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7 Best Wooden Bird Tables – 2024 Buyers Guide
Wooden bird tables are one of the easiest, cheapest and by far the most popular ways to attract wild birds into your garden or backyard in the UK.
Attracting and feeding wild birds in your garden is especially important as the cooler months start to set in between October, to early March each year.
As the winter progresses frosts are more frequent, the ground becomes frozen and food just becomes very scarce for our wild birds.
By erecting wooden bird tables in our gardens we can help our wild birds survive the winter and be fit, ready, and healthy come the Spring.
Let us forget the aesthetic looks for the moment as this is not a functional part that we should consider when answering this question.
One of the biggest enemies of wild birds in our gardens today is of course domestic cats. So, let us not make it easy for cats to get at our bird table.
This means if you have wooden bird tables with a ‘vertical’ pole/post, try and make sure the pole/post is as smooth as possible to stop cats and to some degree, squirrels from getting a foothold on any rough, or knobbly bits on the upright pole/post.
Also, when buying or making wooden bird tables, try and have a thought for safety. Ensure no sharp edges or scissor-type joints which may allow for bird’s feet to get trapped.
Once you have wooden bird tables or open platforms, all types of birds will be attracted, large and small. This is great from an attraction point of view but spare a thought for the ‘small guys’ who often get muscled out by the ‘big guys’ when feeding at a table.
Wooden bird tables are available that restrict the size of birds that can access the food, so the small guys at least get a chance to eat at the table.
Wooden bird tables need not be overcomplicated, a basic platform with edges and drainage channels with or without a roof is all that is really needed. If you have a roof try and avoid those with ‘thatch’ while they may look nice and ‘rustic’ come the spring a lot of that thatch will disappear when the birds start to use your lovely thatch for nesting material. A plain simple roof is all that is required.
Please Note: We independently selected all the products mentioned in this Buyer’s Guide. The guide includes amongst others, Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission from any purchases made through these links. For more information, please refer to our affiliate’s FAQ page.
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Best Wooden Bird Tables
If you don’t have much time, use the link below to quickly find out my ‘Top Pick’ for the ‘Best Wooden Bird Tables’ available for you on Amazon. You can be assured we only recommend products based on our research, product quality, usability, and value for money… ‘Best Overall’ Maypole Wooden Bird Table
Wooden Bird Tables: Today’s Wooden Bird Tables Come in Various Shapes and Designs
Wooden Bird Tables – Our Top 3 Wooden Bird Houses
Product Image
Best Overall 
Runner-Up 
Best Under £25 
Model/Make
Trixie Wooden Bird Table
Maypole Wooden Bird Table
Easipet Wooden Bird Table
Construction
Wood
Wood
Wood
Dimensions
46cm (D) x 46cm (W) x 115cm (H)
29cm (D) x 36 cm (W) x 140cm (H)
42cm (D) x 40 cm (W) x 119cm (H)
Treated
Mounting
Free Standing
Free Standing
Free Standing
More Information
Best Overall
Product Image
Model/Make
Trixie Wooden Bird Table
Construction
Wood
Dimensions
46cm (D) x 46cm (W) x 115cm (H)
Treated
Mounting
Free Standing
More Information
Runner-Up
Product Image
Model/Make
Maypole Wooden Bird Table
Construction
Wood
Dimensions
29cm (D) x 36 cm (W) x 140cm (H)
Treated
Mounting
Free Standing
More Information
Best Under £25
Product Image
Model/Make
Easipet Wooden Bird Table
Construction
Wood
Dimensions
42cm (D) x 40 cm (W) x 119cm (H)
Treated
Mounting
Free Standing
More Information
Last update on 2024-04-23
Best Wooden Bird Tables – A Buyers Guide
Bempton Bird Table
This beautiful hanging Bempton wooden bird table is made from FSC timber with a distressed ‘green’ colour finish.
