Best Bird Table Reviews UK 2023 – Hot 8 Picks Compared

Last Updated On December 27th, 2021

Feeding your garden birds is a thoroughly enjoyable activity for the whole family. It also helps to ensure the preservation of many increasingly endangered small songbirds. Of course, in order to hygienically and efficiently feed your garden birds, you’ll need to search for the best bird tables.

Often you’ll be drawn to a bird table on looks alone. After all, they are also popular lawn ornaments. However, you should be wary of choosing merely by looks alone. Ideally, bird tables are designed to keep larger birds and predators at bay, thus providing protection for small birds, as well as keeping your bird seed dry.

In order to help you decide and find the right table for the birds in your garden, we’ve reviewed some of the most popular bird feeding tables available. So, read through our in-depth bird table reviews and buying guide to find out everything you need to look for when you buy yours.

Our Favourite Bird Tables Compared

Editor's Choice
Riverside Woodcraft Triple Platform Bird Table With Anti Bacteria Coating
Best Slate-Effect
The Hutch Company Bath Universal Feather Edge Bird Table
Best Tall
The Hutch Company Ballycastle Bird Tables (Bird Table)
Best Decorative
SOLAR BIRD HOTEL GARDEN BIRDS FEEDER & BATH WITH LIGHT ORNAMENTAL TABLE STATION
Riverside Woodcraft
The Hutch Company Bath Universal
Ballycastle XL
Solar Bird Hotel
Head Dimensions
50 x 48 cm
35 x 35 cm
58 x 46 x 46 cm
50 cm diameter
Height
5.5 ft
4.4 ft
5.66 ft
105 cm
Weight
not mentioned
not mentioned
10 kg
3.2 kg
Material
Wood
Wood
Wood
UV stabilised polyurethane
Assembly
Partial assembly
2 part assembly
3 part assembly
Easy assembly
Anti-Bacterial Coating
Editor's Choice
Riverside Woodcraft Triple Platform Bird Table With Anti Bacteria Coating
Riverside Woodcraft
Head Dimensions
50 x 48 cm
Height
5.5 ft
Weight
not mentioned
Material
Wood
Assembly
Partial assembly
Anti-Bacterial Coating
Best Slate-Effect
The Hutch Company Bath Universal Feather Edge Bird Table
The Hutch Company Bath Universal
Head Dimensions
35 x 35 cm
Height
4.4 ft
Weight
not mentioned
Material
Wood
Assembly
2 part assembly
Anti-Bacterial Coating
Best Tall
The Hutch Company Ballycastle Bird Tables (Bird Table)
Ballycastle XL
Head Dimensions
58 x 46 x 46 cm
Height
5.66 ft
Weight
10 kg
Material
Wood
Assembly
3 part assembly
Anti-Bacterial Coating
Best Decorative
SOLAR BIRD HOTEL GARDEN BIRDS FEEDER & BATH WITH LIGHT ORNAMENTAL TABLE STATION
Solar Bird Hotel
Head Dimensions
50 cm diameter
Height
105 cm
Weight
3.2 kg
Material
UV stabilised polyurethane
Assembly
Easy assembly
Anti-Bacterial Coating

Best Bird Table Reviews – Hot 8 Picks

1. Riverside Woodcraft Triple Platform (Editor’s Choice)

Riverside Woodcraft Triple PlatformThis tray feeder by Riverside Woodcraft is one of the very best bird tables around. Handmade in the UK, it is quite easy to assemble with clear instructions. Made from a solid red pine, it is also treated with an antifungal and antibacterial coating. This ensures that it lasts and continues to look as good as the day it was purchased.

Features

Thanks to its extra stable design with a wide, heavy base, this robust construction will stand up to all weathers. The covered top feeding table, as well as the two additional side tables, will allow your feathered garden friends to enjoy feeding. This design will likewise accommodate a wider variety of birds simultaneously.

While you can use a manual screwdriver, you may prefer to use a power driver instead. This is especially true if you have a few misaligned screw holes that can make getting screws in by hand a little tough. Also, you may like to add an extra coating of protection, particularly on the saw ends that can lack a bit of finish.

While this is a fairly expensive bird table, it is well worth its price taking into account its superior quality. Solid, stable and highly durable, this multi-table bird feeder will look great in any garden and is sure to outlast most others.

Pros:
  • Solid red pine construction
  • Covered top and two side tables
  • Extra stable design
  • Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial coating
  • Handmade in the UK
Cons:
  • May need a power driver
  • Expensive
  • Saw ends lack finish

2. The Hutch Company Bath Universal (Best Slate-Effect Roof)

The Hutch Company Bath UniversalIn need of a good wooden bird table for your garden? The Universal Feather Edge model by the Hutch Company could be just what you are looking for. This model only has one feeding table, but the open design with a protective roof is both highly functional and attractive. In wet weather, visiting birds can be sheltered from the rain as they eat. Plus, your birdseed won’t get waterlogged, minimising the risk of sprouting.

