Do y’all remember the Potting Table tutorial using old porch posts as legs? Do you remember that we cut the post legs off get the correct height? Well, guess what I did with the left over scraps? Yep! I built a Birdhouse or two!
Okay, I guess that was a little obvious!! So today, I’m sharing How to Build Birdhouses using scrap materials that were left over from the previous project! I’ve been determined to find a use for those leftover posts because you know that “I’m a waste not kind of girl”! This DIY birdhouse is for decorative purposes and will be perfect decor for the greenhouse.
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How To Build Birdhouses
First, I had the two scrap posts left over from the potting table. In addition, I previously dug some old roof material out of a trash pile that we found on our property. I didn’t know what to do with it at the time, however, I knew at some point it would come in handy. So here is how to build birdhouses using the scrap materials.
Gather Supplies To Make DIY Birdhouse
Let’s begin by gathering these simple supplies to build your rustic birdhouse.
- Scrap Porch posts
- Rusty tin
- Nails
If you missed the potting table details, you can click here.

Step 1 – Cut the Metal for the Roof
The first thing we did was cut the roof material using some old tin we had been saving for just such a project. Begin by measuring to get an estimate of the roof proportions based on the size of your posts. Once you determine the size for the roof, use a table saw with a metal cutting blade, to cut the tin to the desired proportions.

Step 2 – Bend the Metal
Then you will want to bend the metal to form a roof for the DIY Birdhouse.
We found that bending metal into a V shape isn’t as easy as it looks? Therefore, it may be necessary to score the metal or clip the edges. As a result, the metal should bend along a relatively straight line. I placed the bent metal on the posts to assure that the proportions were correct for our rustic birdhouses.

Step 3 – Cut A Line Roof For DIY Birdhouse
Next, cut the top of your posts to form an A line roof. To determine the angle, use the metal roof as a guide and draw a line. Since the metal was difficult to bend evenly, measure and mark each one separately as the angle may be different for each one.
Finally, follow the angle drawn and use a chop saw to remove the corners from the top section of the scrap post.


Step 4 – Drill the holes for the birdhouse
Although these birdhouses are for decorative purposes only, I want an authentic appearance.
Therefore, to achieve authenticity, drill a hole in the center of the post at desired height. You will need a hand held drill and a drill bit the desired size of the hole.

Afterwards, you will drill a small pilot hole just below the larger hole for your birds perch.
Here we used some vintage nails that were pulled from reclaimed ship lap boards, however you can use a small dowel rod, nail or any items of your choice.

Step Five – Attach the roof
Finally, it’s time to attach the roof to your DIY Birdhouse.
First, you should drill a small pilot hole in the metal where it will be attached to the birdhouse. As a result, the nail can be easily hammered through the metal and into the wood of the birdhouse.

Ta-DA – A Rustic DIY Bird House
What do you think of this trash to treasure, rustic, how to build birdhouses project?

The DIY bird houses are perfect decor for the potting bench or the greenhouse.

Click Image for Sources
In addition, I will probably be using them to style the DIY Greenhouse for fall. If you’d like to see how we built a greenhouse, click here.

My husband and I were able to build both birdhouses in approximately an hour and all the materials were Free. As a result, I am thrilled with how they look. I hope you are too.


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Debbie
Sunday 10th of July 2022
Love them, great job
Rachel
Sunday 10th of July 2022
Debbie, I'm so glad you like them.
Stacy
Tuesday 5th of July 2022
I love how it turned out! So fun!
Rachel
Wednesday 6th of July 2022
Stacy, I really appreciate this.
Renae
Tuesday 5th of July 2022
Super cute! W love them. Hugs to you.
Rachel
Wednesday 6th of July 2022
Renae, I'm so glad you liked these.
Miche Ortega
Friday 7th of August 2020
Those are PRECIOUS! I am new to your blog, so I can't wait to go back and catch up. I can tell you have a lot of energy and inspiration. Thanks so much.
[email protected]
Friday 7th of August 2020
Miche, Thank you so much for these sweet comments. I appreciate you for stopping by. Rachel
Marilyn
Wednesday 5th of August 2020
So cute--and I love that you just used scraps!
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Friday 7th of August 2020
Marilyn, I really appreciate your comments. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Rachle