The manufacturer has also provided this bird table with ‘intricate’ lattice and ‘arched’ woodwork, and a real copper roof which has that ‘verdigris’ (green/blue) look.
The hanging Bempton has a very clever detachable side panel utilising a recycled plastic tray that lifts out for easy cleaning. This also serves as a seed tray but has no sides, so can be difficult to fill it with seeds and not spill any while fitting it back.
The detachable side panel also gives access to the inside edges of the bird table so they may be brushed out removing any old food which may harbour bacteria. This allows for excellent standards of bird hygiene to be achieved.
The attractive appearance of the Bempton bird table would enhance any garden and will not look out of place in a large ornamental-type garden or a small suburban backyard.
Wooden bird tables are generally free-standing or hung from a tree branch, hook, or something similar suitable for ‘hanging’ in a garden. The Bempton is ideally suited for hanging, as it’s shipped with ‘natural rope’ and thus as a hanging bird table or feeder will ensure a certain degree of bird safety from the likes of cats in particular.
The balustrades of latticework and decorative arches around the feeder provide a restricted height and a safe area for smaller birds to feed. This space limitation offers some restricted access to larger species of birds such as crows, pigeons, magpies, and seagulls from the food you place on the table. It also makes life very difficult for large predatory sparrow hawks whose habit is to target small birds on open feeder tables.
Bempton Wooden Bird Tables Size: 30cm (12in) H x 20cm (8in) W x 20cm (8in) L and is shipped fully assembled.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Looks Good
- Good for Small Birds
- Cleaning Tray
- Good Size
- Can Be Post Mounted
- Hanging Hook/Eye
- Ongoing Maintenance
- Seed Tray Filling
Fordwich Bird Table
The Fordwich bird table is a single free-standing bird table, having a ‘specially’ designed height (when sat down) for optimal viewing pleasure according to the manufacturer.
Being a free-standing wooden bird table with a smooth rectangular pole and 4 cross feet stabilisers, the bird table is designed to be secure even in windy weather.
However, I would still recommend the use of bird table anchoring pegs as a precautionary measure to hold the base firmly down and in place.
Made from FSC timbers and as far as wooden bird tables go, the Fordwich has a good overall design that restricts the access of larger birds to the table to steal food, giving the smaller birds a better chance to share what you have provided.
In addition, as a free-standing table with a smooth ‘rectangular’, support for the table platform itself, the Fordwich is pretty much ‘cat-proof’, although such things as squirrels may still enter the bird table, unfortunately, and steal their food. Some users even ‘grease’ the pole which seems to have a great effect on unwanted intruders like squirrels and rats.
Measuring 43cm (17in) x 43cm (17in) the Fordwich currently stands at 1.4m (55in) from the bottom of the floor base to the top of the ‘roof’ of the table, some users find this low for there use/enjoyment as well as domestic cats attacking the wild birds.
An additional bird table extension pole can be purchased to extend the height of the Fordwich bird table by a further 43cm (17in) making the bird table 1.8m (6ft) in total height.
Sturdily built and easily cleaned, similar to other wooden bird tables the Fordwich is shipped in 2 parts, the bird table, and a separate base. Both have pre-drilled holes for fixing together with the screws which are supplied.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Good for Small Birds
- Cat Proof
- Looks Good
- Sturdy
- Large Table
- Ready Assembled
- Ongoing Maintenance
- A Little Low
- Extension Not Included
Hove Bird Table
The Hove Wall/Fence mounted bird feeder is slightly unusual, in that it can be fixed to a solid wall or fence at a height of your choosing. The Hove can be used instead of the usual ‘free-standing’ wooden bird tables.
This type of ‘mounting’ will alleviate the possibility of predators and scavengers like ‘cats’ and ‘squirrels’ on your bird table.
An ideal solution for gardens or backyards with limited space, and or where the chances of a free-standing bird table could be knocked over by pets or small children.
