How to Build a 2x4 Outdoor Sectional Tutorial
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Follow Ana on Instagram: / anawhitediy
How to build an outdoor sofa couch or sectional out of 2x4 boards! With just a drill, saw and some exterior decking screws, it's easy and fast to make this sturdy diy outdoor seating project.
ONE ARM SECTIONAL PLANS: www.ryobitools...
FULL SOFA PLANS www.ana-white.c...
I built the couch and coffee table over the past week. They look fantastic thanks to the easy to follow plans. Only thing I would recommend - The plans say you can use 2 1/2 “ or 3“ screws. Definitely do not use 3”. I used 3” and the screws come through the other side of the wood in multiple areas because they were slightly too long. Other than that, this is a great couch and tons of fun to make!
Thanks for the feedback!
We have five kids and we had been looking for a garden bench for a while. Ive just finished a four seated one just like you show here and the kids are already sitting on it. We all love it! Thank you very much!
Ana is the reason I originally started doing woodwork. I love her and her designs so much. Thank you Ana for all the wonderful patterns and ideas.
+pamela Allen Hi Pamela, that is very flattering! I am so happy you find the content helpful!
Measurements
Just built the one arm today! Sanded it down smooth and rounded all of the edges. Tomorrow I’m building the no-arm and the coffee table! Thank you! My mom loves it! It’s gonna go great with the deck and pergola we are building. Staining to match!
How long did it take you to build?
Where can I get the cushions from??
Your videos are unlike others your very straight forward and very easy to understand! You’re not like others that are way to technical, thanks again!🎉
I appreciate the feedback, thanks for watching!
I built a rendition of this last weekend (2 couches rather than a sectional) and they turned out fantastic! I opted to use 6" deck boards for the seat portion, only took 4 and I felt it kept the overall project a little cheaper and lighter weight. Thanks for the tutorial!
Sounds great!
Thank you for the inspiration Ana! Angie and I tried our hand at three of your designs. We're not proficient, but your designs are clear and easy to follow. Everyone that comes over says they love the patio furniture! Here's wishing you and yours all the best!
This is so awesome, what is truly great about it is the simplicity, most furniture diy videos require lot's of additional tools and cuts, this is straight to the point on screw sizes and 2 x 4, thank you so much! I'll be trying to do this soon.
Great Daniel! Thanks for watching:)
I love that you did this project by yourself! I’m a single mama and I’ve always wanted to do projects like these and you have officially motivated me! Thank you soooooo much! Also, where did you get the cushions or did you make them?
Hey there! I've never built anything like this before, and I built the regular couch and i'm doing the sectional today. I found the cheapest time to get these cushions was at Lowes after summer. I think for the top and bottom, I got both of those for 50 bucks per pair. I bought 6 pairs when they were on sale so I could have them all ready.
I think she mentioned in another video that she found them at IKEA
.
Hi, I've made a sectional before and the cushions can be pretty pricey so I made my sectional to fit 2 crib matress and that worked best for me since I already had one mattress. Also the crib mattress are water prove so cleaning them is super easy along with just throwing the crib sheet to wash. 😊👍
Built this today - my wife is super happy... thanks for the inspiration... used 1x6 for seat decking.
I've been waiting for a set that looks just like this to go on sale but lately I've been interested in making things. This looks like a perfect project for me! Maybe in spring. Thanks a bunch, Ana.
+JayXX Can't wait to see your build come spring!
I built this 4 years ago and it still holds up ! My family loves it. I’m going to build one into my living room . I’m also purchasing an Automan to add to this couch!
Is the back comfy? I am looking to build this and im worried with the straight back that it wont be comfortable.
I've ordered up wood for this. A project for me to do during the civic lockdown here in the uk. Thanks for the great plans, had to tweek to suit our annoyingly different wood sizes.
Hello, where did you get your wood from? Finding lots of retailers very very expensive!
@@cj2420 I've ordered rough treaded wood and will sand and finish myself. With the lockdown I'm taking what I can get. The sanding will take time but that's all I have right now. Got my wood from a company called Shawfield Timber (Found online). A bit of a wait for delivery though.
