Easy DIY Patio Couch and Coffee Tables
In May of 2021, I had some friends coming to visit short notice and was in despirate need of some patio furniture. Of course, during this time, shipping was backed up and I wasn’t finding anything locally that was in my budget and could withstand the test of time (and hurricanes). I decided to build a very budget friendly couch and coffee tables myself. I was very new to building furniture so this was a big step for me. I scoured the internet and pinterest and found Ana White. She has plans for TONS of projects on her website, easy to follow, including a cut list, measurements, diagrams, and cost breakdown (this varies greatly with location and time). The instructions were very easy to customize the measurements on to fit my space and size couch cushions I had purchased. It took me about 5 hours total to build the couch and about 2 extra hours to build the coffee tables.
Ana White Plans for Outdoor Sofa
Ana White Plans for Outdoor Coffee Table
Notes and Tips I learned from my build:
Purchase your cushions first, then build the couch based on those measurements. I got my cushions from AT HOME on sale
Print the Ana White instructions so you can make notes and edits as you go
Buy all your materials based on your modified cut list so you know exactly how much it cost and don’t have to make several trips
Make all of your cuts at once, then sand, then stain everything BEFORE building the couch
I use off-brand melamine sponges to stain (they are like Mr. Clean pads or magic erasers), and then wipe up extra stain with a cloth
Use a pocket hole jig, I didn’t have one, but I wish I had bought one. I use it all the time now.
Build your couch in the space you want it to be, unless you can have help carrying it. It’s heavy!
Use a poly or sealer on it. I found a spray sealer that was easy to apply.
I built the coffee table plan linked above but modified the measurements to build two squares instead of one rectangle. Those two tables can be moved around to become the chaise lounge of the sectional.
My favorite products used in this build:
Off-brand melamine sponges - magic erasers
Kreg pocket hole jig
Affordable Miter Saw - I don’t have this one, but my bestie does and we love it
Drill Bits and these
Random Orbit Sander - make sure you have a battery for whichever cordless one you choose
