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Outdoor Sofa - Modern Comfort Collection

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Submitted by Ana White on Tue, 03/03/2020 - 14:48
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Build your own outdoor sofa.  Modern style, reclined seat and back for increased comfort.  Fits standard 25" x 25" deep seat cusions. Free step by step plans from Ana-White.com

Matching loveseat plans available here and matching chair plans available here.

Collections
Outdoor - Modern Comfort
outdoor sofa with reclining back rest
Photo by AMIEALEJANDRO

What Type of Wood to Use?

We recommend cedar wood for building this sofa.  You can also use standard 2x lumber if it is fully sealed (painted or stained with an exterior grade finish.

Where to Get Cushions?

There's alot of great options for cushions.  You can easily modify this plan to fit almost any size cushion, but we recommend "deep seat" cushions.
  • This plan is based off a 25" x 25" x 5" deep seat cushion and a 25" x 22" x 5" deep back cushion (most popular option Amazon affiliate link).
  • You can also use a 24" x 24" deep cushion with minimal modification, but will need to make the distance between the arm rests 3" less.
  • If you use 24" deep x 22" wide cushions, you will need to make the distance between the armrests 9" less.
  • Back cushions should match width of the seat cushions, the pillow height should be between 18" and 25" to cover the wood back rest.

Updated Plans

This plan has been updated from the Simple White Outdoor Collection to feature wider arm rests, easier to build, and a sturdier 2x construction.  
Dimensions
outdoor sofa dimensions
Dimensions shown in diagram

Preparation

Shopping List

3 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long

4 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long

6 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long

2 - 1x4 @ 10 feet long

(50) 2-1/2" self tapping exterior wood screws

(50) 2-1/2" pocket hole screws

(20) 1-1/2" self tapping exterior wood screws

Cut List

4 - 2x4 @ 22" - legs

2 - 2x4 @ 34" - arm rests

2 - 2x4 @ 31" - arm supports

2 - 2x6 @ 31" - arm supports

2 - 2x6 @ 75-1/2" - bases

1 - 2x4 @ 75-1/2" - back

1 - 2x2 @ 75-1/2" - back rest top

9 - 2x4 @ 23-3/4" - back slats

1 - 2x6 @ 79-1/2" - back base

2 - 2x2 @ 79-1/2" - seat slat cleats

10 - 1x4 @ 23-1/2" - seat slats

Cutting Instructions

Cut boards with a compound miter saw.

Tools
Tape Measure
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw

Instructions

Step 1

Drill two 1-1/2" pocket holes on top of each of the legs.

Attach to the arm rest from underneath with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.

Leg is shown upside down.

Step 2

Drill two 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of the 2x4 side supports. 

Attach to the insides of the legs with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.

Leg is shown upside down.

Step 3

Drill two 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of the 2x6 end aprons.  Also drill three 1-1/2" pocket holes along one edge.

Attach inside the leg, flush to the outside, pocket holes hidden on insides, with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.

Leg is shown upside down.

Step 4

Drill two 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of the 2x6 and 2x4s shown.

Attach with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws to the legs, all pocket holes are on the insides, or facing downward.

Step 5

Attach 2x2 to the back slat pieces with 2-1/2" exterior self tapping screws.  Two screws per joint recommended.

TIP: Attach ends and middle first, then evenly space remaining, to avoid uneven gaps between the back slats.

Step 6

Attach back to the base with 2-1/2" self tapping wood screws, with a 2" gap on each end, keeping the same spacing as the top.

Two screws per joint recommended.

NOTE: There is an error in this diagram, the base should be 79-1/2" long and the overhangs on the ends should be 2" long.

Step 7

Place the back inside the sofa frame and attach at the base 8" inward with 2-1/2" self tapping screws.

The top leans on the back (see next step).

Step 8

Attach a few of the back slats to the back with 2-1/2" self tapping screws.

Step 9

Attach 2x2 to 2x6  with 2-1/2" self tapping screws, screws about every 12".

Step 10

Add the front cleat with 2-1/2" screws to the front, about 1" down from the front top edge.

Step 11

Place seat slats on top of the 2x2s and screw down with 1-1/2" screws (only one per joint is needed).

Project Type
Sofa
Outdoor Projects
Room
living room
Outdoor
Style
Cottage Style Furniture Plans
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

E Barbosa (not verified)

Mon, 06/06/2011 - 01:13

Love the sofa, can't wait for vacation to be over, this is my goal along with some great shelves you have on here for my playroom by end of summer with my hubby! Thank you for sharing!

Jorie (not verified)

Mon, 06/06/2011 - 05:54

Soooo love it! Question for you.....did you use the kreg jig screws that won't rust or do you think the regular kreg jig screws will be ok? Thanks for all you do!

Ana White

Mon, 06/06/2011 - 09:56

I use the outdoor ones, but really, the pocket holes are pretty hidden (with the exception of the back) and get filled and sealed with paint and topcoat. I'd invest the extra few bucks . . . consider that the Restoration Hardware Nantucket Sofa retailed for about $2500!

RebKnitz (not verified)

Mon, 06/06/2011 - 06:10

I just discovered you on Friday...such great projects and I love the step by step directions. I can't wait to have my own house (in my mind, a house is a requirement for having tools like table saws and power sanders) so I can make your storage sofa and have a yard to have a reason to make sling chairs. (And yes, perhaps this sofa!)

marlaandwilliam

Mon, 06/06/2011 - 06:23

OMG Ana, I have GOT to have this! You have done it in the EXACT colors that I am in love with at the moment! we gutted our master bath and I re-did it in 5' tall beadboard that i painted in bright white and i painted the walls a pure NAVY which is the actual paint color name by Martha Stewart paint colors. and i just wish i could put this couch in my bathroom! i am DEFINITELY going to build this!!!

marlaandwilliam

Mon, 06/06/2011 - 06:35

what do you think about putting spindles/slats in the arms like it has in the back?? that was my instant thought of what i'd do to it... do you think that would work? should i used 1x2s or 2x2s for that?