Introduction: HomeMade Modern DIY Outdoor Sofa
Modern outdoor sofas can be quite expensive. I made this sturdy DIY couch from solid wood 4x8s, 2x8s, outdoor sofa cushions from IKEA and grey Minwax wood stain for a nice finish.
Step 1: Supplies + Tools
4×8s + 2x8s
L-brackets
Lag Screws
Ikea Outdoor Cushions
RYOBI 18 Volt Cordless Drill
RYOBI 18 Volt Circular Saw
RYOBI 10" Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser
RYOBI Orbital Sander
Step 2: Cut the 4x8s
Cut the 8 foot long 4x8s into 32” long pieces with a compound miter saw.
Step 3: Cut the 2x8s
Cut the 2x8s into pieces that are as long as the 3 sofa cushions. I cut 3 pieces for the bottom and 1 piece for the back.
Step 4: Sand the Pieces
Sand all of the 4x8 pieces with an orbital sander. I rounded over the edges using 80 grit sanding pads before sanding everything smooth with 220 grit pads.
Step 5: Assemble the Panels
The 8” lag screws I got weren't long enough to connect the 4x8s, so I had to drill 1 1/4" diameter holes about 3 inches deep in the 4x8s so that the lag screws could be recessed. I used a socket attachment on my driver to drive the screws through the bottom of the holes and into the 4x8 below. I didn’t want the screws or holes to show, so I started with the top of the panels and assembled them upside down so that the screw holes would be on the bottom of the panels.
Step 6: Screw on the L-brackets
I laid out the two side panels and screwed the L-brackets along the seam between the bottom 4x8 and the middle 4x8.
Step 7: Screw on the Bottom Pieces
I screwed the 2x8s to the L-brackets from the underside. It would've probably been a better idea to flip the panels over and assemble it upside down.
Step 8: Screw on the Back Piece
I used a speed square and a pencil to mark the location of the L-brackets I used for the back rest. I screwed the brackets to the side panels at a slight angle and then screwed in the last piece of 2x8.
Step 9: Stain
I chose to finish the frame with Minwax grey stain because this piece is going outside and will turn grey in the sun anyways. We applied the stain with a brush and let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping off the excess stain with a clean rag.
Step 10: Place the Cushions
I threw on some outdoor cushions I bought from IKEA and tested out the new sofa. It's super comfortable and really sturdy.
Step 11: Done!
Good luck making your own coffee pot upgrade and please email or tweet photos to @benuyeda or ben@homemade-modern.com. For more DIY ideas and projects, visit us at HomeMade Modern.