@@steegal6929 I'll have a look. We have a sander so will look into this as what I have found so far is very ££££
Just built this complete set...it was easy and looks great. I agree with others concerns about structural integrity. A LOT of weight put onto deck screws and I think it is a real weakness in the design. I loaded it up with screws inside and out on both sides, angling them down toward the load bearing boards and added additional supports.
A couple modifications made it cheaper, easier and hopefully more durable. Using all 2x4x8's I simply cut it to 72 and then used the remaining 24 1/2 for the cross pieces. Too easy, and only 1 inch difference.
I also cut a couple 8 1/2 inch support legs to help hold weight in the middle of each piece and towed them into the bottom (cut a blade's width shorter than the legs so it doesn't wobble)
That's my experience. Good luck
D
Built the couch today, thank you! Love your videos
We built the sectional and your coffee table last week. Your plans are key!! We love how it came out…thank you! Took about 3 hours to build both and cost $200 for lumber and screws total (the cushions were the most expensive part).
Awesome, so happy to hear!
The good thing about cedar is that it's very light. Easy to move around. Good job.
Seeing a lot of comments about the weight being carried by decking screws. These comments are all correct. There are a few reasonably easy ways to make this much stronger. Scroll to 5:15 into the video and pause it. Spend some time looking at the structure. If you know even the most basic carpentry/framing concepts, it will be very easy to see where you can create load bearing studs, rather than weight bearing joints secured by screws.
Here are three examples"
1. The front left leg of the "armless" section: instead of joining the front cross support and side cross support the way that she did it, cut the post (the leg) down by the width of a 2x4 (3.5"). Now those 2x4's will rest ON TOP of the leg. If you use a kreg jig on the font side of the leg and the side of the leg, and then pocket drill one of the cross supports as well, you can connect all of those pieces with 1 1/4' pocket screws. This will be SUBSTANTIALLY stronger and will last much longer.
2. Where the "armed" cross supports meet the post (the leg), take the leg and on the front side "notch out" the depth of the 2x4 that mounts to the face of the leg. This is relatively easy to do with a table saw - set your saw blade to the depth of a 2x4 (1.5") mark the leg where you want the notch, and then begin making cuts the full width of the notch. Now when the cross support meets the face of the leg, it will sit in the notch and will direct the load through the post/leg. You can screw the face of the cross support to the leg once it is in the notch.
3. Where the side cross support meets the "armed" post (behind #2 above), instead of joining the cross supports together the way that she does (we already blew this up in #2), you will pocket drill the cross support that attaches the front and back legs so that it sits flush in between the front and back legs. Now, you will sister a stud on both legs (the backside) so that the pocket joint will rest on that "stud". Attach the stud to the leg however you like (screws most likely).
If you do the 3 above, it is a little more work, but there will be far fewer load bearing screws and it will be much sturdier.
Wouldn't it be easier to just use glue? :)
I have been wanting to build something like this for years now. Way to go Anna,looks great. The only thing I ll do different is use 1x for the decking. Good job!
I love Ana's simple, functional designs. I built her queen sized farm bed but used some cherry lumber I'd had around for a while. It was a solid design that came together really nicely with a couple of modifications.
Absolutely Amazing! It’s beautiful. My husband is going to build me the same one for our porch that we are currently redoing. He’s a cabinet maker and built our lake house. Thanks Ana for the inspiration. Love it! I hope that I can find the same cushions too, or some that are similar. 🖤
I made the 3 seater but added 1 extra 72inch back support. Looks awesome. Just need to stain it now. Neighbours already appreciating the look and simplicity!
I just found your channel and I think you're my hero! I home school my 8 children and I like finding projects we can manage without Daddy's help. I think we could do this!
+Andrea Mills You can absolutely do it! Thanks for watching:)
I made one today and I have to say that it was extremely easy to make. Well now on to my next project...... Thanks Ana.....
Highly recommended for made diy outside sofa from home. Nice and beautiful.. ❤😊
The 3d renderings for the bench in this video made it so easy to get this made! Tweaked the sizing to perfectly fit our balcony and now it looks the best around here!
Wonderful, I'm so happy to hear that!
