By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Choosing among multi level birdhouse plans comes down to whether you want a true multi-chamber build, a set of plans that covers many species, or a printed guide that suits beginners who want a clear, step-by-step path. This list compares three plan sources on how well they explain construction, how much they cover in terms of birds and builds, and how usable the cut lists and instructions are for a first project. We looked at specifications, publisher reputation, and the kinds of feedback owners commonly report about clarity and accuracy. No plan was built or tested for this guide.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallSimple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof InstructionsView on Amazon - 2
Best for species-specific buildsMaking Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing)View on Amazon - 3
Best for variety on a budgetProject Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and FeedersView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions | Beginners who want clear step-by-step guidance | Foolproof, sequential build instructions for functional nest boxes |
| Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing) | Builders targeting specific species | Plans for 15 birds 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
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 who want clear step-by-step guidance
This guide suits someone building their first nest box who wants each stage spelled out. It is also a reasonable choice for a builder who has done simple boxes and wants a reference that keeps construction steps in a fixed order.
Key specs:
- Format: step-by-step build instructions for functional nest boxes
- Focus: year-round birds and durable, usable designs
- Good fit for single-unit and tiered layouts built from standard lumber
Pros:
- Instructions are written to be followed in sequence, which helps first-time builders
- Focus on functional nest boxes keeps attention on entry size, ventilation and drainage
- Useful as a general reference when adapting a design to a multi-level stack
Cons:
- Coverage of species-specific dimensions may be less detailed than a dedicated species guide
- Owners who want many different birds in one book may need a second reference
Bottom line: Pick this if you want the most straightforward path from raw boards to a finished, usable birdhouse.
Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing)
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 targeting specific species
This book is aimed at people who want the box dimensions matched to a particular bird. Its range of plans, from bluebirds and wrens to owls, makes it useful if you plan a stacked or multi-unit installation and want each compartment sized for a different species.
Key specs:
- Plans for 15 specific birds, including bluebirds, wrens, robins and owls
- Also includes bat houses, a winter roost and other nest designs
- Published by Fox Chapel Publishing
Pros:
- Species-specific dimensions help you size each level correctly
- Broad range of designs gives flexibility for tiered layouts
- Covers related structures such as bat houses, expanding the project options
Cons:
- Covering many species means each plan may be briefer than a single-project guide
- Builders wanting one fully worked multi-level project may need to combine plans themselves
Bottom line: Choose this if matching compartment size to a specific species matters more to you than one detailed stacked design.
Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders
Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders – Material Not Included
Best for: Builders who want many designs in one set
This is a plan set rather than a narrative guide. It suits a woodworker who already has tools and lumber and wants a variety of layouts to choose from, including several multi-compartment options and feeders.
Key specs:
- Plans for 27 birdhouses and feeders
- Material not included
- Paper plan format
Pros:
- Large number of designs gives plenty of options for tiered or multi-unit builds
- Includes feeders alongside houses, useful for a complete backyard setup
- Good value for builders who will return to the plans for several projects
Cons:
- Paper format can tear or fade in a workshop and is less convenient than a printed book
- Less guidance on finishing and assembly sequence than a step-by-step guide
Bottom line: A good pick for experienced builders who want variety and are comfortable filling in construction details themselves.
Buying Guide
Number of compartments and entry sizes
Multi level designs usually stack two or more nest chambers, and each needs its own entry hole sized for the target species. Common entry diameters for small cavity nesters are around 1-1/8 inch for wrens and chickadees and around 1-1/2 inch for bluebirds, though exact sizes vary by species. Check that a plan lists the entry size for each level before you cut.
Good picks for this: Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing), Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions
Cut list completeness
A usable plan gives board lengths, quantities and dimensions for every part, including floors, dividers and roof panels. Missing parts are a common frustration, so look for a plan that lists each piece explicitly.
Good picks for this: Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders, Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions
Species focus
If you want a particular bird, a species-specific plan is more reliable than a general design. Dimensions for floor size, entry height above the floor and interior depth all affect whether a bird will use the box.
Good picks for this: Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing)
Lumber and material thickness
Most nest boxes are built from 3/4-inch lumber, such as cedar, pine or cypress, because it insulates better and holds fasteners well. Plans that specify thickness and wood type help you avoid substitutions that weaken joints or let heat build up.
Good picks for this: Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions, Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders
Ventilation and drainage
Multi level boxes trap more moisture than single units. Plans should include drainage holes in the floor and ventilation gaps near the roof line. Without them, damp bedding can harm nestlings.
Good picks for this: Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions, Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing)
Assembly and skill level
Some plans assume experience with joinery and fastening, while others use simple butt joints and screws. Match the plan to your tools. A table saw and drill press make precise dividers easier, but a handsaw and drill can produce a sound box if measurements are followed closely.
Good picks for this: Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions, Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders
Mounting and placement
A tiered box is heavier than a single unit, so plan the mounting post or bracket before you start. Check whether the plan addresses predator guards, pole height and spacing between units if you are building a colony.
Good picks for this: Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses (Fox Chapel Publishing), Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders
FAQ
What are multi level birdhouse plans?
They are build instructions for a nest box with two or more stacked chambers, each with its own entry hole, floor and interior. They allow a single pole or structure to support several nesting pairs.
Do I need special tools to build a multi level birdhouse?
Most builds need a saw, drill, driver and measuring tools. A table saw or miter saw speeds up cutting, but careful hand cutting can produce a usable box if you check dimensions before assembly.
What wood is best for a multi level birdhouse?
Cedar, cypress and untreated pine in 3/4-inch thickness are widely recommended for nest boxes because they resist weather and insulate reasonably well. Avoid pressure-treated lumber and painted or chemically treated wood inside the nesting area.
How far apart should the compartments be?
Spacing depends on the species and how you plan to use the structure. Many plans separate levels with solid dividers so that each pair has privacy. Check the individual plan for recommended separations.
Can one multi level birdhouse attract several bird species?
Yes, if each compartment is sized for a different species. Entry holes and interior dimensions need to match the target birds, and neighboring species may still compete for territory.
How do I clean a birdhouse between nesting seasons?
Remove old nesting material once the season ends, and scrub the interior with a stiff brush and hot water. Avoid harsh chemicals. Let the box dry fully before the next season. Consult a local wildlife or extension office if you have questions about nest box health.
Conclusion
For most beginners, Simple Birdhouse Plans – Foolproof Instructions offers the clearest path to a finished multi level box. Builders focused on a particular species will get more from Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses, which provides dimensions for each target bird. Experienced woodworkers who want many designs to adapt will find the most variety in the Project Paper Plan set. Match the plan to your skill level and target species, and check the cut list and entry sizes before you buy lumber.
Sources
- Nest box dimensions, entry hole sizes and placement guidance for common backyard cavity nesters (cornell.edu)
- Information on native bird species, nesting habitat and responsible nest box practices (fws.gov)
- Guidance on monitoring nest boxes and maintaining them safely across the nesting season
Related reading
- Multi Room Birdhouse Plans: 4 Best Guides for Building Them (2026)
- 3 Best Multi Unit Birdhouse Plans for Building Colonies (2026)
- 3 Best Multi Family Birdhouse Plans for Building Colonies (2026)
- Wren Birdhouse Plans Free: Build a Cedar House in One Weekend
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.