Constructed with smaller birds in mind, however, larger birds like magpies, jackdaws, and pigeons may enter with varying degrees of success.
Made from C24 timber and treated with an anti-bacterial coating to prevent the spread of disease, this simple well-constructed wooden bird table measures 26cm (10in) x 26cm (10in) square with a mounting support of 54cm (21in).
The Hove has simple ‘parapet’ sides to help prevent the spillage of seeds and other foodstuffs that are placed on the bird table, as well as a couple of openings that will assist in any major ‘water runoff’ if blown in.
The Hove’s roof is covered in ‘mineral roofing felt’ and made to last and protect the table from major downpours. This bird table is shipped ‘ready assembled’ so all that is required are 2 x screws (not supplied) to fix the mounting support (holes already pre-drilled) to a fence or wall and you are ready to go.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Simple Design
- Ready Assembled
- Cat Proof
- Sturdy
- Anti Bacterial
- No Fixing Screws Supplied
- Ongoing Maintenance
Maypole Heavy Duty Bird Table
The Maypole heavy-duty wooden bird table has some great eco/safety features as far as the timbers used for its construction are concerned.
All timbers are treated with an anti-bacterial coating to prevent the spreading of disease, which is a great plus point for our wildlife.
Also, all timbers used are guaranteed to be taken from sustainable forests, where 2 x trees are planted for every tree cut.
Measuring 29cm (11in) W x 36cm (14in) L the Maypole currently stands at 1.4m (56in) from the bottom of the floor base to the top of the ‘roof’ of the table.
The base is well supported via floor and triangular timbers, however, I would still recommend the use of bird table anchoring pegs as a precautionary measure to hold the base firmly down and in place, I would recommend this for all free-standing bird tables, especially in high winds.
The bird table roof is of slatted treated timbers. The bird table below has ‘parapet’ sides to assist in the prevention of seeds or other food spillages, as well as gaps to allow ‘waterfall off’ and easy table cleaning.
Although the Maypole requires self-assembly the table is not difficult to put together. All timbers, screws, and instructions are provided when the table is shipped.
The one drawback for some users may be that the table is ‘open’ to larger birds like Crows, Pigeons, and Jackdaws. If this is of concern and you only want smaller birds at your bird table then with a little DIY you can modify (lower) the 2x uprights that support the table roof a little, for a more suitable size opening to deter larger birds entry.
The Maypole is a little on the low side and may be attractive to local cats and possibly squirrels or other problem pests in your garden. In this case, why not look at Pestbye Cat Repellent? It safely keeps cats, squirrels, and other animals away from your bird table using ultrasonic frequency inaudible to humans.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Eco Features
- Anti-Bacterial Coatings
- Good Quality
- Easy Cleaning
- Easy Assembly
- A Little Low
- Ongoing Maintenance
Easypet Wooden Bird Table
Looking for a bird table that will be a perfect addition to your garden? Look no further than the Easipet Bird Table.
This product offers a few key features that make it stand out from the competition at a great price.
The Easipet Bird Table is made from high-quality wood, making it sturdy and durable.
Despite its affordable price, the wood used in the construction of this bird table is of excellent quality. This ensures that your bird table will last for years to come, even in harsh weather conditions.
Standing at 3ft 9in (120cm) high with a 15in (40cm) seed tray, covered by a 16in (42cm) roof, this traditionally built bird table is made from all wooden materials.
Although this wooden bird table is advertised as being of “quality construction”, some users report that they needed to treat the timbers with ‘wood preservatives’ themselves to ensure the longevity of the materials.
I don’t see this as being much of a problem based on the very low price you are paying for this otherwise sturdy wooden bird table.
The Easipet Bird Table features a solid three-legged base that provides excellent stability. This ensures that your bird table won’t tip over, even in strong winds. With pre-cut pieces and all the fittings included, the assembly is easy, with full instructions, and hassle-free. The bird table is stable, and solid, although some ‘pegging down’ may be required in really strong winds, like most wooden bird tables of this design.
