Easy Wren Bird House Plans: Build Your Own Today: 1 Minute to Create the Perfect Home for Wrens

Building a wren bird house is a rewarding project that attracts charming songbirds to your backyard while adding a natural decorative touch to your outdoor space. Wren houses are simple to construct, require minimal materials, and can be customized to suit different garden styles. If you’re ready to welcome wrens and infuse your garden with their delightful melodies, follow these easy bird house plans suitable for beginners and seasoned DIYers alike.

Getting Started: Materials & Tools

Before you begin, gather the essential materials: untreated cedar or pine boards (wrens prefer natural wood), a small sheet of sandpaper, wood screws or small nails, a handsaw, drill with bits, measuring tape, and weather-resistant exterior-friendly paint or finish (optional). Always avoid painted or treated woods inside the nesting area to keep birds healthy.

Simple Wren Bird House Plan

Wrens are not fussy, but a proper entrance hole size (1 1/8 inches in diameter) keeps out larger, predatory birds. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Cut the wood pieces. You’ll need: one 6"x8" back, one 4"x4" base with drainage holes, two 6"x4" sides, one 6"x4" front (drill the entrance hole here), and one 7"x5" roof.
2. Assemble the walls. Attach the sides to the base with screws, then fix the back piece.
3. Add the entrance. Secure the front piece so the entrance hole is 4-6 inches above the floor.
4. Finish the roof. Attach the slanted roof for rain runoff. Make it removable for yearly cleaning.
5. Drill ventilation holes. Add tiny holes near the top front and sides for airflow.
6. Mount your house. Hang the birdhouse on a tree, fence post, or a pole/stand about 5-10 feet off the ground, facing away from prevailing winds.

As a designer, I recommend considering placement for visual harmony. Think of your garden as a composition, ensuring the wren house is an accent rather than an afterthought. You can elevate your outdoor design further with digital 3D tools—using a 3D Floor Planner allows you to virtually position bird houses, furniture, and landscaping features, letting you experiment with the best look and feel before installing anything outdoors.

Tips 1:

For best results, clean out the birdhouse at the end of each nesting season. Avoid placing perches, as they invite less-welcome visitors, and consider incorporating nearby shrubs or native plants for added shelter and food sources. Paint ONLY the outside with non-toxic finishes to coordinate with your outdoor aesthetic—natural stains and weathered wood also blend beautifully in most garden settings.

FAQ

Q: What size should the entrance hole be for a wren bird house?

A: The ideal entrance is 1 1/8 inches in diameter to keep wrens comfortable and predators out.

Q: How high should I mount the wren bird house?

A: Place the bird house 5-10 feet above ground, secured to a tree, post, or building wall.

Q: What wood is best for a wren bird house?

A: Use untreated cedar, pine, or other natural woods to keep birds healthy and comfortable.

Q: Should a wren bird house have a perch?

A: It’s best to skip the perch, as wrens don’t need it and it may attract predators.

Q: When is the best time to put up a wren bird house?

A: Late winter or early spring is ideal—right before the birds return to nest in your area.