Most of us love the sound of birds chirping in our yards, and what better way to invite them in than to have a beautiful birdbath
?
There is something rather lovely about watching birds discover a new birdbath in the garden. You put out what is essentially a bowl of water on a stand, wander inside to make a coffee, and suddenly the local birds are treating your backyard like their own private day spa.
The best part is that you really do not need to buy an expensive decorative birdbath. Some of the prettiest DIY birdbath ideas can be made from things you already have tucked away in the shed, hiding in the back of a kitchen cupboard, or sitting in that mysterious pile of garden pots we all seem to accumulate.
Old terracotta pots, serving bowls, vintage dishes, plant saucers and even unwanted lamp bases can all be turned into a homemade birdbath.
If you love this type of garden upcycling, have a look at our 11 ways to make your own bird bath too. There are some wonderfully clever projects in that collection using everything from vintage glass to teapots.
What Makes a Good DIY Birdbath?
Before you start raiding the shed for suitable containers, there are a few practical things worth thinking about.
A good birdbath should have:
- A relatively shallow basin
- A stable base that will not easily tip
- A textured or non-slippery surface
- Fresh, clean water
- Somewhere nearby for birds to perch or retreat
- Easy access for regular cleaning
If your container is deeper than you would like, place a few clean stones inside so smaller birds have somewhere secure to stand.
I also prefer birdbaths that can be easily lifted apart for cleaning. Permanent glue looks lovely until you are outside trying to scrub six months of garden grime from a decorative bowl that refuses to move.
1. Terracotta Pot Birdbath
This is probably one of the easiest DIY birdbath projects for beginners.
Turn a large terracotta flowerpot upside down and place a matching plant saucer on top.
You can leave the terracotta natural for a rustic garden look or paint it using outdoor paint.
For a taller birdbath, stack two or three decreasing sizes of pots together before adding the saucer.
It is simple, inexpensive and easy to clean.
2. Painted Flowerpot Birdbath
Take the basic terracotta design one step further by painting the pots.
Try:
- Floral patterns
- Cottage garden designs
- Bees and butterflies
- Polka dots
- Botanical leaves
- Mosaic-style patterns
- Bright rainbow colours
Seal your finished design with an outdoor-safe sealer suitable for the material you are using.
This is a lovely project if you have leftover exterior paint from another garden makeover.
3. Vintage Bowl Birdbath
One of my favourite ways to make a homemade birdbath is simply to use a beautiful old bowl.
Look for large ceramic or stoneware bowls at thrift stores, garage sales and charity shops.
Place one securely on:
- A tree stump
- A stone pedestal
- An old table base
- A plant stand
- A sturdy garden wall
Suddenly that slightly chipped bowl nobody wanted becomes garden decor.
And yes, this is exactly the sort of thing that justifies keeping random pretty bowls because “they might come in handy one day.”
4. Old Serving Platter Birdbath
Large serving platters and shallow dishes can make surprisingly attractive birdbaths.
Choose one with enough depth to hold a small amount of water and place it on a sturdy base.
This idea works particularly well in small courtyard gardens where a large traditional birdbath might overwhelm the space.
5. Mosaic Birdbath
If you love mosaic crafts, turn a plain birdbath basin into a colourful garden feature.
You could decorate the outside of a concrete or terracotta basin using:
- Broken ceramic tiles
- China pieces
- Glass mosaic tiles
- Sea glass
- Decorative pebbles
Keep the bathing area practical and easy to clean.
A mosaic border around the outside gives you plenty of colour without creating an awkward surface inside the water basin.
6. Upcycled Lamp Base Birdbath
Old lamps often have beautifully shaped bases that are far too interesting to throw away.
Remove all electrical components and use a sturdy lamp base as the pedestal for a shallow dish or bowl.
Heavy ceramic, metal or stone lamp bases work particularly well.
Make sure everything is stable before adding water.
7. Tree Stump Birdbath
If you have recently removed a tree, think twice before grinding the stump away.
A flat tree stump makes a wonderfully natural birdbath pedestal.
Simply position a heavy shallow dish or stone basin on top.
It blends beautifully into cottage gardens and woodland-style landscaping.
8. Concrete Birdbath
Making your own concrete birdbath can be easier than it looks.
A large shallow bowl can be used as a mould to create a simple concrete basin.
Once cured, it can sit:
- Directly on the ground
- On stacked bricks
- On a concrete pedestal
- On a large overturned planter
Concrete works particularly well if you prefer a more permanent garden feature.
9. Large Plant Saucer Birdbath
Sometimes the simplest DIY really is the best.
A large plant saucer can become a birdbath almost instantly.
Place it on a stable plant stand, brick column or overturned pot.
This is one of the easiest options if you are renting because nothing needs to be permanently installed.
10. Hanging Birdbath
If ground space is limited, make a hanging birdbath.
Use a sturdy shallow bowl or metal dish suspended securely with chain or strong weather-resistant cord.
Hang it from a solid tree branch or garden structure.
Check it regularly to make sure the hanging system remains secure.
