DIY Outdoor Modern Patio Sofa

I was on the hunt for a modern looking outdoor patio set and as with most DIYs the price tags

I was on the hunt for a modern looking outdoor patio set and as with most DIYs the price tags were giving me no option but to make my own!

Below is my inspiration picture:

 

 

Wood Shopping List:

2 – 8ft 4×4’s

3 – 6ft 1×8’s

2 – 6ft 2×2’s

1 – 2×4

5 – 1×4’s

Wood glue

24 – 4” wood screws

Tools needed:

•Miter saw

•tape measure

•kreg jig and 1 1/4” kreg screws

•impact driver

•clamps

•triangle

Step 1:

Take both of your 4×4 posts and make the following mitered cuts:

4 – 26″ pieces (longer side of cut)

4 – 21.5″ pieces

Attach with wood glue and 4″ screws, three on each corner. Clamps come in handy here to hold them in place.

These will be the outer arm rests.

Step 2:

Next take two of the 1×8 boards and cut them down to your desired length of couch, in my case I went with 64 3/4″.

Make pocket holes on the ends of the 1x8s and attach with wood glue and kreg screws to the square 4×4 arm rests. I used a scrap piece of 1×8″ flat on the ground to hold them in place and to create a small 3/4″ gap up off the floor.

With the last 1×8 cut two 24″ pieces to use as the side panels and attach with wood screws from the inside to the 4×4 posts.

Step 3:

Next take the two 2x2s and cut them 64” long to attach across the long 1x8s.

Be sure to pre drill the holes through the 2x2s so they don’t split and secure them 3/4” from the top with wood glue and 2” screws. Again I used a scrap 1×8 to judge the gap left at the top. (This will allow your slats in the next step to sit flush with the top of the couch seat)

Step 4:

Using your 1x4s you will cut your slats to go across the 2x2s to create the bench seat for your cushions.

Cut 12, 24” slats and evenly distribute across the base. Secure with a nail gun at each end.

 

Step 5:

Now you construct the back rest.

-Cut two 17” pieces from your 2x4s for both sides.

-Cut two 61 3/4” 1x4s pieces and pocket hole them to the sides of the 2x4s at the top and bottom.

Next cut 9 1/2” pieces out of your last 1x4s to fit as slats between the long 1x4s and pocket hole them together.

Step 6:

This next step is mostly up to you and your preference. Take the back rest and clamp it between the 4×4 arm rests and you can angle it as much or as little as you prefer.

I just made sure to have it high enough from the seat base in order for the seat cushion to fit snug just under it.

Once positioned to your liking secure with 3” screws in the 2x4s to the 4x4s.

Step 7:

Now that the couch is built it is time to make it pretty! In my opinion the worst part. Start with wood filling all corners, screw holes etc.

After that is dry, sand first with 180 grit and round all corners then use 220 grit to smooth.

Once sanded, be sure to use a tack cloth and wipe down the entire surface to get it clean and ready for your stain/paint.

Step 8:

I wanted a light natural wood tone. I have found that if you first do a quick white wash over the wood it cancels out the yellow undertone (usually found in pine). You want to literally wipe it off right after applying, working in small sections so that the wood doesn’t soak it up a ton. I used Minwax Simply White for this.

Then stain with the color you choose, I went with a heavy coat of Minwax Special Walnut. I painted it on and left it for a minute or so and then wiped it off.

Just remember, you can always go darker. So I suggest starting out with lighter coats if you are unsure and add more if you want a darker look! Testing on scrap is a good idea if you have no idea what you want.

Step 9:

Lastly you want to add protection to your newly built sofas so that they will last outdoors in the elements!

I used Minwax water based Helmsman indoor/outdoor Spar Urethane in clear semi-gloss. I loved the finish of this but it did require me to apply 4 coats!

Be sure to do a light sanding with a very high grit like 300 between coats once they dry. This will give you a silky smooth finish!

Step 10:

Lastly, style! I had custom cushions made from my favorite place again at coversandall.com You can have any dimensions made with really durable material (available in multiple colors). They withstand outdoor elements and they have options to add a zipper closure and add ties for no additional price!

I love these cushions and have used them multiple times with no issues.

I added a couple pillows and blanket and we are ready for lounging!

Here you will find all the decor and most everything used!

White pillows – Target

Beige pillows – Big Lots

Blanket – home goods (similar one linked)

Area rug – Target

Marble Side table – Target

Pots – Lowes

Firepit tutorial

Their you have it! Customized outdoor couches that are super sleek and modern. You can see a price breakdown here! Also if you are a visual learner you can check my YouTube out to see how I built them on Instagram! Any questions drop them below and if you try this build be sure to tag me on Instagram or TikTok!

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