The UK's bestBird Tables2022 Review

For those who would rather avoid a DIY project, this Fordwich Rare Bird Table Retreat comes in just two separate pieces, easily screwed together in a couple of minutes.

This can save a lot of time and heartache, especially if you don’t have an electric screwdriver – trying to put some of the other bird tables together without one is no mean feat.

Despite coming almost fully assembled, it’s not a small or spindly option, measuring approximately 140 cm tall and constructed from solid FSC certified timber. It’s considered a good height for optimal viewing of the birds, and is relatively predator-proof, although agile cats may still be able to access the house.

The base is 43 x 43 cm and is reinforced by angled struts, making it relatively robust; however, it can be a little ‘top heavy’ and may need securing to stop it from tipping in high winds.

Whilst the design is intended to keep larger birds away, it’s not completely effective, and magpies, pigeons and jays can still fit into the house on top – for the most part this doesn’t seem to deter smaller birds, but is something to be aware of if you’re after a table exclusively for sparrows, blue tits etc.

It’s a good table overall, although the stability can be an issue. It’s more likely to require ground anchors than the other options. Nevertheless, it’s one of the best bird tables for anyone looking for easy assembly and only requires four screws to be wound in by hand to put it together.

One of the best bird tables for feeding several species at the same time, this Riverside Woodcraft Triple Platform Bird Table has separate platforms that can be loaded with different foods.

This keeps larger birds from scaring off smaller ones, and creates plenty of space to hopefully avoid any turf wars.

The top platform measures 50 x 48 cm and is covered by a wooden apex roof which keeps the bird seed dry. Below, the other two smaller tables are sheltered by the larger platform.

Riverside Woodcraft, who are based in Staffordshire, use FSC certified timber, so the wood for this bird table has been sustainably sourced. It’s also been treated with an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial coating and fares well outside; it will require additional wood treatments after a couple of years.

In terms of stability, the combination of the 80 x 80 cm base, as well as the thick 7.5 central post, means that it remains sturdy even in windy conditions. All of the wood used in its construction is thick and solid, creating a stable, robust bird table overall.

It comes part assembled, and requires the base to be put together before connecting the top section. This can be done in less than an hour with the help of an electric screwdriver and Phillips screw bit (although using a standard screwdriver will take a lot longer).

It’s also robust enough to hang birdfeeders from without making it unstable, reiterating the point that it’s one of the best bird feeders for attracting different types of birds, no matter how they like to feed.

Overall, this is a high-quality bird table that offers a lot of potential in the garden. It will also stand up well against the UK climate, whether that’s rain, snow or wind, whilst remaining sturdy and well balanced.

If you’re after a bird table that delivers on both quality and price, this Maypole Heavy Duty Bird Table is solidly constructed yet very affordable. It’s one of the best bird tables in terms of value for money, made from thick wood making it stable and robust, with a price that is hard to beat when compared to other models on the market.

The design is relatively basic, but still entirely functional and hardwearing, and the wood has been sustainably sourced; two trees are planted for every one that is cut down – reassuring, as cheaper prices can sometimes mean unethical practises.

A green, slatted roof covers the feeding platform, helping keep the seeds dry, and the 60 x 60 cm base remains stable without the use of pegs. It offers a good compromise between weight and stability, being light enough to move around but also unaffected by high winds. The only problem that can occur, when it’s both raining and windy, is that rain can get blown onto the feeding platform due to the open sides.

It has been treated with an anti-bacterial coating to stop the spread of disease between animals, but the wood isn’t pressured treated, so will still need to be regularly treated and sealed to help it last outside year-round in the UK climate.

In terms of assembly, putting it together is relatively straight forward and can be done in around 40 minutes with the help of an electric screwdriver. Only the apex roof comes pre-assembled, but all of the holes are pre-drilled.

The main criticism relates to its size, as this isn’t the largest table. The total height is 134 cm, which is smaller than a lot of standing bird tables and as a result the roofed section isn’t very tall. This may put off some larger birds.

There are several reasons why this Wildlife World Bempton Bird Table is a great option to consider. It’s great for small gardens because it doesn’t take up any floor space, but it’s also a very pleasantly designed feeder which would work in any size area. Plus, it’s one of the best bird tables in terms of versatility because it can be hung or mounted on a pole.

