Turn Old Metal Garden Chairs Into The Cutest DIY Bird Baths That Double As Decor

You're cleaning out your backyard shed, and you've come across an old metal garden chair that you only sat in once or twice before it started to rust and collect dust. Instead of simply tossing out the old chair, why not put it to good use? Even though the chair is way past its prime, consider upcycling it into a unique bird bath. 

Content creator gigisgardentips demonstrated exactly how to do this on Instagram, and we love it. In the short clip, she removes the padded seat from the chair, leaving just the chair's metal frame. Afterward, the creator adds a large ceramic tray, a flat stone, and a couple of decorative additions on top for a rather charming DIY bird bath sure to impress yard onlookers. Fortunately, this rustic bird bath idea is affordable and easy to replicate. 

If you don't have an old metal chair on hand, check your local thrift store, since these secondhand shops are often full of the best thrift store finds for vintage home decor — old metal chairs included. Once you find a metal chair with a removable seat, you can swap it out for a wide, shallow tray, plate, or basin of your choice, no drilling or soldering required. However, you'll need to measure the diameter of the seat frame to determine the ideal size for the basin piece. If you need to unscrew any seating, you may need a small electric drill, such as this DEKOPRO 8V Cordless Drill and Bit Set, which is available on Amazon for only $23.

First, clean your chair to remove any dirt or spiderwebs. Next, remove the seat cushion, using a drill if needed. Also, if the chair has a considerable amount of rust (common with iron chairs), try using a hard-bristled brush to brush away any flaking pieces and create a smoother surface for the paint to grip. If you plan to paint it (or a thrifted chair) to give it a bit more luster before upcycling it into a bird bath, now's the time to do it. Just be sure to prime the metal beforehand, as this will help it hold up better outdoors. 

To save time, you can use a 2-in-1 paint and primer mix, such as Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint. Once the paint dries, place your chair in its final location, which should be a shaded area in the yard that the birds can spot easily. Next, set your basin directly onto the seat frame. It should be large enough to hold steady in the frame, but if it's uneven, try a weatherproof double-sided mounting tape, such as GORILLA Invisible Hold Mounting Tape, to get rid of any wobble. You can also add an outdoor-safe adhesive if you prefer a more permanent hold. 

Once the basin is in place, add a flat stone no more than roughly 2 ½ inches thick and small enough to fit comfortably within the basin for the birds to perch on. To wrap things up, fill the basin with enough water for the birds to frolic around safely to clean their feathers and quench their thirst. Remember to keep your birdbath clean by rinsing the basin every few days to prevent gunk buildup and mosquito swarms.

This no-fuss bird bath idea can easily be customized to fit your yard's style, and one of the easiest ways to do it is to find a basin or tray that fits the look you're going for. For example, if you want to stick to the rustic theme, consider going with something like the PSW Pot Collection 14-inch Tray, which has an earthy, terracotta-style finish to the design. If you prefer something sleeker, you can also use a black plastic tray, such as this 16-inch party tray, which is available at Home Depot for $5. Or, consider something a bit more glam for a boho-chic aesthetic, like this 16-inch Gold Serving Tray, which is available at Walmart for $2. 

If you're looking to attract hummingbirds specifically, consider a plastic red tray to lure them to your bird bath. For example, this stylish ABOOFAN Chinese Serving Tray would work well for capturing hummingbirds' attention while adding a swanky decorative touch to your metal chair bird bath. Of course, you can always top off the design idea with a few faux branches, river rocks, or seashells. Just make sure all of the decorative additions are large enough to avoid any potential choking hazards with your feathered friends.