Build your own outdoor sectional with 2x4s and customize your outdoor space. These free plans are easy to follow and you won't need any special tools - just a drill and a saw!
Reader submitted photo by TammyLinskey
Start small... go big! With this simple outdoor sectional piece plan, you can make an outdoor sectional as big (or small) as you need, as your budget or schedule allows. Build a couple sectional pieces this year, add on next year - the options are endless.
Easy to Build Corner Piece
It's easier than ever to turn corners! We've updated the plans so all you have to do is add an arm piece to the basic sectional piece to create corners for your sectional.
Standard Outdoor Cushions
Each sectional piece (including the corner) fits a standard 25" x 25" deep seat cushion, up to 5" thick. For corners, you may need two back pillows.
If you purchase the cushions in sets with both backs and seats, consider purchasing another set, and using the spare seat cushion on an ottoman.
The plans for this matching ottoman (can also be used as a coffee table) are here.
Updated Plans
This plan has been updated to include all 2x materials and a simplified design. If you need the old plans you can find them here:
The new, updated plans are below.
Preparation
We recommend exterior suitable wood
SHOPPING LIST FOR ONE SECTIONAL PIECE
- 3 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 2x2 @ 50" long
- ~65 - 2-1/2" long exterior self tapping wood screws
SHOPPING LIST FOR ONE CORNER LEG PIECE
- 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 2x4 @ 4 feet long
- ~15 - 2-1/2" long exterior self tapping wood screws
CUT LIST FOR SECTIONAL PIECE
- 2 - 2x4 @ 24" - seat frame
- 2 - 2x4 @ 22" - seat frame
- 2 - 2x4 @ 13-1/2" - front legs
- 2 - 2x4 @ 27-1/2" - back legs
- 1 - 2x4 @ 25" - top
- 7 - 2x4 @ 22" - seat slats
- 2 - 2x2 @ 25" - seat trim
CUT LIST FOR CORNER LEG
- 2 - 2x4 @ 27-1/2" - legs
- 1 - 2x4 @ 28-1/2" - top
- 2 - 2x4 @ 23-1/2" - seat and seat apron
Make sure you are working on a clean level surface. Predrill and countersink you screws. Take a square after each step. Be safe and have fun. And use glue.
Instructions
Step 1
Use 2-1/2" self tapping wood screws to assemble the seat frame, two per joint. Exterior wood glue is recommended.
Step 2
Attach legs to the frame from the inside, two screws per joint and glue.
Step 3
Attach top to sectional piece with 2-1/2" screws.
Step 4
Lay outside and center seat slats down and screw down, two screws per joint, with 2-1/2" screws.
Step 5
Evenly space remaining seat slats and screw down.
Step 6
Attach 2x2 trim to the seat slats and legs (where possible) to finish off end of seat.
Step 7
The corner can be used on either side (pay attention to the seat apron board being placed on the inside or outside).
Build the corner, then attach to the sectional legs with 2-1/2" screws.
We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.
Comments
Capella Kinche… (not verified)
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 01:03
I don't know how you do it!
I don't know how you do it! Amazing. Now I wish I wouldn't have bought those four chairs for my screen porch. This could have doubled as a sleeping porch now that its getting warmer.
Christine (not verified)
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 01:18
We have been trying to find
We have been trying to find something that would work for our screened porch. I think we just found it. Thank you so much!
Christine (not verified)
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 01:27
I also wanted to add that
I also wanted to add that www.denverfabrics.com often has an inexpensive selection of outdoor fabrics.
Jeannine (not verified)
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 02:16
A couple comments on the
A couple comments on the cushions. There are different types of foam - make sure if your sectional is going to be outside (not inside a screen porch) that you buy OUTDOOR foam. It cost more, but it will dry quicker and will not mold or rot after repeated times getting wet and air drying. Same with the fabrics. If it will be outside, invest in outdoor fabric. Regular "indoor" fabric will mold rather quickly and will fade and wear out from sun, wet, dry, weather.
The cheapest place to buy foam is from ebay. Do a search for it and you will find many places that sell it. I bought 2 types of foam (harder foam and memory foam) off ebay and made my own tempurapedic mattress last year. The whole thing cost me about $200 as opposed to a $1200 tempurpedic mattress.
Also, if you make cushions, make sure you add zippers. They do take an extra step, and there is the cost of the zipper, but when your cushions get dirty and you want to wash them you will be happy! Otherwise you will have to take them apart to get them off and then when you wash them that edge you had to take apart will probably fray and you will have a hard time putting them back together (I am telling you this from experience!!!).
Love the plan though and can't wait to see a finished project.
In reply to A couple comments on the by Jeannine (not verified)
Juanita_r
Tue, 10/16/2012 - 00:30
press stud closure on cushions
If like me you hate sewing zippers in... the i suggest press studs. they can be found in any craft/sewing store and usually have the whole kit & they are easy!!!
MikkiC306
Fri, 04/24/2020 - 16:08
To add to this many years…
To add to this many years old comment. I work for a furniture upholstery shop. If you pay for an outdoor foam but cover the foam in an outdoor fabric without holes on the bottom the foam will not drain and will sit in the water inside the fabric cover. Your best bet is to either have the bottom of the cushions be a mesh fabric with nothing covering the foam underneath so the water can drain through to the ground or to skip the outdoor foam entirely as it will get moldy and nasty as quickly as regular foam so save the money. Another option would be to unzip the cushions and hang them to dry zipper side down. Or simply bring them indoors though that isn't always possible. Outdoor foam is not coated any differently than regular foam to prevent mold and mildew it just has more holes to allow for quicker draining but it can not drain any faster if it is sitting in water that won't leave the fabric cover.
Catherine Hans… (not verified)
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 02:43
Wow, this looks fantastic! I
Wow, this looks fantastic! I love how thoughtful you are with your plans (like making sure we could all get the best deal on the cushions).
Elisabeth (not verified)
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 02:52
Thank you thank you! And one
Thank you thank you! And one question for anyone who makes this or owns something similar: Do you think it would be comfy enough for frequent indoor use? I'm debating between something like this vs. twin daybeds to replace our living room sofas. I'm guessing a solid back would make it more comfortable. This sectional is beneficial over the daybed because it's more narrow and would save some space.
Erica (not verified)
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 04:01
Great plan! I'm also
Great plan! I'm also thinking about making this for my living room...we need a new sofa really bad! Can't wait to see if someone else does it first though :o)
bequi (not verified)
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 04:10
I have a giant giant patio
I have a giant giant patio with nothing on it because putting out a table and chairs would look ridiculous. So: Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!! Thank you!
How would you recommend keeping the pieces together so they don't slide all over the porch?