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2x4 Outdoor Sofa

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Submitted by Ana White on Sat, 03/16/2019 - 13:11
Difficulty
Beginner
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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.

outdoor sofa sectional made from 2x4s with blue cushions
outdoor sofa stained chocolate brown with white cushions and matching coffee table

Build your own outdoor sofa!  You'll just need some 2x4s and screws!  

Turn your outdoor sofa into a sectional with these plans:

We also share our outdoor wood finishing secrets in this post.

Dimensions
dimensions diagram for outdoor sofa
Dimensions shown above. Recommend: Build to suit cushions

Preparation

Shopping List

11 - 2x4x10’ (prefer cedar boards)

150 - 2-1/2” to 3" long, self-tapping exterior decking screws  (#8, #9 or #10 will all work) 

Cut List

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")

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Drill
Miter Saw

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.

Help Improve This Plan

We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.

Project Type
Sofa
Outdoor Seating and Lounging
Room
Outdoor
Style
Coastal or Beachy Style Furniture
Farmhouse Furniture
Rustic Furniture Plans

Comments

cassmae

Fri, 06/19/2020 - 18:23

I just finished it! This was my first big project. I spent a couple hours yesterday cutting and then a couple hours today assembling. Super easy and can be done in half a day.

I didn’t have a miter saw, so I just used a circular saw. It worked, but it would have been MUCH easier with a miter saw.

judie h

Tue, 06/30/2020 - 20:36

Did you run into any issues or problems? I see those corners that tie in with the newly added back piece = being a bit messy with so many intersecting screws. And do you think seat is strong enough to hold weight of 2-3 people?
Thanks

judie h

Tue, 06/30/2020 - 20:32

I am new to this site but I don't see replies to questions posted and why is an escort service post allowed? Very odd. Is this site professionally managed? I am doubting these plans and see lots of potential holes in the engineering especially if there are no solutions or replies to the followers/builders. I would rather have answers and corrected as the project is appealing but still not convinced it is worth doing.
Thanks if anyone has good answers.

Alfiepon

Wed, 07/08/2020 - 14:07

Here in England we used pressure-treated timber wood with preservatives into the timber to protect against fungal & insect attack enhancing protection. Treating timber wood helps extend the life of this construction material, reducing the levels of upkeep and repair needed. Another important tip for you is to choose the wood that is completely straight, so I always go to pick mine, I never trusted ask for delivery when woods is involve, they can send any random and not completely straight, hope this help. Ana suggested to use a water sealer made by thompson apparently is very nice and water proof to protect the wood