Short, simple and to the point video with very little supplies and tools! I love it!
Glad you liked it!
I cant wait to try this! You always have such easy to follow projects! Love it!
+Beverly McCarthy Hi Beverly, Can't wait to see yours!
It’s wonderful to see a video and a woman doing this. I’ve always loved these kind of videos, but nervous to do it. Especially when walking into a Home Depot. Seeing you do this gives me confidence that I can do it too. Thank you girly ❤
You can do it!
Always brilliant when beautiful Anna builds it.
Thanks:)
I love the look of this sofa. I've been wanting to make one for years and finally plan to do it this year.
YAY, that's exciting! I'd love to see it when you do.
I am a big fan of your projects. I've been reading them from your website or pinterest. I am excited that you have a youtube channel as well. Thanks, great projects as always:)
South Central Michigan here, and we have a snow storm heading in, looking at 8-12 inches. So this looks like what I need/want for my basement. So picking up 2×4s this week and I'll have something to do while it's snowing. I'm sure you can relate 😊. Thanks again! 👍👍✌
YES!
Thank you so much for posting this and sharing your plans!! I've been looking everywhere for an easy to follow step by step video of an outdoor sectional that still LOOKS GOOD and yours fits the bill! So glad I found channel!
Wow.....i lived in Juneau a long time and wish I saw this then now im down in West Texas and im very impressed! Patio furniture is outrageous and this is a great idea.
Brandon Brown agreed. Quarantine project
where did you get the cushions and how much were they....great video by the way
It was great seeing you again Ana; it's been a long time. The piece is beautiful! There are several things I thought about as you built this. As most of you know when you built the first part to measure diagonally to ensure that it it square. You can use a router on all of the edges to make them look smoother. You could use a lighter material for the seat base. On the exposed screw heads, epoxy resin mixed with hardener then wood flour added can be applied like drywall compound. Then smoothed and sanded to cover the holes before varnishing. I'll have to subscribe to see what you've been up to since the tiny house episodes. Mark not Denise.
Great job. Love the deck railing with cow fence. Have you shown a project on that?
Ana your like the queen of simplicity. You just build your idea and enjoy it, meanwhile I’m still trying to build some elaborate project and it ends up never happening. You just keep cranking complete projects out. I love the stuff you build and look forward to new projects. Thanks
Thank you!
parabéns ótimo trabalho ,um abraço aqui do Brasil
what makes you different from a lot of DIY videos is that your virtual visual design on how it was put together made it easy and dummy proof.
Thank you!
One smart DIY lady thumbs up👍👍
Ana White, you are God Sent. I am so happy you added the 3D modeling plan.
Very good video. I will add this to my to do list
Great, can't wait to see yours!
Can't remember if I left a message or not, but want to thank you for your video and designs. We extended our home this year and needed bespoke seating for a second internal lounging area, the sofa + sectional worked a treat. Decided on a white washed look. Looks great 👌
That is awesome, I'd love to see a photo if you could share to me at anawhitesite@gmail.com I'd love to see the whitewash finish! You could also share to our Facebook page.
@@AnaWhiteDIY sure, happy to 👍
beautiful job....congratulations Ana...
Thanks Juan!
Juan Carlos Aquila a free
If you want the best woodworking plans on the internet then go here now: HootWood.com
Juan Carlos Aquila ,
This is amazing!! My husband promised me last year we could make this sectional this summer. I’ve been anxiously waiting for it to warm up so we can get started! Thanks so much for the plans!
You're going to love it, I'd love to see what you come up with!
Has anyone made this to use as an actual sofa for the living room?Just wondering...beautiful!
I am going to attempt this next week. I'm tired of spending ridiculous money on livingroom furniture that maybe lasts 3 years at best. We have two big dogs and I need to be able to wash the upholstery. I'm a pretty good seamstress so I will be making my own cushions and arm rests that can be thrown in the washer. Wish me luck!
@@sheahardy1653 Exciting, share some images please.