The wide-splayed legs are designed to provide maximum stability, making this bird table perfect for use in any garden.
The Easipet Bird Table comes with a protective felt roof that provides excellent protection from the elements. This ensures that your bird table will remain dry, even in heavy rain. The felt roof also helps to keep the bird table clean and free from debris, making it easier to maintain.
My only other concern is possibly the height of the table. It may be a little on the short side, standing at just 3ft 9in (120cm), especially if you have predatory animals like cats, dogs, and the like around.
On the plus side, I like the ‘seed tray’ platform has raised sides, but NO slots in the corners on either side. These slots ‘would’ be ideal for cleaning purposes, as they allow old or damp/wet birdseed to be cleaned up and removed easily avoiding any cross-contamination of fresh seed. However, the Easipet does not have slots.
While some reviewers have reported minor issues such as broken parts or loose screws, these seem to be isolated incidents and do not detract from the overall value of the product. The table is sturdy and stable, making it a great option for preventing pigeons from stealing all the bird food.
Overall, the Easipet Bird Table is a solid choice for anyone looking to attract birds to their garden without breaking the bank. With its generous size and wide-splayed legs, it provides a comfortable feeding spot for birds of all sizes.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Quality Wood
- Value For Money
- Suitable for Smaller Birds
- Easy Assembly
- Felt Roof
- Little on the Low Side
- May Need Additional Wood Treatment
- May Need Pegging Down
- Seed Tray Slots
Riverside Triple Platform Bird Feeder
Being of extremely good quality, the Riverside Triple Platform Bird Table comes complete with additional matching smaller side bird tables which is a great bonus.
Larger birds like magpies, crows, and pigeons tend to migrate towards the larger top table and the smaller birds utilise the lower two tables.
The Riverside table is also large and strong enough in its design to fix additional hooks or brackets to hang things like fat cakes or smaller bird feeders from its structure.
The top or main table comes fully assembled and the stand and smaller tables need to be assembled which is extremely easy to do.
However, the manufacturer does offer a ‘fully assembled’ option if preferred, which just needs to be confirmed when placing your order.
With a complete anti-fungal/bacterial colour-rich coating (wildlife safe) and very solidly constructed, this wooden bird table stands at 183cm (72in) H the main table is 36cm (14in) W x 38cm (15in) L with the base stand size of 79cm (31in) constructed from 8cm x 8cm (3in x 3in) timbers, which gives better stability in high winds.
The larger and smaller tables have ‘parapets’ around the tables to assist with keeping foodstuffs like seeds on the tables. However, there are small ‘gaps’ on the table corners to assist with table ‘cleaning’ and water runoff.
Unfortunately though with the open design and the height of the lower tables especially the bird table is open to urban predators such as domestic cats and maybe unwanted guests such as squirrels, so care should be taken when placing the table, if this is a potential problem for new users.
All in all, a super wooden bird table will attract a variety of wild birds into your garden and provide endless hours of enjoyment.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- 3 Table Option
- Solid Construction
- Anti-Bacterial/Fugal
- Easy to Clean
- Pre Assembled
- A Little Pricey
- Ongoing Maintenance
Trixie Natura Bird Feeder
The Trixie Natura Bird Feeder is designed to withstand harsh UK weather conditions, thanks to its durable construction and weather-resistant materials.
The bird feeder is made of solid wood, which not only makes it sturdy but also aesthetically pleasing.
The ‘roof’ of the feeder is covered in a durable mineral asphalt, which ensures that the bird feed stays dry even during rainy weather.
The feeder’s sturdy design also ensures that it remains stable even during windy conditions.
Standing 1.6 yds (1.5m) tall, the free-standing Trixie Natura birdfeeder has a roof cover of approximately 18in x 18in (46cm x 46cm) with a slightly smaller ‘seed tray’ of 17in x 17in (44cm x 44cm) and it is 8.5in (22cm) from the seed tray to the top of the roof ‘opening’, making it large enough to hold a significant amount of birdseed.
