Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by mdj1281 on Mon, 11/16/2015 - 06:27

Our new home has a 21'x17' screened in porch that needed somthing, anything to occupy it! We looked for sectionals from online retailors and could not believe how much money they were demanding for them. Being new homeowners we could not afford/justify spending that amount. I found Ana-white.com while looking for shoe bench plans and found these 2 plans for the sectional. It was time to justify all of my tool purchases! lol

 

I took the 2 plans for the sofa and armless sectional and increased the size on the armless sectional by 1 seat to fill the area better. Future plans also include a bar, serving area and coffee table in the space. I bought (30) acq 2x4x8's and, not including scrap pieces, had 3 reamaining full pieces after completing the project. Total for the wood materials was $130 and I also had to buy a Kreig Jig ($37) and 2-1/2" ext deck screws so all in all about $180 for the materials

 

For the cushons I searched local retailors and found since we were going into the winter season a lot of local stores were selling off their patio supplies at big discounts. I found a local Home Depot selling Hampton Bay deep cushions for 75% off (normally $49.98 on sale for $13.xx). I needed 8 seats and since one was a corner I ordered 9 sets (9 backs, 8 seats).

 

Project took me less than 5 hours pick up the wood, set up on-site shop, make all the cuts and assemble. That 5 hour timeline also included a break for dinner. The sofa sections are heavy when put together, if you plan on moving them more than once or twice a year I'd suggest putting some caster wheels on the base with locks to keep it from rolling away when being used.

Estimated Cost
$130 in wood materials, $117 in cushions (on sale) + incidentals (glue, screws)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

kbdesigns

Tue, 11/17/2015 - 17:58

Looks like some nice pieces of furniture you have here! I actually built the same sofa from that same plan as our outdoor furniture, along with some chairs built with the same style to match. Mine is a few months old and I'd like you give just a tiny bit of advice (if you'll accept it lol) so yours doesn't end up like mine... On the back, top horizontal support (the ones that traverse the entire length of the sofa) I would put 1-2 vertical support posts spaced evenly. After just a month of having mine I started to notice a slight sag in the board :( No doubt after 6 months to a few years it would become pretty bad. Its just a matter of cutting a couple scraps and screwing them in, so its a pretty simple fix! I hope it helps, and keep up the tool collection and builds!

 

-Jeremy

mdj1281

Wed, 11/18/2015 - 04:09

Funny you should mention that, I was thinking it while showing it off to the in-laws a few nights ago. I'm a big guy and leaned back on it and naturally it had movement. I was torn between a 2x4 on end running under the rear piece or horizontal supports... I didn't want there to be any undesirable spots to sit in if my guests leaned back. So, since you did this addition does it effect the seating area?

 

Good call though and something I'm going to do!

 

Thanks!