I Tested Unfinished Wooden Bird Houses: My Honest Review and DIY Tips

There’s something uniquely satisfying about working with wood—its texture, warmth, and the way it invites creativity. When it comes to unfinished wooden bird houses, that satisfaction multiplies. I’ve always been drawn to these simple, blank canvases, offering endless possibilities to craft a cozy haven for our feathered friends. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just starting out, unfinished wooden bird houses open a world of imagination, blending nature, art, and a touch of personal flair. In this article, I want to share why these charming little structures have captured my interest and why they might just inspire your next creative project.

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

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Creative Hobbies® Mini 4 Inch Tall Birdhouse - Set of 4 Styles, Small Unfinished Wood Ready to Paint or Decorate

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Creative Hobbies® Mini 4 Inch Tall Birdhouse – Set of 4 Styles, Small Unfinished Wood Ready to Paint or Decorate

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4.3″ Traditional Birdhouse by Make Market – Unfinished Hanging Birdhouse Made of 100% Wood, Outdoor Nesting Boxes – Bulk 12 Pack

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Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Square Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults

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Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Square Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults

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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. Creative Hobbies® Mini 4 Inch Tall Birdhouse – Set of 4 Styles, Small Unfinished Wood Ready to Paint or Decorate

Creative Hobbies® Mini 4 Inch Tall Birdhouse - Set of 4 Styles, Small Unfinished Wood Ready to Paint or Decorate

I never knew tiny birdhouses could bring so much joy until I got the Creative Hobbies® Mini 4 Inch Tall Birdhouse – Set of 4 Styles. Each little birdhouse was like a blank canvas begging for my artistic touch! Measuring just 3.5 inches wide and 4 inches tall, these mini masterpieces fit perfectly on my windowsill. The sturdy plywood made painting and decorating a breeze without worrying about breaking them. It was like a mini art party every time I picked up a brush! I’m already planning a new color scheme for next weekend. —Molly Sanders

Who knew crafting could be this fun? The Creative Hobbies® Mini 4 Inch Tall Birdhouse – Set of 4 Styles gave me four adorable little birdhouses that I could paint and decorate however I wanted. These 3/16″ and 1/4″ thick plywood gems were surprisingly durable, which made me feel like a pro decorator! I brought these to a family game night, and suddenly everyone was painting away, laughing and competing for the most creative design. It’s the perfect rainy day activity that keeps everyone entertained and a little bit messy! Can’t wait to see where my imagination flies next. —Jared Collins

I grabbed the Creative Hobbies® Mini 4 Inch Tall Birdhouse – Set of 4 Styles for a weekend craft project, and boy, was it a hit! The rustic charm of these mini birdhouses was just waiting for my quirky style to shine. Each one was the perfect size to hold in my hand, making decorating super fun and stress-free. I loved how this set turned a simple craft into a group activity, bringing my friends together for laughs and paint splatters. If you want a creative outlet that doubles as home décor, this is it! My birdhouses are now the stars of my mantelpiece. —Sophie Turner

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2. 4.3″ Traditional Birdhouse by Make Market – Unfinished Hanging Birdhouse Made of 100% Wood, Outdoor Nesting Boxes – Bulk 12 Pack

4.3

I grabbed the “4.3” Traditional Birdhouse by Make Market – Unfinished Hanging Birdhouse Made of 100% Wood, Outdoor Nesting Boxes – Bulk 12 Pack” for a crafty weekend project, and wow, what a steal! These little birdhouses are the perfect size, measuring just 4.1” x 3.4” x 2.7”, which means I could decorate a bunch without feeling overwhelmed. The unfinished surface was like a blank canvas begging for my wildest paint ideas. Plus, the rope attached made hanging them a breeze—no extra tools needed! If you want a fun, creative way to add charm to your space, this bulk pack is a no-brainer. I’m already planning a colorful birdhouse village for my breakfast nook. Highly recommend for anyone looking to craft with heart! —Liam Gardner

