Build your own outdoor sofa with just 11 2x4s. Ana White plans include step by step diagrams and shopping and cut list.
We also have a plans to convert this sofa to an outdoor sectional, a matching outdoor coffee table plan, and outdoor wood finishing secrets.
Preparation
11 - 2x4x10’ (prefer cedar boards)
150 - 2-1/2” to 3" long, self-tapping exterior decking screws (#8, #9 or #10 will all work)
RECOMMEND: Build to suit cushions.
9 - 2x4 @ 72” (or cushion width x times 3)
13 - 2x4 @ 25-1/2” (or cushion depth plus 1-1/2")
2 - 2x4 @ 28-1/2” (or cushion depth plus 4-1/2")
Instructions
Step 1
Cut the seat framing boards with compound miter saw or similar.
Screw together with self tapping screws.
Step 2
Now for the arms.
Cut the boards.
Attach longer 2x4 to two of the shorter 2x4s with screws.
Step 3
Screw together with screws.
Step 4
Screw together with screws, also attach to board from step 3.
Step 5
Step 6
Attach seat boards to top of seat frame with 2-3/4" screws.
Step 7
Screw back piece at an angle into the arms with 2-3/4" screws. You can also use pocket holes.
Step 8
Some builders add a middle row to the back/sides to help keep cushions in line.
We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.
Comments
suev
Sun, 04/19/2020 - 13:17
How do you print so I can…
How do you print so I can have this built?
justinmgibson
Thu, 05/07/2020 - 09:50
Yes! Bring able to print the…
Yes! Bring able to print the plans would be incredible!
trfountain22
Sun, 04/19/2020 - 16:49
outdoor sofa help
Hi Ana,
I am getting ready to build this. I bought all the wood today. I have a couple questions though. For some reason I thought this planned called for pocket holes. (I have the Kreg kit). I guess I'm confusing it with another plan. So my question is it says to screw pieces together with the self tapping screws....but don't you see those after it's complete? I'm confused on why you wouldn't use pocket holes.
My next question is how hard would it be to make the back slanted? I saw a plan for a sofa that had a slanted back but I went this this plan because I am making a U shaped sectional. I would really like the back to be slanted though...but I don't think I could just wing it. I would need step by step directions and exact cuts. I'm a beginner!
Thanks for the help!
heathert
Mon, 04/20/2020 - 10:02
Cushions and pillows
Beautiful! Where did you get the cushions and pillows?
scott james
Wed, 04/29/2020 - 05:21
I've seen a few people ask. …
I've seen a few people ask. I can't seem to find them either.
kellya72
Fri, 05/01/2020 - 14:36
Outdoor Sofa Length
Can anyone tell me why the sofa and the one arm sofa that you put together to make the sectional are 2 different lengths? The cushions would be the same size so wouldn't you need the same length. One is 72" and one is 70 1/2". Unless I'm reading it wrong.
jupiter7
Thu, 05/21/2020 - 22:06
Outdoor Sofa Length
If you look closely at the diagrams for each sofa, on the sectional piece without the arm on one end, the back corner wood piece is turned differently since there is "no arm" attached on that end. It's turned sideways. So, that probably explains the slight difference in length.
tnbeard
Mon, 05/04/2020 - 10:43
Where did you buy your cushions??
In the picture with the stained wood couch where did you buy your white cushions from?
mattstriker
Thu, 05/14/2020 - 10:13
Arm issues
Hi there. Just building this for our garden.
Having an issue with the arms. The 28 1/2” cut seems to be an inch too short for the frame and to get the 25 1/2” support in also.
As 25 1/2”+ 2”x 2 for both legs is 29 1/2”. Does this make sense? Has anyone else had this issue please?
jupiter7
Fri, 06/19/2020 - 23:10
Arm Issues
You may have figured it out by now. A 2 X 4 board is not actually 2 inches depth. It's 1 1/2 inches. So, the two 1/2 inch differences account for the 1 inch you are asking about.