Okay y'all, HERE IT IS! In this post you will find the long awaited, highly anticipated, patio furniture build details. I will try to explain as best I can everything that I did, but please always feel free to reach out if you have a question.
When I began looking at patio furniture, I was SHOCKED at the prices! Omg, I thought these people are out of their minds, there's NO WAY I'm paying all this money for outdoor furniture, and I became determined to build it myself. Honestly 99% of my projects start this way. I want to have nice things, but I don't want to pay tons of money, so I figure it out myself.
I began to search the internet (Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram) for free build plans I could follow. I found lots of options, but the chair plan I liked the most didn't have a matching sofa plan-so I modified the chair plan and added and extra support to make my own matching sofa. Similarly the table I built was from a plan that I modified to fit my space and match my set better.
B U I L D I N G T I P S
I ALWAYS use wood glue no matter what. Wood glue increases the longevity of your project and ensures stability.
I ALWAYS use a speed square to ensure that my right angles are perfect. Never assume your floor or table is level and will give you a perfect perpendicular joint.
I ALWAYS use clamps no matter what. This is a much safer option, and ensures that your measurements stay accurate as you are joining pieces.
C H A I R S
For the chairs I followed this plan I found on YouTube which I will link below:
Link to The Rehab Life's Chair plan:
*this is not my video or my plan, I take no credit for this-all credit goes to The Rehab Life*
I have used several plans from this couple before, and I recommend them especially for beginners. They have tons of free plans available, so definitely take a look around their account.
You will see in the video that she doesn't use wood glue or clamps, and as I stated above-I always use these things.
I also used construction screws, instead of the recommended trim head screws. Additionally, I ended up needing 2 more 2X4s than what they listed in the materials (1 additional per chair) so I would grab a couple extra 2x4s if I were you.
I also recommend building all the chairs at the same time, assembly line style building always seems easier to me.
After I finished the build, I sanded the edges and rough spots with my orbital sander, filled the screw holes with lightweight spackle and stained the chairs with minwax special walnut. I sealed the chairs with an outdoor all weather uv and waterproof sealer made for decks.
S O F A
I wanted a sofa to match the chairs, and I figured I could figure out a plan based on the chairs. I decided I wanted to be able to fit 3 cushions (most outdoor cushions are 23/24 inches across) so I adjusted the cut list and this is what I came up with:
Cut List:
5 @ 23 7/8
6 @ 69
4 @ 22 1/2
2 @ 26 7/8
2 @ 11 1/2ish *measure to fit*
Source your cuts like this to maximize the lumber:
With these measurement adjustments I followed the previous plan for the chairs, effectively making one looong chair. The first step was to screw the horizontal seat bottoms to the side supports. Since I didn't have a clamp long enough this time, I pressed the boards up against a wall. The side supports are the same as the chair (23 7/8) and the horizontal seat bottoms are the length to allow for three cushions (69).
The next step is just like the chairs, except with the longer back you will be screwing the "U" together using 2 (23 7/8) and 1 (69).
Then you will arrange the two pieces just like the chair and attach the legs.
You will place a (22 1/2) piece across the top flush to the inside with 3 inches over the top and in between the boards just like the chair plan.
Don't forget your wood glue, and I recommend using a speed square especially on this step to make sure your right angle is perfect. Now, you will finish the legs according to the chair plan, and the top of the back of the sofa will be the last 69 inch piece.
The last step is adding a center support since this sofa is so long. I found the center of the front and measured from the bottom of the 2x4 to the floor, and I got 11 7/8. I thought I would get 11 1/2, this is why it's so important to measure your own length at this point. Some boards could be twisted or warped and you don't want to force this joint to fit. So just measure from the center bottom edge of the 2x4 to the floor and make two matching cuts. Then you will take your last (23 7/8) piece and make a U and screw each seat support in from the top. You will need screws at least 2 inches and not more than 2 1/2 inches for this step.
T A B L E
My husband requested that I complete this set with a table. He loves to sit outside and smoke cigars. Well, it just so happened that Ana White (an inspiration of mine) posted an outdoor table plan just at the right time. I will link her video below-she is a wonderful person to follow for tons of free plans as well. Definitely check out all she has to offer!
Link to Ana's table plan:
*this is not my video or my plan, I take no credit for this-all credit goes to Ana White*
For my purposes, I wanted a longer table-more like a coffee table but still tall like an end table. I plan to put my feet up! So I first built the legs just like Ana described:
At this point I lengthened the next measurement to adjust for the coffee table length and I also decided I wanted all the sides to look the same so I did my inner frame a little backwards from Ana's plan.
You can see in the photo below how each side has an overhang instead of one side being flush. This was just my personal preference. My middle slat lengths are 30 inches, giving my table a final measurement of 36 inches in length.
Again, I filled the holes and used special walnut stain and the all weather sealer after sanding down. I love the way this table turned out.
I actually used a dark walnut stain pen to color over the spackle filled holes, I just think the contrast gives a nice finished look.
C U S H I O N S
Now let's talk cushions for this project. In case you haven't shopped outdoor cushions, WOW. Prepare yourself to be absolutely outraged at the prices, or maybe that was just me... I searched and searched and searched oh MY. If you want super nice cushions that will last you forever, feel free to invest in cushions that can run you upwards of $100 A PIECE! For me, I found the most amazing deal on cushions from Wal-Mart. These cushions will not last forever, but for my budget I was willing to use these for awhile and maybe upgrade later. These cushions are weather resistant and suit my purposes just fine. I will link these below for ya! I'll also have the rug linked here and the seamless drop cloths I used for curtains. This is an affiliate link, and I will make a small commission from any purchase at NO extra cost to you. I appreciate your support.
F I N A L L O O K
After adding the tan cushions, a new rug, and decor, here's the final look of my patio furniture build project! I hope this post answered your questions, if not feel free to contact me here or on Instagram. AND always remember- "You can DIY this!" -Grace
Grace is a happily married Texas girl! She is a self taught woodworker and DIY Queen! She's always cookin up a storm in the kitchen, painting something, or hangin out with her best buddy- Moose. She has a passion for showing people that they are capable of more than they think they are, and empowering her friends to create a home they love without fear. From DIYs to woodworking, from decor to cookin', Grace West at My West Nest is here for all things southern. "You can DIY this!" -Grace
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