Introduction: HomeMade Modern DIY Box Sofa

By HomeMade Modern
About: HomeMade Modern is an online design source that publishes easy-to-follow, DIY recipes for creating modern home furnishings. We provide creative ideas for making affordable alternatives to pricey designer home…

Your sofa is probably one of the most expensive pieces of furniture you own. This wood framed sofa is simple and durable with a timeless style. It can be built around almost any sofa cushions you might have or even a single mattress if you want it to double as a daybed. I salvaged some cushions from an IKEA sofa whose frame had broken. Pile pillows along the sturdy, solid-wood sides and back makes this a perfect daybed for a couple to lounge on.

Step 1: Supplies + Tools

Five (5) 8' Long 2×10s of Construction Lumber

Two (2) 8' Long 2×3s of Construction Lumber

Four (4) 8' Long 2×4s of Construction Lumber

3" Screws

2.5" Screws

#10 Biscuits

Ruler

Pencil

120 + 220 Grit Sandpaper

Rag

Clamps

Sofa Cushions

Danish Oil

RYOBI 18 Volt Cordless Drill with Screw Bit

RYOBI Orbital Sander

RYOBI 10" Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser

RYOBI Biscuit Joiner

Step 2: Download the Box Sofa Plan

Click here to download the box sofa plan.

Step 3: Cut the 2×10s, 2x4s + 2×3s

Using a ruler and pencil, measure, mark the 2×10s, 2x4s and 2×3s into the lengths shown in the diagram and cut with a compound miter saw.

Step 4: Sand the Pieces

Give the cut pieces a light sanding before assembling them. Using the orbital sander, start with 120-grit sandpaper followed by the 220-grit sandpaper.

Step 5: Assemble the Panels

Lay the 2×10s for 3 panels on the floor. Use the biscuit joiner to cut notches in the 2x10s. Insert glue in the notches and place a glue covered biscuit into the notches. Use the pipe clamps to clamp the boards together while the glue dries.

Step 6: Screw Together the Bottom Frame

Assemble the bottom frame of the sofa using the 3" screws.

Step 7: Attach the Side Panels

The easiest way to attach the panels to the base is to screw them together. For a more finished look, align the screws, spacing them at even increments. If you want to go the extra mile, recess the screws and cover them with wood plugs made from dowels. You can also add metal L-brackets on the inside for additional strength.

Step 8: Screw the Frame to the Panels

Screw the bottom frame to the back panel with the top of the frame aligned with the top of the first 2x10 in the panel.

Step 9: Finish

Paint the wood using the TK or stain it using the TK, if you like. I prefer to leave it raw, letting life add its own patina.

Step 10: Add the Cushions + Pillows

Set the cushions on the frame, add a bunch of pillows, stockpile some snacks and you have the perfect fortress for a weekend-long Netflix binge!

Step 11: Done!

Good luck making your own box sofa and please email or tweet photos to @benuyeda or ben@homemade-modern.com. For more DIY ideas and projects, visit us at HomeMade Modern.