By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Multi family birdhouse plans give you a way to house several pairs of cavity-nesting birds in one structure, and they work well for swallows, martins, and some wrens. Choosing the right set of plans comes down to a few practical questions: which birds you want to attract, how much lumber and joinery you’re prepared to handle, whether the plan includes a usable cut list, and whether the design follows established nest box dimensions. The picks below were chosen by comparing plan contents, the species each set covers, the level of detail in its instructions, and the feedback owners commonly share about build clarity. None of this is based on hands-on construction testing.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallSimple Birdhouse Plans— Foolproof Instructions: The Step-by-Step GuideView on Amazon - 2
Best for multiple speciesMaking Bird-Friendly Birdhouses: Instructions and Plans for 15 SpecifiView on Amazon - 3
Best budget pickProject Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders – Material Not IncludedView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions | Beginners building a functional nest box | Step-by-step instructions aimed at first-time builders |
| Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing) | Builders wanting species-specific designs | Plans for 15 bird species plus bat houses and a winter roost |
| Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders | Builders who want many designs in one set | 27 separate builds, including feeders |
Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions: The Step-by-Step Guide for Building Functional, Beautiful Nest Boxes That Attract Birds All Year Long
Simple Birdhouse Plans— Foolproof Instructions: The Step-by-Step Guide for Building Functional, Beautiful Nest Boxes That Attract Birds All Year Long
Best for: Beginners building a functional nest box
This book suits someone who has little or no woodworking experience and wants a clear path from lumber to finished house. Its emphasis on foolproof steps makes it a sensible starting point before you move on to more complex multi-chamber designs.
Key specs
- Format: book with step-by-step building instructions
- Focus: functional nest boxes that attract birds year-round
- Skill level: beginner-oriented
Pros
- Written for first-time builders with minimal assumed knowledge
- Emphasis on function, so dimensions are presented with the bird’s needs in mind
- Useful as a reference for building one house before scaling up
Cons
- Not focused specifically on multi-family colony structures
- Beginners may still need to learn basic cutting and assembly skills first
Bottom line: A good first pick for a new builder who wants reliable, simple instructions and is willing to start with a single-family house before attempting a colony.
Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses: Instructions and Plans for 15 Specific Birds, Including Bluebirds, Wrens, Robins & Owls (Fox Chapel Publishing) Create Nest Boxes, Bat Houses, a Winter Roost, and More
Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses: Instructions and Plans for 15 Specific Birds, Including Bluebirds, Wrens, Robins & Owls (Fox Chapel Publishing) Create Nest Boxes, Bat Houses, a Winter Roost, and More
Best for: Builders wanting species-specific designs
This title fits someone who wants to match the house to a particular species rather than build one generic box. Because the plans cover many birds, you can compare dimensions and entrance sizes side by side and choose a configuration that fits the colony you are hoping to attract.
Key specs
- Covers plans for 15 specific bird species
- Also includes bat houses and a winter roost design
- Published by Fox Chapel Publishing
Pros
- Species-specific dimensions help with entrance hole and cavity sizing
- Wide range of projects in one resource
- Useful for builders who want variety across several bird types
Cons
- Multi-chamber colony structures are not the central focus of the set
- Some builders may need to adapt designs to a true multi-unit layout themselves
Bottom line: Best for a builder who wants accurate, species-focused nest box dimensions and plans to scale a design to a larger colony.
Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders – Material Not Included
Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders – Material Not Included
Best for: Builders who want many designs in one set
This plan set suits someone who wants a wide variety of projects, from houses to feeders, and is comfortable sourcing lumber separately. It works well as a idea library for multi-unit concepts you can adapt.
Key specs
- Includes plans for 27 birdhouses and feeders
- Paper plan format; materials not included
Pros
- Large number of designs for the price of one plan set
- Good for comparing layouts before choosing a colony design
- Includes feeders as well as houses
Cons
- Paper plans require you to transfer dimensions and check them carefully
- Not every design is a true multi-family structure
Bottom line: A useful choice for a builder who wants many layouts to choose from and is willing to read plans carefully and adapt them.
Buying Guide
Bird species and entrance size
Before you compare plans, decide which birds you want to host. Swallows and martins are colonial, while wrens and bluebirds generally need single-family boxes. Entrance hole diameter is species-specific, and a plan that gives exact entrance dimensions for your target bird saves guesswork. Many multi-unit designs are built for swallows or purple martins, so check that the species listed matches your goal.
