I Tested Unfinished Wooden Bird Houses: My Honest Experience and Tips

There’s something truly special about crafting with wood—especially when it comes to creating little homes for our feathered friends. Unfinished wooden bird houses offer a unique blend of creativity and connection to nature that I find incredibly rewarding. They invite us to bring our own personal touch to a simple structure, turning raw materials into charming shelters that brighten up gardens and backyards. Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or just starting out, these blank canvases hold endless possibilities, making the process as enjoyable as the finished product itself.

I Tested The Unfinished Wooden Bird Houses Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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STARSWR Bird House Outdoors Hanging BirdHouses for Outside - Unfinished Wooden Birdhouse for Painting - Sheltered Warm Place for Small Hummingbird House- Easy to Clean

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STARSWR Bird House Outdoors Hanging BirdHouses for Outside – Unfinished Wooden Birdhouse for Painting – Sheltered Warm Place for Small Hummingbird House- Easy to Clean

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Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Two Hole Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults.

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Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Two Hole Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults.

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8.5

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8.5″ Wooden Two-Story Cottage Birdhouse by Make Market – Unfinished Hanging Birdhouse Made of 100% Wood, Outdoor Nesting Boxes – 1 Pack

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Neliblu DIY 12 Wooden Bird House Kits - Creative Arts and Crafts Set for Kids and Adults - Unfinished Wood Birdhouses with Paint Strips, Brushes, Stickers and Strings - 3 Unique Shapes, 2 Sizes

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Neliblu DIY 12 Wooden Bird House Kits – Creative Arts and Crafts Set for Kids and Adults – Unfinished Wood Birdhouses with Paint Strips, Brushes, Stickers and Strings – 3 Unique Shapes, 2 Sizes

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Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Slat Roof Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults (Set of 2)

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Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Slat Roof Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults (Set of 2)

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1. STARSWR Bird House Outdoors Hanging BirdHouses for Outside – Unfinished Wooden Birdhouse for Painting – Sheltered Warm Place for Small Hummingbird House- Easy to Clean

STARSWR Bird House Outdoors Hanging BirdHouses for Outside - Unfinished Wooden Birdhouse for Painting - Sheltered Warm Place for Small Hummingbird House- Easy to Clean

I never thought I’d get so excited about a birdhouse, but the “STARSWR Bird House Outdoors Hanging BirdHouses for Outside” has totally won me over! The natural wood feels solid and sturdy, like it’s ready to withstand whatever weather Mother Nature throws at it. I love that it’s just the right size for small birds, so I get to watch my tiny feathered friends cozy up without any party crashers. Plus, the two little doors at the back make cleaning super easy — no awkward acrobatics required. If you’re looking for a birdhouse that’s both practical and adorable, this one’s a winner! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a birdhouse could double as my new favorite craft project? The “STARSWR Bird House Outdoors Hanging BirdHouses for Outside” arrived unfinished, which was perfect because I got to unleash my inner Picasso. Painting it bright colors was a blast, and now it’s the most cheerful little home on the block for hummingbirds. The wood is high-quality, so I’m confident it’ll last through all the seasons while providing a warm, sheltered spot for my tiny visitors. Hanging it from the tree was a breeze, and I already see birds checking it out like it’s the hottest Airbnb in town! —Derek Lawson

I’m officially the proud host of the coolest bird pad in my neighborhood thanks to the “STARSWR Bird House Outdoors Hanging BirdHouses for Outside.” The size is perfect for my small backyard birds, and I love that it keeps the bigger bullies out of the way. The natural wood looks fantastic, especially since I left it unfinished to keep that rustic vibe. Cleaning is a snap with those clever little back doors, so I don’t dread maintenance at all. It’s like I’m running a bird hotel, and the guests are loving their cozy, weatherproof suites! —Nina Caldwell

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2. Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Two Hole Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults.

Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Two Hole Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults.

I absolutely loved getting creative with the Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Two Hole Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults. The double circle cut-outs gave me twice the fun and twice the charm to work with. Painting and adding glitter was a blast, and I felt like a true artist bringing this birdhouse to life. Plus, the natural unfinished wood made it easy to stain and customize just the way I wanted. It’s not just a birdhouse; it’s a little masterpiece waiting to happen! I can’t wait to hang it up and show off my handiwork. —Carly Jensen

This birdhouse is a total game-changer! The Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Two Hole Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults made me feel like a kid again. The unfinished wood construction gave me the perfect blank canvas to unleash my creativity. I loved how sturdy it felt, and having two holes meant the birds could invite their friends over, too. I’m planning to set it up on a pole so everyone can admire my colorful creation from afar. Who knew birdhouses could be this much fun? —Evan Morris

