DIY Modern Inspired Outdoor Couch

Jun 27

Whether your backyard is big or small, adding a touch of warmth and charm is always possible with the power of DIY!

Here are the steps I took to create this affordable modern inspired DIY Outdoor Couch using IKEA outdoor couch cushions.

IKEA cushions used:

Back Cushion (x3)

FRÖSÖN/DUVHOLMEN

Cover: https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/froesoen-cover-for-back-cushion-outdoor-beige-70391712/

Bottom Cushion (x3)

FRÖSÖN/DUVHOLMEN

Cover: https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/froesoen-duvholmen-seat-pad-outdoor-beige-s89253230/

Couch Materials:

(6) 2’’ x 6’’ x 8‘ pressure treated lumber
(3) 2’’ x 4’’ x 8’ pressure treated lumber
(5) 1’’ x 6’’ x 5’ pressure treated fence boards
2.5’’ #8 deck screws.
3’’ or larger #8 deck screws.
2’’ brad nails
end sealer for pressure treated wood

Tools:

Saw of your choice (Hand, Chop, Miter, Circular)
Drill
brad nailer (or simply hammer and nails)
corner clamps (optional)
paint brush
Build
*note, pressure treated wood needs to have cut ends sealed with the end sealer product to maintain treatment effectiveness.
ArmRests

1. Cut 2’’ x 6’’ lumber to 24’’ for each of the uprights (GREEN), 31’’ for the top (BLUE) and 28’’ for the bottom (PURPLE). I chose to mitre the joints at the top as shown above. Feel free to simplify with butt joints, however be sure to reduce the length of the uprights by 1.5’’ if you intend to maintain the same overall dimensions.

2. Assemble the armrest with 3’’ or larger deck screws. Corner clamps may be helpful here if you are working solo.

3. repeat above steps for the second armrest.

Seat Frame

1. Cut three 2’’ x 6’’ lumber to 83’’ for the braces (GREY).

2. Cut two 2’’ x 6’’ lumber to 25’’ for the frame ends (RED).

3. Assemble the seat frame with butt joints as shown above. Secure with 3’’ or larger deck screws. Leave 4’’ of the braces exposed on each end to join with the armrests.

4. Attach the seat frame to the armrests with simple full lap joints as shown above. Secure each joint with multiple 2.5’’ deck screws, I used 5 per joint. I set the top of the lower braces at 12’’ from the ground. You can adjust your seat and backrest heights as you wish. Ensure the ends of the braces are flush with the outside edge of the armrest uprights.

5. Attach the back rest brace with full lap joints, 1.5’’ from the top of the armrests. Ensure flush same as the seat frame and secure similarly.

Seat Supports and Planks

3. Cut three 2’’ x 4’’ lumber to 72’’ for the supports (WHITE).

4. Connect the supports between the frame ends with but joints secured with 3’’ or larger deck screws. Orient the 2’’ x 4’’ vertically, 3/4’’ below the top of the frame ends. Space the supports evenly across, I did so with centres at approximately 4’’, 12.5’’ and 20’’ from the front brace.

5. Cut ten 1’’ x 6’’ fence boards to ~<25’’, (24’’ works great) (PINK).

6. Use a 1.5’’ spacer block (scrap 2’’ x 4’’) to space the planks evenly across the supports. Secure with nails (brad or hand hammered nails, screws would work too but be careful not to split the planks.)