wear gloves when you do.
General guidance only. Follow the instructions for your tools and materials and your local rules, and use a qualified professional for electrical, gas and structural work.
Finishing up
Few projects give as much back as a nest box: watching birds carry in moss in spring and the first fledglings appear is a highlight of the garden year. Clean it out once a year at the right time and it can be used for many seasons.
About this guide: written by the DIY Outdoor Builds editors from general, widely used building and gardening practice. Text and illustration © DIY Outdoor Builds. Photos are by the people credited under each one, used under their licenses. Found an error? Let us know.
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