DIY A Charming Birdhouse By Reusing Old Tile Pieces

If you've just completed a renovation that involved tiles, you probably have a few left over. While you may want to save some in case you ever need to replace any on your backsplash, floor, or shower, if you have an abundance of extras, consider this genius idea for repurposing leftover tiles: Use them to jazz up a plain birdhouse. To complete this mosaic masterpiece, you'll attach your tiles to the birdhouse however you desire and fill in the gaps with grout — it's that simple!

The great thing about this DIY is that there are so many ways to personalize the piece. While you could attach your tiles as-is to the birdhouse, you could also make them smaller by cutting them into tiny pieces. Also, try hitting the tiles with a hammer (while taking safety precautions, of course) to create some organic shapes. Furthermore, instead of only using old tiles, incorporate pieces of dishes, glass items, beads, and decorative rocks as well. When choosing what elements to include, consider using these eight stunning colors on your birdhouse to attract more flying friends.

The tiles can either cover the entire surface of the birdhouse or just be used to add a bit of interest in a small area. They can also either follow an orderly pattern or be haphazardly placed anywhere you desire. Once you've got your tiles and other materials ready to go, discover how to complete this easy project.

Of course, before you can create your mosaic design, you must first build or buy the wooden birdhouse base. If you want to purchase one to speed up the process, consider the Kiteke Dox Box birdhouse at Walmart that costs under $3. This can either be painted or left as-is. Then, you can begin adhering your tiles however you desire. While some people use wood glue to stick them on, others recommend using a sealant that can withstand moisture, like one that's typically used in the bathroom. Let the glue or sealant fully dry.

Next, you'll need to grout your piece. Ensure that the grout you use is made for the outdoors or cover it with a grout sealer afterwards if it's not. Follow the instructions of your specific grout and smooth it over the tiles, ensuring that you get it into all the tiny spaces. Then, use a putty knife to scrape off the excess and let it dry for a couple hours. If there are any large globs of grout on the tiles, use a slightly damp sponge to remove them — keep in mind that your tiles will be covered in a light film of grout. After a few more hours, remove the film with something that has some slight texture, like a small piece of pool noodle. Also consider adding any additional features to your piece, like a perch or other decorative items. Finally, let your charming DIY birdhouse fully dry before hanging it outside.