Features

For ease of assembly, the top section is delivered fully built and only needs fitting to the pole, so it comes in just two separate parts. This is ideal if you’re less than handy when it comes to DIY. When unpacking, however, you may have to search long and hard for the included screws that are well concealed within the packaging.

Aside from its easy assembly, this model also has the advantage of being finished with an anti-bacterial coating. This improves the bird table’s longevity and ensures that it keeps its looks over time. No matter the weather, it will stay in great condition and resist mould growth or dreaded rot. It is also constructed from timber that is sourced from sustainable UK forests. For every tree cut down, two more are planted. Hence, you’ll also be doing your bit for the environment.

However, it’s important to take the product dimensions into account as this bird table is a little on the short side. At just 1334mm high, it is less suitable for homes with cats and as there is only one feeding table. You may struggle to encourage different types of birds to feed simultaneously.

Nonetheless, if you are looking for a traditional wooden bird table that is easy to assemble and is sustainably sourced, then we think this one makes an excellent choice.

Pros:
  • Open design with protective roof
  • Anti-bacterial coating
  • Delivered in two parts
  • Timber from sustainable UK forests
  • Very easy assembly
Cons:
  • Not very tall
  • Screws concealed in packaging
  • Only one feeding table

3. Ballycastle XL (Best Tall)

Ballycastle XLThe Ballycastle bird table is one of the most attractively designed bird tables and will surely complement any garden with its hexagonal shape and slate effect roof.

Features

This is one of the best bird tables with simple assembly. The feeding house is pre-assembled in the UK, leaving you to simply screw on the stand and feet which makes it ideal if you’re not a DIY enthusiast. Sourced from sustainable forests and built by hand, this bird table is a good choice if you’re looking for a bird table that will stand the test of time and the winter weather.

While the stabilising feet do help this bird table to resist some winds, the head remains heavy so you will be better off fixing it down. You should also be aware that the finish could be improved, being a little rough in some places.

Lastly, because of its open structure, you may prefer a bird table with smaller openings. That is, if you are looking to attract smaller, rarer birds or to keep pigeons and magpies at bay.

Pros:
  • Attractive hexagonal shape
  • Anti-bacterial coating
  • Pre-assembled in the UK
  • Timber from sustainable forests
  • Stabilising feet
  • Slate effect roof
Cons:
  • Open structure
  • Rough finish
  • The head is heavy compared to other bird tables

4. Solar Bird Hotel (Best Decorative Bird Table)

Solar Bird HotelThe Solar Bird Hotel Feeder is a great choice if you are looking for a decorative bird table complete with a bird bath. It is weatherproof, made from an easy to clean plastic resin.

Features

Requiring very little assembly, this birdbath and feeder also has a decorative planter as well as a solar-powered light. This makes it an excellent model if you are looking for a decorative item for your lawn, in addition to a bird table.

Unfortunately, due to its design, bird seeds tend to frequently fall into the bird bath. The bath part does not have a drain, so while the material itself is easy to clean, the bath part is difficult to empty and refill. It also needs regular attention to remove bird food which doesn’t make it ideal if you are looking for a hassle-free bird table. Also, you should be aware that the solar light is rather dim.

Pros:
  • Birdbath and feeding table
  • Solar light
  • Weatherproof
  • Easy to assemble compared to other bird tables
  • Decorative planter
Cons:
  • Seeds fall in the water
  • Cannot drain water
  • Light very dim

5. Wildlife Bempton (Best for Small Birds)

Wildlife BemptonThis bird table by Wildlife is a great budget choice. It is also extremely attractive and has the advantage of being able to be hung from a tree or attached to a pole.

Features

This makes it ideal for any garden or outdoor space. Made from solid FSC certified timber, you can be certain that this bird table is constructed from sustainable forests. Unlike many other bird tables, this model features a handy pull-out tray, ideal for cleaning. The intricate lattice design not only looks good, but it also keeps larger birds at bay which is great if you want it exclusively for feeding small songbirds that often miss out.

This is an extremely popular bird table from its size down to its beautiful design. Unfortunately, it is not weather resistant. If you are looking for a durable, long-lasting bird table, you would be advised to pick another model. However, you could try treating or painting it with weather-resistant paint in order to improve its longevity. Also, because of its size, bear in mind that it can be tricky to get your hands inside to fill it up.

Pros:
  • FSC certified solid timber construction
  • Slide-out cleaning tray
  • Designed to keep out larger birds
  • You can hang from a tree or fix to a stand
  • Features attractive intricate lattice detail
Cons:
  • Not weather resistant unlike other bird tables
  • Tricky to fill
  • Needs treating to improve durability

6. Maypole Slate Effect (Most Hygienic Choice)

Maypole Slate-EffectThis solid bird table by Maypole is made in Great Britain with timber from sustainable forests, making it a good ecological choice.

Features

Its anti-bacterial coating makes for hygienic choice and will keep it from spreading any disease. The slate effect roof and built-in seed catcher are excellent characteristics that ensure this bird table stands out from other models.

Assembly is needed and while it is relatively simple, it can be quite time-consuming. Even more so as the quality control for this product is not very good. Expect some drilled holes not to match and even some split panels. The screws provided are not the right size either. So, if you don’t have the DIY skills to patch things up where necessary, then you may prefer to spend your money to buy another model.

