Our sunroom really needed some cute outdoor furniture, so I came up with plans to build a DIY outdoor couch! This was my first piece of DIY outdoor furniture that I've built and I love it!
I love how our outdoor couch turned out and I'm excited to share the step by step tutorial!
Also, I have a step by step video tutorial and printable build plans below too!
One of the best features about this DIY outdoor couch is that it only cost $30 in lumber to build!!! The exterior stain I used was an additional $15, so a total of $45 for me to build it!
Cushions Used & Cushion Options
The couch was designed to fit with two sets of outdoor cushions that are no longer sold or in stock (they use to go out of stock all of the time). I have many other cushion options listed below and updated for 2026!
The original cushions I used were 28.75 long x 28.75" wide each (the seat cushion size). The closest in size that I have seen currently in stock are these 28.5x28.5 cushions and these 28.7x28.7 cushions (and they both come in multiple colors).
But, most readers that have made this couch have changed the dimensions to fit other size cushions.
*The premium outdoor couch build plans include an alternative cut list for the 24x24 and 28x28 common couch cushion sizes!
If you use different cushions than the ones above, make sure to adjust the below cut measurements! And make sure to order your cushions first before building in case they go out of stock!
Spring 2026 Cushion Update:
The cushions I used are still out of stock. Here are currently stocked options in 24x24 sizes (and multiple colors/good reviews) as of spring 2026:
Premium Printable Build Plans
Our step by step tutorial below is free, but I also have printable premium outdoor couch build plans for this outdoor couch with 3D diagram models for each step to help make the building process easier!
***These premium plans also include alternative cut lists for the 24x24 and 28x28 common couch cushion sizes!***
I built a matching DIY outdoor chair and DIY outdoor coffee table and DIY outdoor side table to go with the couch and complete the set!
I also have a DIY outdoor dining table that compliments the outdoor furniture set too!
Note, this post contains some affiliate links. For more info see my disclosures here.
How to build a DIY Outdoor Couch:
Materials:
- (8) 2x3 @ 8ft (framing lumber)
- (2) 1×3 @ 8ft
- 2 ½″ Deck Screws (optional - see step #2)
- 2" brad nails
- 2 ½″ Kreg screws (weather resistant)
- Waterproof wood glue
- Stainable wood filler
- (2) sets of outdoor cushions**
- Exterior wood stain (I used a quart of Valspar exterior stain in Pinebark)
Tools:
- Kreg Jig (or Kreg Jig mini)
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Brad nailer
- Clamps
- Tape Measure
**If you use different cushions than the ones I used, make sure to adjust the below cut measurements!
The final size of this DIY outdoor couch is 26" tall x 62 ½" wide x 30 ¼" deep.
VIDEO TUTORIAL:
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1. Make cuts for outdoor couch frame
Use a miter saw and make the following cuts from the 2x3s:
- 4 pieces @ 24 ½" (for side frames)
- 2 pieces @ 30 ¼" (for side frames)
- 5 pieces @ 57 ½″ (for back & front frames)
- 8 pieces @ 27 ¼" (for side & bottom frames)
Note, if this is your first time building , check out my 6 easy tips for getting started with woodworking!
*Get the premium outdoor couch build plans which also has an alternative cut list for the 24x24 and 28x28 common couch cushion sizes!
2. Assemble DIY outdoor couch side frames
Add two pocket holes with the Kreg Jig to each end of two of the 27 ¼" pieces.
Tip: See my how to use a Kreg Jig post for an easy, step by step tutorial and video tutorial on how to use the Kreg Jig!
Mark 10" up from the bottom of one of the 24 ½" pieces (on the edge of it). Attach one of the 27 ¼" pieces perpendicularly to the 24 ½" piece at the 10" mark.
*Note: If you prefer the seat to sit higher than 10″ (plus your cushion height), increase the 10″ marks by a few inches to your desired seat height!*
Make sure to attach it so the edge of the 27 ¼" piece is flush with the top edge of the 24 ½" piece as shown in the below photo. I used a scrap 1x2 and paint stick underneath of the board to help with this part!
Then attach the two together with 2 ½" Kreg screws and waterproof wood glue. Repeat this process on the other side of the 27 ¼" piece. Once complete your side frame piece will look like this:
Next, attach one of the 30 ¼" boards to the top of the frame with 2 ½" deck screws and waterproof wood glue. Make sure they are countersunk beneath the wood surface (you will fill them with wood filler later).
I forgot to get deck screws, so I just used Kreg screws instead, which works too!
To do this, I used a ⅜" drill bit and drilled a shallow hole, just deep enough to cover my screw head. Then, I drilled my pilot hole inside of that larger hole with a smaller bit for the Kreg screw. Lastly, I drilled in my Kreg screw to attach the two boards.
Repeat on the back of the side frame piece and then your side frame is complete!
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Repeat the above process to create the second side frame piece for your DIY outdoor couch.
Also, the steps for these side frames are exactly the same as the matching DIY outdoor chair. I created a how to build an outdoor chair VIDEO if you want to see the steps in a video tutorial form!
3. Add side slat boards to side frames
Now it's time to add the horizontal slat boards to the side frames. This step is totally optional. These slats are more a decorative feature than structural. I think they make the DIY outdoor sofa look really cool and will help prevent throw pillows from falling out the sides!