Good picks for this: Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing), Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions
Number of compartments and spacing
Colony houses vary from a handful of rooms to large gourd-style or tiered structures. More compartments mean more birds but also more interior dividers to cut and fit. Look for plans that specify compartment floor area and spacing between units, since crowded rooms can lead to nest problems. Confirm that the plan states its intended capacity.
Good picks for this: Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders, Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing)
Cut list completeness
A usable plan lists every part with its dimensions, quantity and material thickness. Check whether the set includes a full cut list, an exploded view or assembly diagram, and hardware notes. Missing or vague cut lists are the most common source of frustration with plan sets, so verify this before buying.
Good picks for this: Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions, Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders
Skill level and joinery
Simple nest boxes can be assembled with butt joints and screws, while larger colony houses may call for rabbet joints, dadoes or more precise cutting. Read the instructions to see which joinery is assumed. If you are new to a table saw or router, choose a plan that explains each step clearly. The Wren Birdhouse Plans Free guide is a good example of a simple build that helps you learn basic cuts first.
Good picks for this: Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions
Material and durability
Untreated cedar, cypress and pine are common choices for bird houses because they resist moisture and do not contain harmful preservatives. Avoid pressure-treated wood inside the nest area. Plans that specify wood type, thickness and a finish suitable for exterior use will hold up better through seasons. Make sure the design includes drainage holes and ventilation.
Good picks for this: Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing), Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders
Mounting, access and cleaning
A colony house should open easily so you can clean it between seasons and check for parasites. Look for designs with a hinged or removable panel and a mounting system that fits a pole or post. Plans that consider height, predator guards and sun exposure give your birds a better chance of nesting successfully.
Good picks for this: Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions, Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing)
Format and printing
Book-style plans are easy to keep open at the bench, while paper plan sets may need printing or careful handling. Check whether dimensions are in inches, millimeters or both, and whether scale drawings are included. A plan that matches your preferred unit system avoids conversion errors.
Good picks for this: Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders, Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions
FAQ
What is a multi family birdhouse?
A multi family birdhouse is a single structure with several separate compartments, each with its own entrance, so more than one pair of birds can nest in it. It is most often used for colonial species such as purple martins and swallows.
Which birds use multi-unit birdhouses?
Purple martins are the best-known users, and tree swallows and some other swallows also nest in colony-style boxes. Most small songbirds such as wrens and bluebirds prefer single-family boxes instead.
What wood is best for multi family birdhouse plans?
Untreated cedar, cypress and pine are commonly recommended because they are durable outdoors and free of harmful chemicals. Avoid pressure-treated lumber inside any nest compartment.
How far apart should nesting compartments be?
Spacing depends on the species. Plans for colonial birds usually specify the room size and spacing between units; follow those figures rather than guessing, since crowding can cause nesting conflicts.
Do I need advanced woodworking skills to build one?
Basic nest boxes can be built with simple cuts and screws. Larger colony houses may require more precise joinery and a reliable table saw or circular saw. Choose plans that match your current skill level.
How do I keep a multi-unit birdhouse clean?
Design the house so compartments open or can be cleaned easily, and remove old nesting material after the season ends. Check with local wildlife guidance for timing, since clean-out schedules vary by species and region.
Conclusion
For a beginner who wants clear, straightforward instructions, Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions is the most accessible starting point. If you want species-specific dimensions and plan to adapt a design to a larger colony, Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing) gives you the most detail on entrance and cavity sizing. For a builder who wants many layouts to compare and does not mind working from paper plans, Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders offers the widest range of ideas. Match your choice to the birds you want, your build skill, and how much adapting you are willing to do.
Sources
- Federal guidance on nest box design and wildlife protection for cavity-nesting birds (fws.gov)
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology resources on bird species, nesting habits and nest box dimensions (cornell.edu)
- National Park Service information on native birds and habitat considerations (nps.gov)
Related reading
- 3 Best Multi Unit Birdhouse Plans for Building Colonies (2026)
- Wren Birdhouse Plans Free: Build a Cedar House in One Weekend
- Wine Cork Birdhouse Plans: A Step-by-Step Build for Beginners
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.