Pros:
  • Durable slate effect roof
  • Anti-bacterial coating
  • Built-in seed catcher
  • Timber from sustainable forests
  • Made in GB
Cons:
  • Assembly needed
  • Poor quality control compared to other bird tables
  • May need other screws

7. Maypole Hand-Built (Best Heavy-duty)

Maypole Hand-BuiltLooking for an affordable yet sturdy bird table for your garden? This bird table by Maypole is an excellent choice.

Features

Constructed from high-grade timber and sourced from sustainable forests, this bird table is made in Great Britain. Additionally, it comes with an anti-bacterial coating that will keep your feathered friends healthy and will hinder the spread of any disease.

Assembly is fairly simple, too. However, it is rather time-consuming with a lot of screws to turn. If you don’t have an electric screwdriver or if you don’t have much hand strength, then you may be better off considering another option. Also, bear in mind that this bird table is rather low and that its large openings make it accessible to larger birds and predators.

Pros:
  • Sturdy
  • Anti-bacterial coating
  • Weather treated
  • Timber from sustainable forests
  • Made in Great Britain
Cons:
  • Assembly requires a lot of screws
  • The open structure lacks protection for smaller birds
  • Fairly short compared to other bird tables

8. Garden Mile Traditional (Best with Treated Wood)

Garden Mile TraditionalThis traditional wooden bird table by Garden Mile is a treated timber bird table in an attractive pagoda style.

Features

Designed with small openings, this bird table is a good choice if you want to prioritise feeding smaller and medium-sized birds. While it is fairly easy, assembly is still required. What’s more, some holes may not be correctly pre-drilled which can be problematic if you don’t have a drill on hand.

This bird table is easy to fill and looks great in any outdoor area. However, it is very light and the stand is fairly flimsy. For year-round use, you would be better off to change the stand or to fix it down securely with anchors and extra wooden supports. If you are looking for a simple, easy to install bird table, then you may be better off with another model.

Pros:
  • Attractive pagoda style
  • Treated wood
  • Easy to fill
  • Easy assembly
  • Keeps out larger birds
Cons:
  • Flimsy stand
  • Very light
  • Some holes not pre-drilled unlike other bird tables

The Best Bird Tables For Your Garden

woman placing food for songbirdsWhat makes your backyard lovely? Some would say it has plants that are regularly watered with a garden hose or flower boxes beside a garden shed. For others, a beautiful yard is one that has an ornate solar water feature, a hedgehog house, or a bird table to attract songbirds. Choosing the best bird table means taking into consideration some essential bird table characteristics.

Here’s a selection of some of the most common things that you should look out for when selecting the bird table for your home.

Material

Traditionally many of the best bird tables are made from wood. This complements your backyard’s natural beauty. For an ecological choice, choose a bird table top that comes from sustainable forests, preferably certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Other bestbird tables are made of popular materials that include stone and plastic resin. Some models also have an anti-bacterial coating to keep your feathered friends healthy and prevent any disease from spreading.

Easy to Set Up

When you’re considering different bird table models, ask yourself how much time you have to spare to set it up. There are bird tables that arrive pre-assembled while others are ready to use. To keep the setup time to a minimum, make sure the bird table feeder you choose has pre-drilled holes that align and the screws are easy to turn. Else, you might need a cordless drill or multi tool to get the job done.

Openings

table top feeder in a wooded areaThere are bird table designs that have small openings that restrict access to some birds. If you have problems with larger birds such as pigeons or crows that dominate your backyard and eat all of the food, then you should look for a bird table with smaller openings. This will favour the small birds that usually miss out on meal times.

Roof Construction

A bird table with a roof will keep your bird food dry in wet weather. It will also provide greater protection for your small feathered friends against the elements, predators and larger greedy birds.

Stability

You should look for a bird table with a strong solid base. This will help to keep your bird table stable throughout harsher winter months when your feathered friends will need to use it most. You should also consider using bird table anchors to stabilise it, or you could use some large rockery stones, depending upon how windy it gets in your garden.

Overall Looks

While a fully functional bird table doesn’t need to look great, it makes sense to go for a model that you find attractive. The best bird tables are also used as lawn ornaments and most people will prefer to pay a little extra for an attractive model that will look good in their yard.

Conclusion

If you enjoy feeding and watching your local birdlife, then any one of the best bird tables we have reviewed will make an excellent choice. But if we had to choose the ultimate bird feeder, it would have to be the Riverside Woodcraft bird table.

There are several reasons why we chose this model as our overall winner. We love that it is made from beautiful solid red pine and treated with antifungal and antibacterial coatings for optimal durability. Its wide base ensures stability, no matter what our unpredictable British weather throws at it. Plus, the three covered feeding areas will keep your feathered friends dry and give them plenty of space to enjoy each other’s company.

Easy to assemble, attractive, well-made and built to last all seasons, we’re sure you’ll agree that the Riverside Woodcraft Bird Table is a winning choice for any garden bird enthusiast.

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