Audrey HayesBy Audrey Hayes

Updated November 2026

Birdhouse plans for owls give you a sturdy, predator-resistant nest box that a screech owl or barn owl will actually use. This guide covers the key dimensions, a basic cut list, and the build steps that matter most. Plan on an afternoon of work with basic tools.

Choose the Right Owl Species First

Owl boxes are not one-size-fits-all. Eastern and western screech owls need a small box, while barn owls need a much larger, open-bottomed space. Check your region and habitat before you cut anything, because a box built for the wrong species will sit empty. For detailed dimensions, see Screech Owl Birdhouse Plans: Free Cut List and Build Steps and Barn Owl Birdhouse Plans: A Step-by-Step Build Guide.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Birdhouses with License Plate Roof Plans for Backyard Builders (2026).

Build a Screech Owl Box From Pine or Cedar

A typical screech owl box uses a floor about 8 by 8 inches, a height of roughly 24 inches from floor to peak, and an entrance hole of about 3 inches in diameter placed 16 to 18 inches above the floor. Use 3/4-inch exterior-grade plywood, cedar, or pine with rough or grooved interior walls so the owlets can climb out.

  1. Cut the front, back, and two sides from 3/4-inch lumber to the dimensions in your plan.
  2. Cut a floor from the same stock and drill four to six 1/4-inch drainage holes in it.
  3. Drill the entrance hole with a hole saw, measuring from the floor to the center of the hole.
  4. Assemble the sides with exterior wood screws or galvanized nails, leaving the roof off for now.
  5. Attach the floor, then fasten a removable or hinged roof with a slight overhang on all sides.
  6. Screw a 2-inch-wide rough-cut perch or ladder below the entrance only if you want one. Most owls do not need it.

Add Mounting and Predator Protection

Mount the box 10 to 20 feet high on a tree trunk or pole, facing away from prevailing winds. Owls are targeted by raccoons, squirrels, and cats, so a metal predator guard or a smooth 2-foot-wide baffle below the box helps. Avoid placing the box near bird feeders, since those attract prey and other birds that compete for space.

Cut List for a Screech Owl Box

Part Quantity Dimensions (inches)
Front and back 2 8 x 24
Sides 2 8 x 24
Floor 1 8 x 8
Roof 1 10 x 10

Plan a Larger Box for Barn Owls

Barn owls need considerably more room and an open front or a wide, low entrance. Their boxes are often built from 3/4-inch plywood with a floor of roughly 16 by 16 inches or more, and an entrance around 6 inches high by 6 inches wide. Because barn owls prefer quiet, dark, secluded spaces, mount these boxes inside a barn loft or on a sheltered building wall. Use the detailed layout in Barred Owl Birdhouse Plans: A Step-by-Step Build Guide as a reference for sizing a larger cavity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping drainage holes, which lets moisture pool and promotes rot.
  • Using untreated particleboard or painted interiors that can harm nestlings.
  • Making the entrance hole too large, which invites larger predators.
  • Mounting the box too low, where cats and raccoons can reach it.
  • Failing to add a removable panel, which makes annual cleaning difficult.
  • Hole saw kit: Cuts clean, accurate entrance holes in plywood and cedar without splintering the face. View on Amazon
  • Exterior wood screws: Hold the box together against weather and do not rust like nails. View on Amazon
  • Cordless drill driver: Speeds up drilling pilot holes and driving fasteners on every panel. View on Amazon

FAQ

What size entrance hole does a screech owl need?

Screech owl boxes typically use an entrance hole of about 3 inches in diameter. A larger hole can let in starlings or squirrels that compete for the space.

Do owl boxes need a floor?

Yes, most owl boxes need a floor with drainage holes. Barn owl boxes are the main exception, since they often have an open or partially open floor design.

How high should I mount an owl box?

Mount screech owl boxes 10 to 20 feet high, away from heavy foot traffic. Protect them from climbing predators with a guard or baffle.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct species, sizing the box to match, and protecting it from predators will give owls the best chance of nesting. Use the cut list above as a starting point, and adjust dimensions to the specific species in your area. Check the box each year and clean it out after the nesting season.

Ready to choose one?

Audrey Hayes

About Audrey Hayes

Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our woodworking guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.