These free plans build the two-storey wooden dovecote shown below in about a day (roughly 8 hours), for about $100 (around £80) of timber and fixings, not including tools. They include a full cut list, 12 illustrated steps and a printable PDF, and the finished dovecote mounts on a pole or post in the garden. For background, see what a dovecote is.
Recommended Tools:
- Mitre saw
- Circular saw
- Drill
- Screw drive
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Spirit level
| Estimated cost: | Estimated build time: |
|---|---|
| $100 (prices will vary depending on your location) | 8 hours |
Dovecote Plans PDF
If you’d prefer to download and print off a PDF off our Dovecote plans and cut list so you have a working copy then you can do so by clicking the button below:
Dovecote Cut List
Ensure that you have all the lumber and plywood listed below cut to the correct size before you start assembling the Dovecote.
| Name | Material | Property | L (inches) | W (inches) | Quantity | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1 | Lumber 4×4 | 25 1/4″ | 1 | Post | ||
| L2 | Lumber 3×2 | 14″ | 4 | Bottom frame | ||
| L3 | Lumber 2×1 | Angle Cut | 10 1/2″ | 24 | Wall frame | |
| L4 | Lumber 2×1 | 10 1/2″ | 12 | Wall frame | ||
| L5 | Lumber 4×1 | Angle cut to 3 5/16″ | 26 3/4″ | 12 | Siding | |
| L6 | Lumber 3×1 | 26 3/4″ | 18 | Siding | ||
| L7 | Lumber 1×1 | Two angle cuts | 29″ | 6 | Roof frame | |
| L8 | Lumber 1 1/2×1 1/2 | Cut chamfers | 25 3/8″ | 1 | Roof frame | |
| L9 | Lumber 4×1 | 6″ | 6 | Entry plate | ||
| L10 | Lumber 1×1 | 6″ | 6 | Entry plate | ||
| P1 | Plywood 3/4 | Angle cuts, hole cut | 29″ | 25 1/8″ | 2 | Floor |
| P2 | Plywood 3/4 | Angle cuts | 29″ | 25 1/8″ | 1 | Ceiling |
| P3 | Plywood 9/16 | Angle cuts | 29″ | 16 3/16″ | 6 | Roof covering |
| P4 | Plywood 9/16 | 31″ | 6 | Roof covering | ||
| Top | Wood | ø3 1/2″ | 1 |
The measurements are in inches. One inch is 25.4 mm, so 29″ is about 74 cm and 25 1/8″ is about 64 cm. Timber names such as 4×4 or 2×1 are nominal sizes. In the UK, 100 x 100 mm, 75 x 50 mm and 50 x 25 mm sawn timber will do the same job, and 18 mm and 15 mm plywood can stand in for the 3/4″ and 9/16″ sheets.
Dove House Building Plans – Step By Step Visual Guide:
1. Build The Frame
Create the frame using the 2”x3” lumbers (L2) on the 4”x4” post (L1). Use 3” screws or nails to fit it together.
2. Add The Floor
Use the ¾ plywood panel (P1) to put the first floor in place. Use 1 1/2” screws or nails to secure it.
3. Attach The Wall Framing
Create the wall framing using the 2×1 lumbers (L3 & L4). Use 1 1/2” screws or nails to secure.
4. Add The 2nd Floor
Use ¾ plywood panel (P1) to create the second floor. Use 1 1/2” screws or nails to secure.
5. Attach More Wall Framing
Create the second-floor wall framing using 2×1 lumbers (L3 & L4). Use 1 1/2” screws or nails to secure.
6. Fit The Ceiling
Use ¾ plywood panel (P2) to set the ceiling. Use 1 1/2” screws or nails to secure it in place.
7. Add Siding & Cut Entry Holes
Add the siding (L5 & L6) and cut entry holes to allow doves/pigeons to exit & enter. Use 1 1/2” screws or nails to secure the siding in place.
8. Create Roof Framing
Create the roof framing using the 1” (L7) and 1 ½” (L8) lumbers. Use 1” screws or nails to secure.
9. Fit Roof Covering
Add 9/16 plywood (P4 & P3) to the roof to create the roof covering. Secure using 1” screws or nails.
10. Fit Wooden Top To Roof
Secure the roof topper in place.
11. Add A Waterproof Membrane
There are a number of ways you can waterproof your dovecote, we recommend:
Some links on this page go to Amazon. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- First painting it using a waterproof sealant such as this (opens in new tab).
- Then fitting felt roof tiles (opens in new tab) for a visually pleasing and long-lasting finish.
Use a water-based, bird-safe exterior paint or stain, and leave the dovecote to dry and air for a week or so before any birds move in. Avoid creosote and solvent-based wood preservatives inside the compartments.
12. Create Entry Plates
Finally, create the entry plates using the 4×1” (L9) and 1” (L10) lumbers. Use 1 1/2” screws or nails to secure.
Where to put your dovecote
Put the dovecote somewhere open and sunny, high enough that cats can’t jump up to it. The UK dove keepers at Roadrunners Doves (opens in new tab) suggest keeping it at least 3 m (10 ft) from trees, hedges, walls and buildings, so predators can’t use them to reach the birds. Pop-holes about 4 in wide and 6 in high (100 x 150 mm) let doves in while keeping larger predators out, and each pair needs a compartment of at least 9 in (23 cm) each way.
Face the pop-holes away from the prevailing wind and rain. Make sure you can reach the dovecote with a ladder for cleaning, and check any local rules if you live in a rented home or a shared building.
Settling birds in and keeping it clean
Doves have to be kept shut in for a few weeks before they will treat a new dovecote as home, or they may fly off. Our guide on how to attract pigeons to a dovecote covers this step by step. Only keep as many pairs as there are compartments, as overcrowding leads to fighting.
Scrape out droppings and old nesting material regularly, and wear gloves and a dust mask when you do, as dried droppings can carry disease. Provide fresh water and grit nearby. For a larger set-up, see how to build a pigeon coop.
Enjoy Your New Dovecote!
It’s done and should look something like this:
We hope you enjoy it as much as the pigeons and doves will no doubt enjoy making their home in it.
Also Read:
- How to build a pigeon coop
- How to make a nest box for pigeons
- What is a dovecote?
- How to Attract Pigeons to a Dovecote
Sources
Last updated 31 October 2026 · Keeping