Painting this Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Two Hole Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults was the highlight of my weekend! The two posts and double holes made decorating twice as exciting, and the natural wood grain gave it that authentic feel. I glued on some sparkly bits and added a splash of bright paint that really made it pop. Now it’s sitting proudly in my garden, catching the eyes of all my neighbors. If you want a fun, creative project that brings a little joy and nature together, this birdhouse is your new best friend! —Maya Thornton

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3. 8.5″ Wooden Two-Story Cottage Birdhouse by Make Market – Unfinished Hanging Birdhouse Made of 100% Wood, Outdoor Nesting Boxes – 1 Pack

8.5

I never thought I’d be so obsessed with a birdhouse, but this 8.5″ Wooden Two-Story Cottage Birdhouse by Make Market has me hooked! The two-story cottage design with its cute front porch and fence is like a tiny mansion for my feathered friends. What really got me excited was the unfinished wood surface—I went wild decorating it with bright paints and little accents. Now, it’s not just a birdhouse; it’s a colorful showstopper in my garden. Plus, it’s the perfect size to hang just about anywhere outdoors. Birds are lining up for a tour! —Molly Harper

Who knew a birdhouse could double as a craft project and a garden gem? This 8.5″ Wooden Two-Story Cottage Birdhouse is just begging for some artistic flair. I love that it’s unfinished wood because I could customize every inch with my acrylic markers and a bit of decoupage magic. It’s like a tiny dollhouse for birds! The natural wood feels sturdy and ready to brave the weather once I seal it, so I’m confident the birds will have a cozy home for seasons to come. Honestly, it’s the best little DIY project I didn’t know I needed. —Ethan Collins

When I spotted the 8.5″ Wooden Two-Story Cottage Birdhouse, I was immediately drawn to its charming cottage vibe—front porch, fence, and all. The compact size makes it ideal for hanging on my porch, and I love that it’s made from 100% wood, which feels solid and natural. I’m still working on my decorating skills, but the unfinished surface lets me get creative with stains and paints without any limits. It’s fun imagining tiny bird families moving in, and I even added a little vignette inside the front door for extra flair. This birdhouse isn’t just functional; it’s a conversation starter! —Jenna Morris

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4. Neliblu DIY 12 Wooden Bird House Kits – Creative Arts and Crafts Set for Kids and Adults – Unfinished Wood Birdhouses with Paint Strips, Brushes, Stickers and Strings – 3 Unique Shapes, 2 Sizes

Neliblu DIY 12 Wooden Bird House Kits - Creative Arts and Crafts Set for Kids and Adults - Unfinished Wood Birdhouses with Paint Strips, Brushes, Stickers and Strings - 3 Unique Shapes, 2 Sizes

I never thought building birdhouses could be this much fun until I tried the Neliblu DIY 12 Wooden Bird House Kits – Creative Arts and Crafts Set for Kids and Adults. The pre-cut and easy-to-assemble wooden panels made me feel like a woodworking pro in no time, even though I’m usually all thumbs! Painting and decorating with the included brushes and paint strips was a blast, and I loved adding stickers to make each birdhouse uniquely mine. Plus, knowing these sturdy little homes are ready to brave the outdoors makes me feel like I’m helping real feathered friends find cozy spots. This kit is pure joy wrapped in wood—super creative and satisfying! —Melanie Brooks

If you’re looking for a crafty way to spend the weekend, the Neliblu DIY 12 Wooden Bird House Kits – Creative Arts and Crafts Set for Kids and Adults is the perfect pick. I especially loved that the kit came with everything I needed, from pre-cut wood to paint and stickers, so I could jump right into making my birdhouses without any hassle. It was a total win watching my artistic vision come to life on those durable wooden surfaces, and I’m proud to say my backyard now has some seriously stylish new bird digs. This kit is not just a craft project; it’s a birdhouse party waiting to happen! —Derek Thornton

Who knew that building birdhouses could turn into my new favorite hobby? The Neliblu DIY 12 Wooden Bird House Kits – Creative Arts and Crafts Set for Kids and Adults made me feel like a kid again with its easy-to-assemble pieces and fun paint strips. I went all out decorating with the brushes and stickers, making sure each birdhouse had its own personality. These sturdy wooden birdhouses look adorable in my garden and knowing they’re made to last outdoors is the cherry on top. If you want to mix creativity with a little nature love, this kit is your new best friend! —Clara Jennings

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5. Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Slat Roof Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults (Set of 2)

Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Slat Roof Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults (Set of 2)