I have to admit that you made my mind settled for what i want! I saw several options but looked kind of difficult to me. You inspired me to to this one because you did it so smooth and easy… it’s not that easy if you don’t have the correct tools ⚒️ so i will go ahead and buy the tighter tool and the hole maker. Thanks Ana
Excellent, you can totally do it!
simple,,sturdy,,and cedar...got to love it
2x4's are easy to work with. Thank you Ana!!!
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching.
Absolutely Amazing. Do a Farm Style Dining table BUT make it simple like this one PLEASE??
Thanks for the suggestion!
id like that too
Love you! where have you been all my life? i could have been building with much greater skill had i learned from you earlier. thank you for your kind generosity and sharing your mother's day with us!
Love it plan on building one form my vermont cabin
Thanks for sharing
From Vermont
You were BORN FOR GREATNESS. Continue to release your GREATNESS.
I appreciate you!
Beautiful. Almost too good to be true.
And I like the couch too.
That is the best Sectional in UA-cam,thank you so much.
Thank you for watching!
I watched some of your projects and they are great thanks for sharing.
However I have noticed you don't use any glue nor joinery methods. Is there any reason?!
Hi, we do use glue, sorry if in some of the videos this isn't shown.
Ana, I'm currently building the sectional, however I don't have the proper tools to ease my work load. But this project looks amazing. I can't wait to finish it.
+Gina “GinaD2014” M. Awesome, hope you can share your build Gina!
Its gonna turn gray over time. Might wanna put some kind of finish or varnish on it.
I built the couch on Monday and my fiance loves it! I will finish the sectional piece tomorrow. Thank you for this!!! It is perfect for what we wanted.
Very Nice Project, i am planning to do it on next weekend. Can you also make Outdoor Swing?
Thanks, here are some swing plans
www.ana-white.com/2013/06/plans/shanty2chic-porch-swing
www.ana-white.com/2011/06/large-modern-porch-swing-or-bench
Thanks Ana.... :)
How much did it cost?
Mihir Desai xxxxvsxwxxx
Thank you for the inspiration and design, Ana! We made ours with a little taller arms and back for our cushions. Love how it turned out! Thank you!
Wonderful!
Very nice. I think the only things I'd change for me are making the back a little higher and angled.
+Robert Thomas Thanks for watching, that would be a nice mod!
+Robert Thomas i would use construction adhesive as well, and double up on the screws, lots of strain on those joints when 4 or 5 people are sitting on there
Especially when you drive a screw into end grain.
If you want the best woodworking plans online then visit this website here now: HootWood. com
Okay I finished the couch and now need to do n n the sectional and the plans are gone
You’re projects are so inspirational to me! Such simple modern design with clear instructions on the build! Great job Ana! 👍
Thanks so much! 😊
Great video, loved your project. About how many 2x4 did you use?
It is written in the article above.. :-)
My husband and I just did this project and it turned out amazing! It was so easy too!
Curious to hear cost of project from someone who isn't in Alaska. Care to share?
Epic Videos we did this sectional as well as another project she has posted which is two single chairs and it was around $160
спасибо за видео. 🇺🇸+🇷🇺=💗
I have done some woodworks in the past but this woodwork plan ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxZF0EMnrujZvqHhGkxiz559uIABJWR9TG helps me do much in a far lesser time than i used to do i have already built several projects with this plan and i intend to do many more soon. Thank you so much!
Thankyou so much for the easy to follow video. Made too sofas and a table for the corner. Also saved a lot of money buy using decking boards as the seating instead of six 2x4s 👍🏼
This is gonna be of for state projects of do with my son I think the 25 by 25 looks good with a little bit of overhang What are the sizes of the cushions for the backrest
After watching this video i was already looking forward to seeing your next project since I've watched your tiny house videos too. Saw that i wasn't subscribed and was surprised! I quickly fixed that problem and hit the bell too.
I love this video and the idea. Very simple and easily explained. I will be making the shortly. Thank you from Philadelphia! Used to travel to Alaska when in the Navy. Beautiful place. You're awesome!! Keep building!!
Where did you get the Pillows/cushions from?
Home Depot
which home depot?
oneofthree really?
You can buy them at Wal-Mart.
thank you Anna for this sofa Project, yesterday i realized the one arme sofa, and today en in the evening i will finish the second part the tow arme sofa. i will send photos of the project as soon as i finish it.