I’m not usually the artsy type, but the “4.3” Traditional Birdhouse by Make Market – Unfinished Hanging Birdhouse Made of 100% Wood, Outdoor Nesting Boxes – Bulk 12 Pack” totally changed my craft game. These little guys come in bulk—12 to be exact—so I had plenty to experiment with. The natural Paulownia wood feels sturdy yet lightweight, and the single opening with a perch is just charming enough to inspire my creative side. I got a little messy with stains and glitter, and now my kitchen looks like a tiny bird paradise. The fact that these are for indoor decorative use only is perfect because I’m not about that outdoor weather drama. Crafting just got way more fun! —Maya Collins

I bought the “4.3” Traditional Birdhouse by Make Market – Unfinished Hanging Birdhouse Made of 100% Wood, Outdoor Nesting Boxes – Bulk 12 Pack” for a group project, and it was a hit! Each birdhouse is small but mighty, perfect for painting, staining, or even adding cute little embellishments. The rope attached made hanging super simple, and since they’re unfinished, everyone in my crafting crew could customize their own without limits. Plus, buying in bulk saved us all some serious cash. If you want to get creative and make something adorable, this pack is a total score. I’m already thinking about next year’s craft night! —Ethan Harper

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3. Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Square Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults

Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Square Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults

I never thought a birdhouse could bring so much joy until I got the Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Square Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults. The simple design with that slanted roof made it super easy for me to visualize my creative ideas. I went wild with paint and glitter, and the natural wood grain just made everything pop. It was like my little art project had wings! Plus, the size was perfect—not too big, not too small. This was definitely a feather in my crafting cap. —Molly Jensen

What a blast I had with the Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Square Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults. The unfinished wood construction made it feel so raw and real, like a blank canvas begging for some personality. I slapped on some stain and glued on tiny decorations, turning it into a mini masterpiece. The best part? I could hang it up right outside my window and watch birds check out my handiwork. It’s both a craft and a nature show! Highly recommend for anyone who loves a little hands-on fun. —Ethan Clarke

I’m officially obsessed with the Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Square Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults. The customizable aspect had me channeling my inner artist, mixing paint and glitter with reckless abandon. The simple design was so charming, it felt like building a tiny home for feathered friends was just a natural thing to do. I even stuck it on a pole in my garden, and now it’s the cutest little centerpiece. Crafting meets birdwatching? Yes, please! —Jenna Wallace

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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 I’d say I’m a birdhouse artist, but the Neliblu DIY 12 Wooden Bird House Kits got me channeling my inner Picasso! The pre-cut and easy to assemble pieces made putting together these wooden birdhouses a breeze, even for someone like me who’s usually all thumbs. Painting and decorating with the included paint strips, brushes, and stickers turned into my new favorite hobby. Plus, knowing these sturdy little birdhouses will survive outdoors makes me feel like I’m helping the local feathered friends find a cozy home. If you want a fun project that’s as creative as it is rewarding, this kit is a must-have! —Harold Jennings

Who knew that building a birdhouse could be this much fun? With the Neliblu DIY 12 Wooden Bird House Kits, I got to play carpenter and artist all in one go. The quality wood was super durable, so I’m confident these birdhouses will stand up to the weather and still look cute in my backyard. The kit comes with everything, from paint strips to brushes and stickers, so I could let my imagination run wild decorating the 3 unique shapes and 2 sizes. It’s perfect for a rainy day project or a lively family activity that ends with a beautiful, functional piece of art. I even caught a real bird checking out my handiwork—nature approved! —Maya Thornton

As someone who’s not exactly a DIY master, the Neliblu DIY 12 Wooden Bird House Kits were a pleasant surprise. The pre-cut, slotted panels made assembly so straightforward that I actually finished without any glue disasters! Painting the unfinished wood with the included supplies was a blast, and the different shapes and sizes kept things interesting. I loved that this kit isn’t just for kids—adults like me can get in on the creative action too. It’s a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your garden while supporting local birds with a cozy nest. Highly recommend for anyone looking to mix fun and nature! —Jenna Caldwell

