We used Ana White's Website to find outdoor sofa plans, which we used as our guide to build the sofa. We decided to make the sectional by putting together a 2x4 Outdoor Sofa and a One Arm 2x4 Outdoor Sofa. We also made a matching 2x4 outdoor coffee table.
DIY OUTDOOR SECTIONAL COST BREAKDOWN
Before I share all of the steps that went into making an outdoor sectional, I wanted to include our total cost breakdown.
Lumber: $184
2 1/2" Screws: $36
Outdoor Paint: $35
Polyurethane: $19
Wood Filler: $5
Sandpaper Sheets: $14
Cushions: $420
TOTAL COST: $713
1. PURCHASE TOOLS AND MATERIALS
You can find details on all of the materials required for the outdoor sectional in Ana White's Outdoor Sofa, Ana White's One Arm Outdoor Sofa, and Ana White's Outdoor Coffee Table.
You’ll also need a few tools in addition to these materials. Here’s what we used to build our outdoor sectional:
Measuring Tape
2. MEASURE AND MAKE CUTS
After gathering all the tools and materials, it’s time to start measuring and cutting. I am a paper person, so I printed our table plans before measuring and making cuts.
3. BUILD THE SEATING BASE
We were able to put both couch pieces together fairly quickly put this is definitely not a project you can do on your own.
4. BUILD THE COFFEE TABLE
We ended up doing the top part of the coffee table twice due to warped wood and some miscalculations but other then that it came together quickly as well.
5. FILL AND SAND THE WOOD
I first filled all the holes that would show with wood filler and a spackling knife.
Then I started out with the 60-grit sandpaper and then moved to the 220-grit sandpaper to get a smooth finish.
6. PAINT OR STAIN WOOD
Once the table was sanded, wiped down, and dry, it was time to paint the wood. I decided to use the White Valspar Outdoor Paint in Satin finish to contrast the black cushions. Then I applied water-based polyurethane to seal the paint and protect it since it would be on our patio.
7. INSTALL CUSHIONS
I bought these outdoor deep seat cushions from Walmart for such a great price and they ended up fitting perfectly. It came as a two piece set top and bottom but I ended up having to buy 7 sets just to get an extra top for the corner piece. We also found this 6x9 black and white striped rug at walmart for a great price as well and it pulled the whole area together.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON OUR DIY OUTDOOR SECTIONAL
This DIY outdoor sectional certainly brought its share of trial and error/improvising, but I am really happy with the way it turned out! The sectional is extremely heaving—meaning it’s also durable and will stand the wear and tear of use for years to come.