The fact that it’s relatively small, at just 30 x 20 cm, doesn’t seem to put off larger birds either, with magpies, blackbirds and jackdaws capable of using it, as well as smaller visitors as well. Even in a small garden, you can attract a variety of species.

Overall, the construction is strong, so it doesn’t struggle with the weight of larger birds either, though they may cause it to swing if it’s hanging.

It resembles a little pergola, with a wooden latticework construction (made from FSC certified timber) finished in a pale green colour that nicely complements the Verdigris copper roof.

Whilst it comes with a string for hanging, this feeder can be either be hung from a tree or fixed to a post, depending on personal preference and the birds you wish to visit. The string is quite short, so can be difficult to hang around larger branches, and it may be necessary to use a longer piece of string, or some gardening wire, instead.

The roof works fairly successfully at keeping the seeds and any small birds dry. However, water can still get in and may need to be emptied out after rainfall as it doesn’t always drain. That said, there’s an easy system for emptying, cleaning and restocking the table, as the tray bottom tray can simply be pulled out.

If you’ve got your heart set on a bird table, but haven’t got a lot of space in the garden, this Natures Market Slate Roof Bird Table is a lot more petite than most of the models featured here.

It has a 40 x 20 cm footprint which makes it the most compact option on this page and one of the best bird tables for smaller gardens. It still stands at approximately 151 cm tall, so isn’t excessively short despite its smaller size, and is high enough off the ground to not be easily accessed by cats.

However, it may be more prone to being knocked over compared to tables with a larger base, and might benefit from being positioned in a sheltered spot or being secured in some way.

In terms of construction, the slate-effect roof is waterproof, protecting the feeding area, and all of the wood is FSC certified timber. It’s easy enough to clean any leftover seeds as well, by simply wiping or brushing them off the main platform.

Whilst assembly is relatively straight forward, a lot of people choose to apply wood glue in addition to the screws provided to reinforce the structure.

The finish also isn’t quite as high quality as some of the other bird tables featured here, with some parts benefitting from sanding down first as well.

This is the main downside to this bird table because it means that assembly can take longer than necessary. However, once together it becomes a useful and decorative table that also fits nicely into smaller spaces.

Another solidly constructed bird table, made by Staffordshire-based company Riverside Woodcraft, this Sherringham Bird Table shares aesthetic similarities with The Hutch Company’s Maypole Bird Table; however, it’s larger overall.

The whole structure is 163 cm tall, with the feeding platform positioned at 130 cm off the ground.

It has a slate-style roof, which is actually made from a mixture of recycled plastic and clay.

This looks very similar to slate in appearance, but is less fragile and won’t crack or break if the table is knocked or falls.

Realistically though, the table is unlikely to topple; the 70 x 70 cm base is very stable and the overall construction is quite heavy. Although not included, additional hooks can be added to hang bird feeders from without causing any imbalance as well.

To help with delivery, the table comes part-assembled. The top section arrives in one piece, but the stand needs to be constructed separately. It’s a lot easier to put together with the help of an electric screwdriver and a second pair or hands, and in these instances takes less than an hour to assemble.

The only downside of the table is the design of the feeding platform itself. The supportive wooden posts take up space, encroaching somewhat on the feeding area, and because of the wooden barriers all around it is not as easy to clean as other bird tables.

Nevertheless, this is still a good option for several reasons, and is one of the best bird tables in terms of quality and stability. It also has the aesthetically-pleasing bonus of the mock-slate roof.

Bird tables can be more than just four walls, and this hexagonal shaped Birdhouse With Asphalt Shingles is a lot more visually interesting than most.

Not only is it an unusual shape, but it offers a lot of protection to birds and also has an ingenious food-dispensing system. Instead of putting food in via the sides, it’s placed down the central ‘chimney’, meaning the food stays in the middle and birds have to enter to access it.

This feeding system, combined with the small entryways on the house, make this one of the best bird tables for attracting smaller birds. Large birds are unable to squeeze through the small openings, creating a safe space for sparrows, blue tits etc. to feed from.

The asphalt, shingled roof is waterproof and keeps small birds safe from the rain, whilst also keeping the seed dry. It’s also relatively easy to clean, as the lid lifts off, although slightly more intricate than other more ‘standard’ bird houses.

It doesn’t come with a stand, so one either needs to be bought separately, or it needs to be attached to a different type of plinth. There is quite a large base area, and it’s possible to get in between the arches with a screwdriver, so attaching it to a stand can be done relatively easily.