Wing It: 16 Approaches to a DIY Birdbath

Building a DIY birdbath like this requires only two steps: wedging broken branches into the ground and placing a bowl, plate, or saucer on top. Take care to space the branches so that they can support the weight of a water-filled vessel. 

The base of this DIY birdbath is a twig wreath (make your own or purchase one from a craft store). In the center, simply set in a terra-cotta saucer, and if you'd like to hang your project, use rope or twine.

A terra cotta pot coaster set atop a step ladder makes a thoroughly suitable place for birds to splash. Place potted plants on the lower rungs to camouflage and decorate. It’s perfectly portable. If your feathered friends prefer sun in cooler weather, you can easily oblige.

Don't send that old pedestal sink off to the junkyard. Instead, reuse it as a birdbath! To make the basin more shallow, fill it with a layer of pebbles before adding water.

Upcycle a tree stump into a DIY birdbath by screwing the glass from an old light fixture onto it. Seal the hole with duct tape and toss a few stones in for a decorative touch. You’re ready to fill it with water and watch the birds bathe.

This tiny, whimsical homemade birdbath is just a teacup and saucer attached to a painted wood spindle. Cleverly reusing unexpected materials certainly brings a touch of charm to the garden!

Many homeowners have spare bricks lying around. By stacking these into a pillar, you can build a sturdy DIY birdbath base that needs only a bowl or tray on top to function as the water basin.

The base of this earthy, freestanding DIY birdbath is a stack of small, medium, and large terra-cotta pots (on top is a big saucer). Want to make your own version? You may choose to inject personal style with paint in multiple colors.

Sometimes you don't have to go far to find materials that can be used to make something wonderful. This grouping of homemade birdbaths is comprised of stacked stones and recycled galvanized trash can lids. No tools required!

Some birds, like people, prefer to shower rather than bathe. Hummingbirds are among that lot. You can make a mister for them to enjoy with a five-gallon container, PVC pipe, a submersible pump, and a few other easily obtainable supplies. Paint it pretty, and get ready to be entertained.

A trash can lid was used as a concrete form for the base of this DIY birdbath. (The middle indentation comes from the top of a water cooler that was pressed into the wet concrete.) Broken pieces of colored glass and pottery create a decorative mosaic effect along the edges. 

This eccentric piece of garden art was created by repurposing an old lamp and lazy susan. After cutting the lamp cord and spray-painting the lazy susan, construction adhesive marries them together. It brings color and interest to this yard, even as it attracts beautiful songbirds.

If you are interested in more on outdoor DIY, consider

How To: Lay a Stone Path

9 Easy-to-Make Garden Luminaries

On the Edge: 11 Garden Borders You Can Make

Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!