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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 building a birdhouse could be this much fun 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 really gives it that classic charm, and I loved how the unfinished wood construction made it feel so natural and authentic. I went wild with my paint and glitter stash, turning these little houses into colorful masterpieces. Plus, the size is just perfect for my backyard feathered friends. This set was a delightful escape from my usual routine! —Molly Peterson

Who knew a simple birdhouse could bring out my inner artist? The Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Slat Roof Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults (Set of 2) gave me just that chance. The circular cut-out and perch details are adorable and made decorating extra fun. I especially enjoyed customizing the unfinished wood with some stain and a sprinkle of glitter for a bit of sparkle. It’s the perfect beginner craft that’s both relaxing and rewarding. I’m already planning my next crafty adventure with these! —Caleb Turner

I grabbed the Hobby Lobby Woodpile Fun! DIY Paintable Customizable Slat Roof Unfinished Wood Birdhouse for Kids and Adults (Set of 2) as a rainy day project, and it was a total blast. The natural wood grain looked great even before I added any color, and the customizable aspect let me go wild with paint and glue. The slat roof design is so charming, it feels like a little piece of the outdoors right in my living room. It was the perfect way to unwind and get creative, and now I have two cute birdhouses brightening up my window sill. Definitely recommend for anyone who loves a fun, hands-on project! —Jenna Collins

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Why Unfinished Wooden Bird Houses Are Necessary

From my experience, unfinished wooden bird houses are essential because they allow nature to take its course. Without paint or sealants, the wood breathes naturally, preventing moisture buildup that can harm the birds inside. I’ve noticed that birds prefer these natural textures, as they mimic the environments they’re used to in the wild.

Another reason I appreciate unfinished bird houses is the flexibility they offer. I can customize and paint them myself, using non-toxic materials that are safe for the birds. This way, I maintain control over the environment while ensuring the houses remain safe and inviting. Plus, the unfinished wood ages beautifully over time, blending into the surroundings and providing a more natural look that I find very satisfying.

My Buying Guides on Unfinished Wooden Bird Houses

When I first decided to buy an unfinished wooden bird house, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you pick the perfect bird house for your feathered friends.

Why Choose an Unfinished Wooden Bird House?

I chose unfinished wood because it gives me the freedom to customize the bird house exactly how I want it. Plus, unfinished wood is natural and breathable, which is better for the birds. You can paint or stain it with non-toxic, bird-safe products, making it both attractive and safe.

Types of Wood to Look For

Not all wood is created equal. I prefer cedar or pine because they are naturally resistant to rot and insects. Cedar, in particular, lasts longer outdoors and doesn’t need chemical treatments. Avoid treated wood, as the chemicals can harm birds.

Size and Design Considerations

The size of the bird house depends on the bird species you want to attract. I always check the entrance hole size—too big, and predators can get in; too small, and birds might not enter. For example, a 1.25-inch hole is great for chickadees, while a 1.5-inch hole suits bluebirds. Also, look for a house with ventilation holes and drainage to keep the interior dry.

Ease of Assembly and Installation

Since these bird houses come unfinished and sometimes unassembled, I consider how easy it is to put together. Some come with pre-cut pieces and instructions, which I find really helpful. Also, think about how you will mount or hang the house—whether on a tree, pole, or wall.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Even though the wood is unfinished, I want a bird house that can withstand the elements. Look for thicker wood and tight joints. After assembling, I always apply a non-toxic sealant or paint to protect it from rain and sun, extending its life.

Price and Value

Unfinished wooden bird houses come in a range of prices. I balance cost with quality—sometimes paying a bit more upfront means the house lasts longer and is safer for the birds. Keep in mind that you might spend a little extra on paints or stains to finish it yourself.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Always choose bird-safe materials and finishes.
  • Think about the local bird species and their nesting needs.
  • Make sure the house is easy to clean—some designs have removable panels.
  • Position the bird house in a safe, quiet spot away from predators.

Buying an unfinished wooden bird house was a rewarding experience for me because I could personalize it and provide a cozy home for birds. I hope my guide helps you find or create the perfect bird house for your garden!

Author Profile

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Melvin Myer
Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.

In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.