I’m partnering with Better Homes and Gardens for this project, but all opinions are 100% my own.
It’s getting a little warmer, so it’s time to start thinking about our outdoor spaces! I’ve wanted some outdoor furniture for my deck for a long time but it’s pretty expensive and with so many projects, I couldn’t get around to building them…until now! I built these two outdoor couches in one afternoon with less than $100 in lumber. I sanded and stained them the next day and they were all done! You guys–DIY outdoor furniture is the way to go!
I found these plans online and they were extremely easy to follow. I thought about doing a sectional which was our original plans, but all the sectional plans I found seemed to require a lot of time, which I didn’t have. Plus I liked the idea of no one having to sit in the corner which can be an awkward spot, especially in company. I will build a table for that corner in the future and then people can have a spot for their drinks or whatever.
Here’s a step-by-step and supply list (affiliate links, see my disclosure):
For One Couch
- 11 2x4x10s
- Large package of 2 1/2 self-tapping exterior screws
- Driver
- Drill
- Kreg Jig
- Large Clamps
- Rustoleum Stain in Carbon Gray
Step 1: I got the lumber the night before and made all my cuts the next day.
Step 2: You start by making a base, similar to the ones I make for storage shelves.
Step 3: Then you make two arms and attach them to the base.
Step 4: Lay six boards across the frame and screw them in.
Step 4: Finish with one more board in the back, attached with a Kreg Jig. The rest of the frame was assembled quickly, using self-tapping screws. Seriously, it could not be easier!
The next day it snowed. Yes, that’s life in Utah! One day it’s 60 degrees and the next it snows. So I had to wait until it melted to stain it. I purchased this new stain by Rustoleum called Carbon Gray. I kind of bought it on a whim but as I thought about it later, I decided I wanted the couches to be dark gray. I was hoping that the Carbon Gray stain would be dark, but I didn’t have high hopes. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the can and started staining with it and got this gorgeous dark gray color! I seriously love it.
I also purchased some Thompson’s water sealer but I’m going to have to wait to seal it until the nights are a little warmer because it said that it will become tacky if the temperature is lower than 50 degrees at night.
The cushions were the easy part! I knew that Better Homes and Gardens makes deep seat cushions at affordable prices so I headed to Walmart and purchased my cushions in a neutral gray. I also purchased the deep seat back cushions that matched. The fabric is a great outdoor fabric that has a 5-year no-fade guarantee. I’m going to get some of that sticky velcro and put it on the cushions and the frame so they don’t blow away.
Shop this space:
- Black X Lanterns
- Deep Seat Cushions
- Deep Seat Cushion Backs
- Jute Rug
- Black Buffalo Check pillows
- Gray Herringbone Throw
This is just the start for my little outdoor space! I am so excited to add a few more pieces of furniture and some plants, and maybe a fire pit. We have such an amazing view and we haven’t been able to really enjoy this space yet until now. Building this DIY outdoor furniture was actually really easy and fast. I put the couches together in one afternoon and stained them another afternoon. You could easily do it in one day!
I am a member of the Better Homes and Gardens Live Better network. Follow Better Homes and Gardens Live Better on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Linked up with Katherine’s Corner, Tidy Mom, The Pin Junkie and Saving 4 Six.
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Oh wow Heidi this is one spectacular view!! Darn snow won’t go away completely here either. Love the benches and cushions!!
Thanks Stephanie!
what are the measurements for the boards to make the base of the sofa? What length? I think this looks great.
All the measurements and instructions are on the website I linked to. Thanks!
What!!! Way to go, girl! This looks so high end. Love the dark stain and the fact that the cushions fit perfectly! You guys will get so much use out of that, I’m sure!! Great job!
Thank you so much!!
Wow!!! I’m so impressed with how these look. Thank you for sharing. I’m on my way to Walmart and Lowe’s. 🤓
Thank you and good luck!
I usually never comment {sorry about that} but I wanted to thank you for posting this. I’ve been trying to decide what to do about outdoor furniture and now I know exactly. But for some reason it never would have occurred to me to build it. You have made a difference today. Thanks!
Awesome! Do it! You’ll be so happy. 🙂
They look fantastic! Great job and instructions! Thank you!
Thank you and You’re welcome!
HOw much did the cushions cost? Love your ideas!
The cushions are about $30 a piece but it’s hard to find quality outdoor cushions for any less. 🙂 Thanks!
What sized cushions (dimensions! Did you purchase for the seating?
You did an awesome job! Love the color combinations.
Thank you!
Love your space, and the DIY sofas!!
Pinning to show my hubby.
What a great idea 🙂
Beautiful furniture & outdoor space! I’d love to build something like this on our patio (well, I’d love for my husband to build this – I must learn how to do this myself!). The backs look pretty low though, have you found this to be an issue at all?
It’s not an issue, it’s just a support for the back cushions!
LIke the idea…………………having difficulty downloading any specific dimensions. Help!
amazing, and oh my gosh, those VIEWS. i’d be out there every darn day! enjoy,
b
Wow! Your outdoor set looks amazing. Love the color stain. Looks like an expensive set! I love that no one would know you didn’t buy that.
I am beyond impressed! These look soo good! And so much cheaper than pre-made patio furniture!
Thank you!
What are the dimensions of the base you made in Step 1??
You can find all the dimensions of the furniture in the plans that I linked to.
Love the look! Especially the light color make shift coffee table paired with the darker furniture. Where did you get the wicker storage table? Thanks!
Thanks! It’s from IKEA.
What type of wood did you use?
Just good ol’ pine!
My husband says it’s a go! They look great! What are the dimensions of the cushions? Thank you for your great inspiration!
Shannon
I was wondering which color cushion did you use? Thanks!
I’m not sure if it has a specific name…it’s the light gray ones!
This looks awesome! You only used one board across the back and that supports the cushions?
Yes, it’s a low back. But if you’re worried you can always add another board.
you are so good at what you do. I’m almost hesitant to try out of fear that it won’t come out looking as fabulous as yours did!
I have helper coming over today help me build this! Love it! 😄
I love the do-it-yourself solution to creating an inviting outdoor space. You don’t have to spend a fortune, if you have great design, high quality materials and the right tools. Be sure that you understand which material is best, not just for your functional needs, but for your particular climate. Different types of wood do better or worse under the same conditions and may be easier or harder to clean and maintain. Do your homework.
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Love the project. Wanted to build these ourselves. Just tried to click on the link for the cushions and it didn’t lead me to the Walmart ones you bought. Are they easy to get ?
Hmm, I’ll look into that. I just got them in the store rather than buying them online. I think I had to go to a couple different Walmarts to get them all.
Definitly looks awesome. I loved all designs