HHALLOWEENFIELDGUIDE
Search 21+ off

Wood ProjectsNo. 1060 · The 2026 edition

Outdoor Halloween Decoration: Banister Owls

Perch spooky owls on your banister this Halloween with this easy DIY plywood project.

Medium

Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at hgtv.com.

Outdoor Halloween Decoration: Banister Owls | HGTV
PHOTO · HGTV.COM

Create owl silhouettes from plywood and mount them on your banister using plumbing straps. The owls are painted flat black, with washer eyes and vinyl fabric wings for a spooky look. This project adds a festive, handmade touch to your outdoor Halloween decor.

You'll need

Directions

  1. Unfold a sheet of brown kraft paper on a flat surface and fold it in half. Draw the outline of an owl freehand with a pen or marker, then cut out the shape. The fold ensures a symmetrical silhouette. Check the flattened pattern and adjust if needed. For variety, create a second template with a different shape (we made one tall and one short).
  2. Lay the paper template on the plywood and trace around it with a pen or marker. Use a jigsaw to cut out the owl shape. Repeat to make as many owls as desired.
  3. Sand both sides of each owl with an orbital sander, then spray-paint them front and back with matte black paint.
  4. Attach two-inch stainless steel washers as eyes using small picture nails and a hammer. Cut leaf-shaped pieces from black vinyl fabric and staple them on to create feathered wings.
  5. Fix PVC plumbing straps to the back of each owl with 1/8" exterior screws (pre-drill with a 1/8" bit). Tighten the straps around the banister, securing them with a stainless steel wing nut and bolt.

Open the original on hgtv.com