Modular Outdoor Seating from 2x4s and Cedar Fence Pickets

modular build your own outdoor sectional
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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Modular sectional pieces can be arranged and rearranged for different seating arrangements.  Make a giant bed for movie night, or individual chairs for a party - these individual pieces give you so many options!

This is a DIY plan to use 2x4s and cedar fence pickets to build the modular sectional pieces.  This plan is designed to work with 24" x 24" cushions, but can be easily adjusted for different sized cushions.

Plans designed and built by Family DIYnamic.

Are you looking for great outdoor seating that is customizeable in both design and function?  Want something that looks exactly how you envision it, and can be rearranged in different configurations?

Have you thought about going the DIY option?  Using the same techniques you'd use to build a deck or outdoor fencing, you can build your own outdoor modular sectional.

chair

These plans are super simple - just 2x4 frames that you add cushions to the top of.  The tops are cedar, but the inexpensive fence picket version.

modular sectional

You can move them around to different configurations fit your gathering and space.  

modular outdoor sectional pieces

How would you set these up in your space?

Free Plans for Modular Sectional Pieces

The plans for this modular sectional pieces follow.  Thank you for using our plans.  Please share a photo of your builds - we love seeing how your projects turn out!

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Modular Outdoor Seating from 2x4s and Cedar Fence Pickets

Dimensions
dimensions for modular sectional
Dimensions shown in diagram, suitable for 24" x 24" cushions

Preparation

Shopping List

For the chair/single seat 

  • 2 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 - 5-1/2" wide x 6 feet long cedar fence pickets (not dog eared)
  • 20 - 2-1/2" star bit exterior appropriate screws (GRK or SPAX or similar)
  • 24 - 1-5/8" or similar length star bit exterior appropriate screws (GRK or SPAX or similar brands)

For the table/ottoman

  • 14 linear board feet of 2x4
  • 8 linear board feet of  - 5-1/2" wide x 6 feet long cedar fence pickets (not dog eared)
  • 20 - 2-1/2" star bit exterior appropriate screws (GRK or SPAX or similar)
  • 16 - 1-5/8" or similar length star bit exterior appropriate screws (GRK or SPAX or similar brands)
Cut List

For the chair/single seat 

  • 2 - 2x4 @ 23.5" - Back legs
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 12" - Front legs
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 23" - Sides
  • 3 - 2x4 @ 20.75" - middle supports
  • 6 - Cedar fence pickets @ 23 3/4” (two 6’ pickets cut equally)

For the table/ottoman

  • 4 - 2x4 @ 12" - legs
  • 2- 2x4 @ 21" - sides
  • 3 - 2x4 @ 20.75" - middle supports
  • 4 - Cedar fence pickets @ 23 3/4", (6’ cedar fence picket cut equally)
Cutting Instructions

Cut the boards using a circular saw or a miter saw.

If using a circular saw, cut with a straight edge with the board to cut elevated in four points (two points on each side of the cut) or supported by styrofoam.  

If you have a miter saw, it is easier to cut with it.  

More information on cutting is available here.

Tools
Tape Measure
Safety Glasses
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Attach legs to sides with two 2-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws per joint.

For the ottoman, all is flush to top of legs and to the outsides. Note the ottoman sides are 21" (not the same length as the chair sides - see next diagram).

For the chair, the front legs are flush to top and outside.  The back leg is attached so the top of the side is 12" from the bottom to match the front legs.  You can use a front leg to mark the attachment point. Make sure you build the chair pieces in mirror as shown in the diagram. 

Step 2

Attach the middle supports to the leg sets using two 2-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws per joint.  

Step 3

Space the cedar fence pickets out on top of the chair frames.  Attach with 1-5/8" long self tapping star bit screws, two per joint.

Project Type
Room