Keep Worn Out Boots Out Of The Trash With An Impressive DIY Birds Will Love

What do you do with those old boots you've relegated to the basement after they've seen better days and don't quite cut it anymore? The EPA estimates that just over 9 million tons of clothing and footwear end up in the landfills each year, as of 2018. We certainly don't want to contribute to that, so we're opting to upcycle them into something that will get more feathered friends gathering in the garden. We're turning those old boots into an adorably unique birdhouse.

Whether you're ready to upgrade your rubber garden boots or your kids have outgrown their rain boots (again), this DIY is a great way to keep them out of the trash can. It's also incredibly easy, making it perfect for the beginner DIYer. This project is also useful for anyone short on time, who wants something they can do quickly – it's a charming DIY birdhouse you can build right now. We're basically just gluing a boot to some wood and letting the birds do the rest. They'll enter through the open top of the boot and snuggle inside.

The boot should be large enough to provide adequate nesting space for the species you're hoping to attract. Wear and tear is okay, too, but the sole should still be intact. While this is a fun way to repurpose old rain boots, any style can work, from cowboy to hiking boots. To build your boot-birdhouse, all you need is the boot, some hardy construction adhesive, and a wooden board. Alternatively, you can attach the boot directly to an existing fence post in the yard or garden area.

Grab your old boot and get ready to ditch the traditional bird house with this fun DIY. If your boot looks like it's been trudged through the mud (which, to be fair, it probably has been), go ahead and give it a good wash. If you're feeling extra fancy, you can decorate the boot by painting flowers on the side or adding some polka dots and stripes. Just be sure any paint or finish you use is suitable for an outdoor birdhouse, and keep it away from surfaces birds may directly contact. Before moving on, you'll want to give the boot-birdhouse adequate drainage. We're going to do that by either poking a few holes in the top of the ankle of the boot or slicing a few cuts across that area.

Once your boot is ready, select the board you want to attach it to. If using an existing fence post, grab your construction adhesive and head outside. Apply construction adhesive rated for outdoor use to the sole of the boot and hold it firmly, toe pointed down, against the post. The glue should begin to hold the boot within a minute but will take up to 24 hours to fully dry. You might want to add an extra layer of support, like a strip of weather proof tape, to hold the boot on the post for that period of time. If you are using a wooden board, adhere the boot to it in the same manner, but wait for the glue to dry before hanging it up outside.