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An outdoor aviary can give your birds more room to fly while creating a dedicated, secure space for them in your garden. But there's a big difference between putting together a small, simple aviary and having a large bespoke structure professionally built.

Prices typically range from around £500 to £5,000+, depending on the size, materials and design of your aviary. In this guide, we look at the costs you'll need to budget for and what can make one aviary considerably more expensive than another.

Building an aviary cost

The cost of building an aviary can range from around £500 for a small, simple structure to £5,000+ for a larger or bespoke aviary.

Your quote will depend on its size, materials and design, as well as how much ground preparation is needed.

TIP: When comparing quotes, check exactly what's included. One price may cover the complete aviary and base, while another may assume the base is already in place.

Cost of installing an aviary

Installation costs will depend on the size and shape of your aviary and how much work is being completed on site. A carpenter typically charges £30–£60 per hour, with an average hourly rate of £45. The average day rate is around £300. For a larger bespoke build, your carpenter may quote a fixed project price instead. If the base needs constructing first, remember to factor this into the project schedule and budget rather than assuming it's included in the carpentry price.

Get a quote for your aviary building project

Getting a few quotes from tradespeople experienced in aviary construction will give you a better idea of what your project might cost.

What affects the cost of building an aviary?

Size is an obvious cost factor, but it isn't the only one. Two aviaries with similar dimensions could have quite different prices depending on how they're built.

Size and design

A larger aviary needs more framing, mesh and roofing and will generally take longer to build. The design matters too. A straightforward rectangular structure will usually be simpler to construct than an unusual shape or a bespoke walk-in aviary with separate sections. The size you need will depend on the species and number of birds you plan to keep. Research the welfare and space requirements for your particular birds before deciding on the dimensions.

Base and ground preparation

Your aviary needs a stable base, and the amount of preparation required will affect the overall cost. A concrete base typically costs around £500–£750 for a 6' × 4' base, rising to around £1,000–£1,500 for a larger 12' × 8' base. This includes more than the concrete itself – ground preparation, labour and access can all affect your quote. If the site is already level and suitable for the planned base, preparation may be relatively straightforward. Uneven or difficult ground can add considerably more work before construction even starts.

Frame

Timber is commonly used for aviary frames, although metal is another option. The cost will depend on the amount and type of material required rather than simply the price of timber per metre. If you're choosing timber, make sure it's suitable for outdoor use and for the birds you intend to keep.

Mesh

Mesh is an important part of both keeping birds in and potential predators out. Prices vary depending on the aperture, wire gauge, material and finish, so it's worth choosing mesh based on what's appropriate for your birds rather than simply looking for the cheapest option.

Roofing

Part of the aviary will usually need suitable cover to provide protection from the weather. The cost will depend on the roofing material you choose and how much of the aviary needs to be covered.

Doors, locks and predator-proofing

Secure doors, locks, fixings and predator-proofing can all add to the final cost, so make sure they're included when you're comparing quotes.

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What's included in an aviary build?

A complete aviary build could include the concrete base, timber frame, mesh panels, roofing and a secure door with locks. Ask your carpenter whether predator-proofing and shade cover are included too. A professional aviary quote could include:

• Preparing or installing the base

• Constructing the frame

• Fitting suitable mesh

• Adding roofing and sheltered areas

• Fitting doors and locks

• Predator-proofing

• Finishing and weatherproofing

What's included will vary between tradespeople, so ask for an itemised quote. This is particularly useful if you're comparing a supplied aviary kit with something built from scratch. A cheaper-looking price may simply cover fewer parts of the finished project.

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Where to build your aviary

Where you put your aviary can affect both the birds and the amount of work involved in building it. Think about:

• Whether the ground is level and suitable for the base

• Shelter from extreme weather and direct sun

• Access for building materials

• Potential predators

• How close the aviary will be to neighbouring properties

Birds can be noisy so it's worth thinking about nearby homes before settling on a position. Avoid choosing the location purely because it's an unused corner of the garden. A carpenter may be able to work around awkward access or uneven ground, but it could make a seemingly simple build more expensive. Check the welfare requirements for the species you keep when deciding on the position, shelter and size of your aviary.

Do you need planning permission for an aviary?

An aviary in your garden may fall within permitted development rights, depending on factors such as its position, size and height. However, the rules aren't the same in every situation. Listed buildings, designated land and properties where permitted development rights have been restricted can have different requirements. Check with your local planning authority before building if you're unsure.

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Benefits of hiring a professional

Building an aviary isn't just about putting up a timber frame and attaching some mesh. It needs to withstand the weather while keeping the birds safely inside and potential predators out. An experienced carpenter can help with:

• Building a strong, stable frame

• Fitting doors securely

• Working around an awkward site

• Installing roofing and weather protection

• Incorporating the appropriate mesh into the structure

If you're commissioning a bespoke aviary, ask whether they've built similar outdoor structures before.

You may need more than one trade for your aviary, such as a carpenter for the frame and a fencing specialist for additional garden security. At Checkatrade we've got you covered.

How to find a carpenter for your aviary

Give carpenters as much information as possible when requesting quotes so they can price the same job. Include:

• Approximate aviary dimensions

• Photos of the proposed location

• The type and number of birds you plan to keep

• Your preferred frame material

• The type of base required

• Whether you want a walk-in design

• Roofing and sheltered areas you want included

• Any access issues

If you already have an aviary design in mind, save a photo or sketch to show your carpenter. It's much easier to compare quotes when everyone is pricing broadly the same structure.

Aviary cost checklist

Before getting quotes:

• Decide which birds you plan to keep and research their space and welfare requirements

• Choose a suitable position in the garden

• Check whether planning permission is required

• Decide roughly how large you want the aviary to be

• Consider the base, frame, mesh, roofing and sheltered area

• Include secure doors, locks and predator-proofing in your specification

• Send photos and measurements to carpenters when requesting quotes

• Check exactly what's included before comparing prices

Aviary cost key takeaways

Building an aviary can cost from around £500 for a small, simple structure to £5,000+ for a larger or bespoke build. Size is important, but the base, frame, mesh, roofing and overall design can make just as much difference to your final quote. A carpenter typically charges £30–£60 per hour, with an average rate of £45, although larger bespoke builds may be priced as a complete project. When comparing quotes, make sure you're comparing the same scope of work. In particular, check whether the base, materials, roofing and finishing are included.

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