11. Rustic Metal Birdbath
Old metal dishes, enamel basins and shallow galvanised containers can make charming rustic birdbaths.
They look particularly good in farmhouse-style and cottage gardens.
Before using an old metal container, check it carefully for:
- Sharp edges
- Rust damage
- Flaking coatings
- Unstable handles
If you love inexpensive outdoor projects like this, browse our 20 outdoor DIY projects you can make on a budget for even more backyard inspiration.
12. Repurposed Cake Stand Birdbath
Now here is one for those of us who cannot walk past a thrift-store cake stand.
A sturdy cake stand can become an instant miniature birdbath.
Heavy ceramic or glass styles are best because lightweight stands may tip easily.
Place the cake stand somewhere sheltered and stable.
It looks particularly pretty amongst flowering plants.
13. Tea Cup Inspired Birdbath
For something whimsical, create an oversized version of a teacup garden decoration using an old cup, bowl or small ceramic basin.
Vintage crockery looks wonderful amongst cottage garden flowers.
If this gives you the urge to keep going with the tea party theme, CraftBits also has a lovely DIY tea cup bird feeder tutorial that would look sweet nearby.
14. Garden Statue Birdbath
A garden statue can become the base for a small birdbath.
Look for statues with flat surfaces or raised hands that can securely support a shallow bowl.
Cherubs, columns and classical garden figures all work beautifully.
This can turn a fairly ordinary garden ornament into something practical too.
15. Stacked Stone Birdbath
For a very natural-looking design, stack large flat stones to create a low pedestal.
Place a shallow stone or ceramic basin on top.
Keep the structure low and stable rather than trying to build a towering stack.
This looks especially good near native plants and gravel garden areas.
16. Old Chair Birdbath
Before throwing out an old wooden or metal chair, remove the seat and see whether a large bowl or basin can fit inside the frame.
This makes a wonderfully quirky garden feature.
Paint the chair a bright colour or leave it weathered for a rustic look.
Just make sure the chair itself is structurally sound.
17. Recycled Table Base Birdbath
An old side table, stool or small outdoor table can easily become a birdbath stand.
Add a large shallow dish to the top and you have a raised water station in minutes.
This is another excellent rental-friendly idea because the entire setup can move with you.
18. Ground Level Birdbath
Not every birdbath needs a pedestal.
A shallow stone or terracotta dish placed directly on gravel or paving can look beautiful.
Surround it with:
- Smooth river stones
- Herbs
- Low-growing flowers
- Native grasses
Ground-level birdbaths also create a very natural look in wildlife gardens.
Just remember to position them where birds have a clear view of approaching predators.
19. Solar Fountain Birdbath
A small solar fountain can add movement to an existing DIY birdbath.
These little floating fountain units are often placed directly into a basin and powered by sunlight.
Moving water adds a lovely garden feature, but make sure the basin remains suitable for birds and that they still have easy access to shallow areas.
20. Birdbath and Bird Feeder Garden Station
Why stop at just a birdbath?
Create a little bird-friendly corner with:
- A DIY birdbath
- Bird feeders
- Native flowering plants
- A nearby perch
- Shrubs for shelter
Our collection of 32 DIY bird feeder crafts has plenty of homemade feeder ideas you can pair with your new birdbath.
You can also make this simple pine cone bird feeder from CraftBits if you want a quick nature craft to hang nearby.
Where Should You Put a Birdbath?
Choosing the right location can make a big difference.
I like to place birdbaths somewhere I can actually see them from the house because half the fun is watching who turns up.
Choose somewhere with reasonable visibility for the birds while still having shrubs, trees or branches nearby where they can retreat.
Avoid tucking the birdbath deep inside dense shrubs where predators could hide.
A little shade can also help stop the water heating up too quickly during hot weather.
How Often Should You Clean a Birdbath?
Birdbath water should be changed regularly, especially during hot weather.
Whenever you notice leaves, feathers, algae or other debris, give the basin a clean.
A quick rinse and refill often only takes a couple of minutes, which is another reason I like simple removable birdbath bowls rather than elaborate permanently attached designs.
If the basin becomes slimy or dirty, scrub it thoroughly before refilling.
Fresh water is much more inviting for visiting birds anyway.
Make Your Garden More Bird Friendly
Once you start attracting birds to your backyard it becomes strangely addictive.
First you put out one little bowl of water.
Then you add a feeder.
Then a flowering shrub.
Then suddenly you are standing at the kitchen window whispering, “Come back, little bird,” while everyone else in the house wonders what happened to you.
If you would like to keep decorating the garden, our collection of 12 DIY garden decorations you can make has plenty of easy handmade ideas to add personality to your outdoor space.
DIY birdbaths are one of those lovely garden projects where you really do not need expensive supplies or advanced DIY skills. Start with a shallow bowl, find something sturdy to put underneath it, add fresh water and see who comes to visit.
Sometimes the simplest garden projects end up being the ones you enjoy the most.
Ooooooh, thanks, this looks goooood!