Build a pallet style outdoor platform sofa! Free plans from ana-white.com
The other day, I was reading the news and as a lover of all things home, I had to check out Jennifer Aniston's $20 million dollar home rennovation photos.
Well, we don't have a $20 million dollar home, but I was shocked at how similar Jen's an our backyard are!
She's got a pool,
We've got a pool!
She's got a chicken coop,
Jennifer's $20 million dollar house has cedar raised garden beds,
And we've got $10 Cedar Raised Beds
Practically the same backyard, isn't it?
We even got the same outdoor sectional!!!
She's got an outdoor platform sectional ....
And so do we!
Only we spent about $100 on ours .... and you can make it too!
If you follow me on Instagram, this is really old news ... Finally getting you those plans today that I've been promising you!
Seeing Jen's wood outdoor platform sectional kinda makes me wish I'd gone the stain route, but white seemed to work with the cushions I had a little better.
The best part about this sectional is the pieces are very easy to modify to fit different cushions. With a low seat like this one (yes, it's very low, be warned), you'll want deeper cusions, but you can solve that by placing back cushions behind the seat cushions.
As I did on the section with the four seat cushions. On the other side with the two seat cushions, I made that piece narrower with the cushions on top ... don't like it quite as much, but some people say they prefer it.
This sectional is divided up into two plans. We'll do the full four seat section first, and I'll share the two seat section with built in end table next.
Preparation
2 - 2x4 @ 96"
1 - 2x4 @ 10 foot long (cut the 31 1/4" cuts from this board)
9 - 2x6 @ 96"
1 - 2x6 @ 10 feet long (cut the 37" cuts from this board)
1 - 2x2 @ 96"
2 1/2" pocket hole screws and 2 1/2" exterior self tapping screws
2 - 2x4 @ 96"
4 - 2x4 @ 31 1/4"
9 - 2x6 @ 96"
6 - 2x2 @ 16"
3 - 2x6 @ 37"
NOTE: You most likely won't have to cut the 96" boards
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Build the base as shown above. I built mine with pocket holes (1 1/2" setting and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws) but you could also countersink 2 1/2" self tapping exterior screws. use glue and adjust for square when done.
NOTE: Pocket hole users may wish to also drill holes facing upward for attaching boards in next step - it's up to you.
Step 2
Attach decking boards starting at back and working inward. Leave 1/2" gap in between.
Step 3
Then attach 2x2s to the top using 1 1/2" pocket hole and 2 1/2" pocket hole screw with glue.
Step 4
Attach back base board to both 2x2 and 2x6 decking.
Step 5
Step 6
Split the difference and attach center back boards.
NOTE: We felt that our back was plenty sturdy, but if you have concerns about the open end of the sectional not being sturdy enough for your use, I recommend adding a metal L bracket on the inside. This will further secure the back.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
shastacoke
Thu, 06/27/2013 - 07:07
homes
I like your house better...just saying. You built yours by hand! That deserves a ton of credit. And you are building another home...kudos to you! If I had a backyard I would totally have built these sectionals by now. I do love them though. I don't paint any furniture, but just for information...do you cover your painted projects with a coat of poly when you are done?? I stain all my furniture, I am just wondering if you do poly when you paint or not? Just wondering. Thanks for all of the inspiration.....I'm 2 minutes away from building my side tables for our bedroom. Woo-hoo!!!!!!
OurWolfDen
Thu, 06/27/2013 - 08:32
Looks good!
I agree yours is much better! I like the plan it looks really nice and seems simple enough. My biggest hesitation is wondering how comfy the completely straight back would be. Even with the cushion it seems like it would keep you from lounging around in complete comfort. Other than that it looks amazing!
carlabarokas
Thu, 06/27/2013 - 14:11
LOVE THIS!
I'm going to try this.
Where did you get your cushions?
Jaseduke
Sun, 08/25/2013 - 05:32
Aren't these instructions
Aren't these instructions off? It says to cut the 31 1/4" boards from the 10 ft board. Obviously you can't get 5 boards out of that. Just a heads up.
bkmoreno86
Sat, 03/01/2014 - 21:51
cushions
where did you get the cushions? looks expensive
cdt1106
Wed, 07/09/2014 - 07:46
plans
How can I get steps 7-27?
Eightyanthony
Mon, 08/18/2014 - 10:08
I FOUND IT!!!
I was looking for the other part of the sectional and couldn't find it for the life of me but I just found it!!! Search for: PLATFORM OUTDOOR SECTIONAL WITH END TABLE (PART 2)
Eightyanthony
Mon, 08/18/2014 - 10:08
I FOUND IT!!!
I was looking for the other part of the sectional and couldn't find it for the life of me but I just found it!!! Search for: PLATFORM OUTDOOR SECTIONAL WITH END TABLE (PART 2)
posh_poppets
Mon, 09/15/2014 - 05:40
my next project!
I love this! i am going to use scaffolding boards for my base to make it a bit taller tho. Im going to start it this week :) thank you for these great plans once again. looks like im shopping for cushions x
lb3000
Sat, 04/04/2015 - 15:13
To 1" or not to 1" - that is my question
I'm wondering if I could use 1" thick wood on this. I noticed that the "outdoor sectional" plan uses 1x4" pine (http://ana-white.com/2010/05/plans/corner-and-ends-outdoor-sectional). I would like to modify this plan to use a 1x12" board as the base (partner doesn't like squatting down too far to get into a sitting position) and then 1x4" boards to create the seat. We have a small back deck that I'm designing a custom version of this for. The longest section would be 68" long, Two sides would be about 3' long. I could do 2" thick wood, but I have a lot of 1x4" wood left over from other projects. Do you think 1" wood would be strong enough for this? I could support it a bit, eg., use pocketholes all over, and 2x4" supports in the corners of the base connected with countersunk screws. WWAD (what would Ana do)? Thanks for any ideas!