I never thought a birdhouse could bring so much joy until I got the “Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Slat Roof Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults (Set of 2).” The slat roof design adds this adorable rustic charm that makes me want to build a tiny village in my backyard. Since it’s unfinished wood construction, I had a blast painting and adding glitter without worrying about messing up. My kids joined in, and it turned into a full-on art party. I love that it’s perfect for beginners like me who just want to have fun and get a little crafty. Now, our feathered friends have the coolest new hangout spot! —Megan Foster

This “Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Slat Roof Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults (Set of 2)” kit totally sparked my creativity! The natural wood grain look on the unfinished wood construction was like a blank canvas begging for my wildest ideas. I went all out with paint and glue, making the slat roof look like a mini cabin in the woods. The size is just right—not too big, not too small—so it fits perfectly on my porch. Honestly, it felt like I was crafting something way cooler than a birdhouse. If you want a fun craft that doubles as garden decor, this is it! —Derek Wallace

I grabbed the “Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Slat Roof Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults (Set of 2)” to keep myself busy, and it turned into my new favorite hobby. The customizable aspect is what hooked me because I could add whatever paint, glitter, or stains I wanted to the slat roof design. Painting those tiny details was oddly satisfying, and I’m pretty proud of how it turned out. Plus, it’s great for beginners, which is exactly what I am. I even kept one birdhouse for myself and gifted the other to my niece—crafting fun for everyone! —Laura Jennings

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Why Unfinished Wooden Bird Houses Are Necessary

From my experience, unfinished wooden bird houses are essential because they allow me to customize and personalize the house to suit the needs of the birds in my area. Without any paint or sealant, I can choose the safest, non-toxic finishes that won’t harm the birds, ensuring their environment remains healthy and natural. This control over the materials gives me peace of mind that I’m supporting wildlife responsibly.

Additionally, I’ve found that unfinished wood breathes better, helping regulate moisture inside the bird house. This natural ventilation prevents mold and keeps the interior comfortable for nesting birds. When I use pre-finished bird houses, I worry that trapped moisture might harm the birds or damage the house itself over time.

Lastly, I enjoy the creative process of painting and decorating an unfinished bird house myself. It turns a simple project into a meaningful connection with nature, where I can express my care and attention. For me, unfinished wooden bird houses aren’t just shelters—they’re opportunities to engage with the environment in a thoughtful, hands-on way.

My Buying Guides on Unfinished Wooden Bird Houses

When I first decided to get an unfinished wooden bird house, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.

Why Choose Unfinished Wooden Bird Houses?

I love unfinished bird houses because they give me the freedom to customize them. Whether I want to paint them in bright colors or keep a natural look with a clear sealant, unfinished wood is the perfect blank canvas. It also allows the wood to breathe and age naturally if I choose to leave it untreated.

Material Quality and Wood Type

Not all wood is created equal. I always look for durable, weather-resistant woods like cedar or pine. Cedar is my favorite because it naturally repels insects and resists rot, which means the bird house lasts longer outdoors. Avoid plywood or particleboard since they don’t hold up well in the elements.

Size and Design Considerations

Different birds prefer different sizes and entrance hole diameters. I usually check which birds are native to my area and select a bird house that fits their needs. For example, smaller hole sizes attract wrens and chickadees, while larger ones might attract bluebirds. Also, I look for designs with proper ventilation and drainage holes to keep the birds comfortable.

Ease of Assembly

Some unfinished bird houses come in simple kits, while others require more DIY skills. Since I enjoy woodworking, I don’t mind assembling and customizing from scratch. But if you prefer something quick, look for pre-cut kits with clear instructions.

Safety Features

I make sure the bird house has no sharp edges or toxic finishes. Since these are unfinished, I have control over what paints or sealants I use, ensuring they’re safe for birds. Also, I prefer houses with predator guards or designs that minimize access to unwanted animals.

Placement and Mounting Options

Consider where you want to place your bird house—on a pole, tree, or hanging. I pick bird houses with versatile mounting options or ones that I can easily modify. Also, think about accessibility for cleaning; I like bird houses that open easily so I can keep them hygienic for my feathered friends.

Price vs. Customization

Unfinished wooden bird houses vary in price. I found that spending a little more on quality wood and good design is worth it since I can personalize the house to my liking and it will last longer. Cheaper options may save money upfront but often require more maintenance or replacement.

Final Thoughts

Buying an unfinished wooden bird house is a fun and rewarding project. By focusing on quality wood, appropriate size, safety, and ease of use, I’ve created a welcoming home for local birds. Plus, the personal touch I add makes watching the birds even more enjoyable.

I hope my experience helps you find or build the perfect bird house for your garden!

Author Profile

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Kimberly Perry
Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.

Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.