Trying to find the perfect outdoor sectional was a challenge for the space we have on the patio. We needed the sectional to be longer on one side and shorter on the other. We decided to turn the impossible task of finding the perfect size and not to mention the expense of outdoor sectionals into building a DIY outdoor sectional to fit the space.
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The first step was finding the cushions. I wanted the cushions to fit perfectly on the sectional sofa and not have gaps. We built the sofa according to the measurements in the space and then the size of the cushions. I found these aqua outdoor cushions that were the perfect color and size.
The biggest bonus to building this outdoor sectional sofa was we already had enough wood in our pile and we did not have to buy any lumber. This is a huge cost saving considering current lumber prices. The only downside to this was having to prep all the wood to be all the same width. The cost savings in lumber was worth having to spend an afternoon planning the wood. Thankfully we used our Ridgid planner to make all the wood the same size.
How to build an outdoor sectional sofa
- Sketch a layout of the sectional with measurements
- Cut all wood pieces and layout the seat frame
- Assemble the seat frame
- Cut and assemble the plywood boards for the sitting surface
- Cut the leg/back supports
- Attach the legs/back supports
- Cut and assemble the arm and backrests
We used wood from our woodpile which consisted of barn wood beams and oak from our living room wall tear-out. If you are buying wood to build your own outdoor sofa, make sure you check out this guide for buying wood for DIY projects.
Start building the seat frame of your outdoor couch using 2 x 4’s cut to size. Once the frame is assembled using screws and wood glue, attach the plywood to the top for the seat base.
Mr. DD used the old barn beams that he planed down to size for the leg and back supports. He decided he wanted the outdoor sectional to have a slanted back as this would make the outdoor sofa more comfortable than the straight-back build plans.
Attach the leg/back supports and the front legs to the seat frame. Mr. DD used oak boards on the front of the 2 x 4’s to give the sofa a wider base. We wanted the DIY outdoor sectional sofa to resemble our Adirondack chairs by using wider boards on the base and tapered armrests.
Attach the back support bars to the leg/back supports and the armrests. You can see in the photo on the right that we added the support under the armrest. Again this is additional support and also to make it resemble the Adirondack chairs.
Painting Outdoor Sectional
I used my Wagner Flexio 5000 paint sprayer to paint the sectional. Typically for outdoor wood items, I like to use a wood stain if the item will be exposed to the weather. Since this sectional is located under the roofline, I decided to paint it the same color as the dark clove trim.
Watch the paint sprayer in action
Decorating the Patio
Adding the layers of decor items brings the entire seating area together and makes it feel like an extension of our indoor living space.
Here is the list of all the items used to decorate our outdoor seating area:
- Outdoor aqua cushions
- Outdoor decorative pillows
- Throw blanket (similiar style -for the cooler evenings)
- Outdoor rug
- Lanterns (similiar style – mood lighting)
- Black Metal Side Table (great price and cheaper than any local stores)
- Water Fountain (see my review)
- Planter Basket (similiar style)
Watch the video of the outdoor sectional
Adding flowers and greenery to any seating area on the patio gives pops of color and the greenery gives a warm and welcoming feeling to the patio seating area.
Furniture Painting Guide
- Learn the basics and more about how to paint furniture
- Discover how to find furniture and inspiration
- Tips for painting, sealing, and glazing
- Learn steps to get started along with my favorite products and tools
DIY Outdoor Sectional Build Plans
Since our sectional sofa is not a traditional size, I wanted to give you links to some easier free outdoor sectional plans.
Outdoor Decorating Inspirations
- Simple Patio Decorating Ideas
- Repurposed Wood Window Planter Box
- Flip-up Deck Bar
- Easiest Way to Stain a Deck
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