How To Build Rustic Birdhouses Using Scrap Materials

Do you like rustic birdhouses? Today, I’m sharing How to Build Birdhouses using scrap materials. I’ve been determined to find a use for some leftover porch posts because you know that “I’m a waste, not kind of girl”! This DIY birdhouse is for decorative purposes and will be the perfect indoor decor for the greenhouse.

Do y’all remember the Potting Table tutorial using old porch posts as legs? You may remember that it was necessary to shorten the posts to get the correct height. Well, guess what I did with the leftover scraps? Yep! I built a birdhouse or two!

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How To Build Birdhouses

First, two scrap pieces of porch posts were left over from the potting table.

In addition, I previously dug some old roof material out of a trash pile we found on our property. I didn’t know what to do with it then; however, I knew it would come in handy at some point.

So here is how to build birdhouses using scrap materials.

Where Can I Find Scrap Materials To Build Birdhouses?

When gathering materials to build birdhouses, think outside the box.

The birdhouse can be any size, and your options are unlimited if they are for decorative purposes.

If you don’t have scrap porch posts, consider making a box using any scrap lumber that you have on hand.

You can also use scrap finials, metal roofing, shingles, old license plates, old cans, nails, porch rails, fence posts, fence pickets, and more.

Don’t limit yourself; there are no right or wrong materials. If you can imagine it, you can build it.

If all else fails, some affordable kits are easy to build.

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

The scrap porch posts were a good size for the rustic birdhouses, so there was no need to shorten them.

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 estimate the roof proportions based on the size of your posts. Once you determine the size of the roof, use a table saw with a metal cutting blade to cut the tin to the desired proportions.

Note: When working with rusty metal, be cautious to avoid getting cut. Use heavy-duty work gloves to protect your hands.

Step 2 – Bend the Metal

Next, 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.

Once the metal is bent, position it on the posts to ensure the correct proportions for the 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 to guide and draw a line.

Since the metal was difficult to bend evenly, measure and mark each separately as the angle may differ 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 Holes For The Birdhouse

Although these birdhouses are for decorative purposes only, I want an authentic appearance. The small dimensions of the posts would not allow for a functional birdhouse. However, they are super cute for decorations.

Therefore, to achieve authenticity, drill a hole in the center of the post at the desired height. You will need a hand-held drill and a drill bit the desired size of the hole.

Afterward, you will drill a small pilot hole just below the larger hole for your bird’s perch.

The bird’s perch was made using vintage nails pulled from reclaimed shiplap boards. However, you can use a small dowel rod, nail, or any items you choose.

Step 5 – 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 birdhouse project?

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

In addition, I will probably use them to style the DIY Greenhouse for fall. You can see more about the greenhouse on how we built a DIY Greenhouse.

Resources

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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