The roof is also sloped, which prevents rainwater from entering the feeder and keeps the birdseed dry.
One small issue is the slope of the roof, depending on the direction in which you want to view the birds at the feeder the slope may prove to hinder your view.
As mentioned, one of the most impressive features of this bird feeder is its sturdy construction. It is made of high-quality wood and is weather-resistant, ensuring that it will last for a long time.
The Trixie bird feeder is treated with a non-toxic glaze and thus optimally protected against weathering. To maintain this protection, the manufacturer recommends painting the wood every 1-3 years with a non-toxic wood glaze or paint (water-based, suitable for outdoor use).
The bird feeder will need to be assembled, but the instructions are very plain and simple to follow, with only a screwdriver required to assemble the feeder.
As the bird table is quite low and open, it offers no real protection from either the elements (rain) and or local predators such as domestic cats or other urban wildlife such as squirrels.
If this is a problem in your area, then one should really take care in the placement of the bird table and maybe take other precautions to protect the bird table from intrusion by using the Pestbye Cat Repellent or other similar deterrents.
Pro’s
Con’s
Price
- Sturdy
- High-Quality Materials
- Wood Glazed
- Easy Assembly
- Roof Slope May Hinder View
What Kind of Wood Should I Use For a Bird Table?
Ideally, you want to use wood that will not split or warp and rot when it gets wet. So, look for woods that are specially coated or treated for ‘exterior’ use and have had antifungal treatments (and of course safe for birds).
It’s important to note that when selecting wood for a bird table, you should avoid using any treated or pressure-treated wood as the chemicals used in these processes can be harmful to birds. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to use a non-toxic sealant to protect the wood and ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
However, cedar is one of the most popular and recommended woods due to its durability and resistance to weather, rot, and insect damage. Cedar is also known for its natural aromatic scent, which can help repel insects and other pests that may try to make a home on the bird table.
Other suitable woods for a bird table include pine, oak, and redwood, although they may not be as resistant to weather and insects as cedar.
So having provided a few tips on what to look for, I have provided some guidance on a few wooden bird tables currently on the market that would suit most user’s requirements.
FAQs
How Often Should I Clean My Bird Table?
You should clean your bird table regularly, ideally at least once a week, to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and fungi
What is The Best Design For a Bird Table?
The best design for a bird table should take into account several factors to ensure it is functional and attractive for birds.
It should be positioned in an open area at an elevated height, with a sloping roof to protect food from rain and an overhanging roof to provide additional shelter.
A table design should allow for easy cleaning and refilling of food. Durable materials should be used to withstand the elements and regular use by birds. Overall, the best design is one that is safe, functional, and provides an inviting feeding area for birds.
What is The Best Size For a Bird Table?
The size of a bird table depends on the number and types of birds you wish to attract. A table measuring 12in – 16in (30-40cm) square is usually sufficient for most bird species, while larger birds such as crows and magpies may require a larger table.
The height of the table should also be considered to ensure birds can access the food easily, and the design should provide enough space for birds to perch and feed comfortably.
Ultimately, the best size for a bird table is one that meets the needs of the birds in your area while also fitting into your outdoor space.
Conclusion
Enticing British wildlife into one’s garden by means of a water feature like a wildlife garden pond or the multitude of wild birds, especially in winter to a ‘bird table’ is very rewarding. Without a doubt, it brings great enjoyment and pleasure to you and one’s family.
There is a huge array of wooden bird tables on the market currently in all shapes and sizes and to suit all budgets. Above I have reviewed for you some of the best wooden bird tables available in my opinion, based on design, construction, and value for money.
Lastly, please help our wild birds during the harsh winter months by placing food out for them. But also ensure it’s the correct type of food they need, for instance, bread is bad for birds to survive a UK winter.