+Djamel Ben Awesome, can't wait to see it!
It's good to see the stodoys has new instructions to save my money and energy to build it.
Thanks for that Brandy :*
stodoys?
@@GinaKayLandis YES. You'll love it
Just built two of the couches, super easy build and they look great! Thanks for the tutorial and super easy (free!) plans!
What was your all in cost?
Ana where did you purchase your cushions?
IKEA by the look of them
this is the coolest video ever - super easy to follow and an awesome build! thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Anna. you forgot to add the 28 1/2" to your cut list.
JianT Cao where did you find the cut list? Thanks
I am glad I saw your video and thank you. I just finished the couch section and later after work I will start building the other section. It was a lot of fun and it is so easy. Thank you again Anna and more power to you.
I check a lot of woodworking handbooks. These one from stodoys are the best.
You Scored with your Viewers😂. I'm building a Tiny House on Wheels, & your Couch Style is what I'm going to build also, however mine will be inside. Very nicely done🏆. Ty for the Tutorial! I bid you & yours Good Health & Many Hours of Enjoyment on your beautiful DIY Couch🎈
*cries in 2021 wood prices*
I can see why you're a beautiful young like the word recognized.I can see a beautiful Armenia, still warm against fancy.Why you like why your mom and if you're married
Very nice design, congrats! I would say that the structure is hanging from the screws only, it would be sturdier if it somehow was lying on the wood.
No glue at all? Lovely feet ;)
Stuart Smith good
Stuart Smith hi ms smith amazing all i can say
DentargPL 😂
foot fetish, eh?
adaml209 9
I like watching a UA-cam channel that knows how to setup and make it. I subscribed to your channel. Thanks 🙏
Thank you and welcome to our channel!
Thank you for the video! I'm not meaning this to come off as disrespectful at all but you should tie your hair back for future builds to prevent it from being caught.
If you want the best woodworking plans online then visit this website here now: HootWood. com
Helping people with safety is NEVER disrespectful. I was just about to comment the same thing.
Just awesome, and so much affordable than buying a set. Well done.
+MR V Thanks for watching!
Enjoy stodoys woodworking instructions.
Going to make these this weekend - love the simple design!
Enjoy!
Do you have a sister?? :)
I’m currently building this design more or less. I’m building it a little bit stronger because me and my wife and our family are big people. So I’m building it a bit stronger. But this is absolutely a great design and I am especially a fan because you use Ryobi tools. Though your collection isn’t quite as big as mine. But I did buy the miter saw yesterday because it makes it so much easier as your video shows
That's great to hear!
OMG you're hot! I could watch you build stuff all day!!
Great video and now I think I’m going to build something very similar to these for my backyard. Thanks for sharing!
Sweet! Free plans on the site if you want to check those out, just google "Ana White outdoor sectional".
@@AnaWhiteDIY Thank you!
Hi Ana, I hope you are very well.
I am a new follower of your channel. I tell you that I have gone through a series of bad streaks in my life and you are a great inspiration to continue with my projects. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge.
Greetings from Medellín (Colombia).
I just found your channel and have never built anything before. But am starting my first project in the next couple weeks :)
Welcome, that is so exciting!!!
This is amazing! I’m going to definitely be making this. My husband is the handy man, but you have inspired me to do this!!!!! Thank you. Will show you pics.
That is awesome, please do share!
Thank you so much I’m
Looking to build my own for my patio. I’m a newbie but want to give something a shot. I was reading over some comments when I clicked on the link a couple people were mentioning possibly wrong measurements provided. Looking at this video I feel it’s straight forward just wondering before I start
I recommend buying your cushions first and building to fit. Here are a bunch of brag posts that people have built, which also should be helpful. www.ana-white.com/relatedbrags/16177
and our step by step plans www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/one-arm-2x4-outdoor-sofa-sectional-piece
I looooove this sofa, you did an awesome job here, thank you so much for sharing! 💕
Thanks so much! 😊
Thanks Anna for the help. You gave me idea and courage to work on the project. I am trying to share the pics of my little project :)