Measure the exact distance between the two legs of the side frames and cut three 1x3s to this size. The measurements should be close to 27 ¼" but since we're working with framing lumber, they will probably be a little different.
Each of my three slats were a little different in size, so make sure to measure exactly where the board is going. The boards should be spaced out 1 ¾" from each other:
Attach the 1x3 slat boards with a brad nailer and 2" brad nails.
Repeat the above process for the second side frame.
4. Assemble bottom frame of DIY Outdoor Sofa
Add pocket holes to both ends of the remaining 6 boards @ 27 ¼" AND to the ends of the 5 boards @ 57 ½″.
Then use Kreg screws and waterproof wood glue and attach four of the 27 ¼" boards perpendicularly to two of the 57 ½" boards as shown in the below photo. Make sure the 57 ½" boards pocket holes are facing the inside.
Space the 27 ¼" boards about 6" part and attach the first and fourth board about 14 ½" up from the side board ends. Note, you will add the other 2 boards in soon, but not yet so you can easily fit your drill in the space and attach this bottom frame to the side frame in the next step.
5. Attach bottom frame to outdoor couch side frames
Attach the bottom frame to the side frames using 2 ½" Kreg screws and waterproof wood glue and 10" up from the ground (as shown in photo below). It helps to place the side frame flat on the floor and have a second person hold up the bottom frame on top of it.
Once both side frames have been attached to the bottom frame, go ahead and add the last two 27 ¼" boards on the bottom frame (from step #4). If it's difficult to get them in place, use a hammer to tap them in place better.
6. Add back frame boards to DIY outdoor couch
Turn the outdoor couch on its side and use Kreg screws and waterproof wood glue to attach the remaining three, 57 ½" boards to the side frames to create the back frame of the couch (space the boards about 2 ¾" apart).
Flip your couch back up and your DIY outdoor couch build is finished yay!!!
7. Fill holes, sand, and stain
Fill the 4 screw holes and nail holes in with stainable wood filler. If you haven't sanded your boards yet (I like to do most of my sanding before starting), go ahead and sand them well.
For tips on sanding wood, check out my easy guide on how to sand wood.
Finish off your project with exterior wood stain! I used Valspar semi transparent exterior stain in Pine bark. It was one of the only exterior stains I could find that came in a quart size and not a gallon size. And it only took one coat!
Check out my tutorial on how to stain wood for a beautiful finish and the best way to apply stain!
After staining, let your couch dry for a full 24 hours, then add the cushions, and enjoy!!!
Here's another angle of it!
I loveeee this DIY outdoor couch so much, I'm thrilled with how it turned out and the low cost! In the spring I'd like to build a matching chair set to go with it!! How fun would that be?!
Update: I built a matching DIY patio chair and DIY outdoor coffee table and DIY outdoor side table to go with the couch! And a DIY outdoor dining table that compliments the set too!
So, what do you think of this build? It fits great in small spaces and it has really helped to start transforming our sunroom into an enjoyable, cute, and functional space. Next up, I need some kind of wall art to go above it!
If you make this DIY couch, please share it with me on social media @angelamariemade or #angelamariemade!
Follow along on my latest projects and sneak peaks on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook!
If you want to save this tutorial for later, Pin It here:
Decor Product Sources:
- Striped Pillow Covers - From Amazon & discontinued, similar here (18x18 size) with 20x20 Pillow Inserts
- Black Pillow Covers (16x16 size) with 18x18 Pillow Inserts
- 5x7 Outdoor Rug
- Round Black Metal Accent Table (similar one here!)
- Lumbar pillow - From Target a few years ago
Hi Angela! I was just wondering if the nail gun is necessary for this project. I am a beginner at wood-working and am still working on accumulating my tool set! I'm sure that it would definitely make things easier but I was just wondering if it is essential. Thanks 🙂
It definitely helps make it easier for attaching the 1x3 side slats, buy you can get away with just using waterproof wood glue instead of the nails. If you do though, you will need to wait for the glue and boards to dry in place before moving them around.
hello anyway i could give measurments of my cushions and i could get the correct cuts? sorry im clueless on all of this
You want to keep the height cuts (24.5″) the same and adjust the length and width cuts by the difference between my cushion sizes and your cushion size. For the 5 long length cuts make sure to double the difference amount.
We made this ! Looks great! We did a modification to it though. We found that when sitting the slats were too far apart .A run to hd for 2x4's Cut the same length and they fit perfectly. We also had cushions I recovered. The middle area I wanted to make a small table to put coffee cup or even play a game on it. 3 sided removable table!Fits perfectly on our deck!
That sounds awesome, thanks for letting me know!
Do you have to use a brad nailer? Or are there other options I can do with finishing nails? Also, how many deck screws and kreg screws would I need altogether?
You can use finishing nails instead! I used 4 deck screws and one standard box of Kreg screws was enough.
Hi, absolutely love the outdoor sofa! I’m planning to make one for my balcony. However, I was curious to know- about how much did all the supplies cost you (minus the chair cushions)?
Thank you! It cost about $30 in lumber and $15 for the stain. I already had all the other supplies, but a box of Kreg screws is around $6 and deck screws and brad nails are a few more dollars.
Hi. Would it be easy to make this as a 3 cushion sofa? What all would need to be done?
Yes, many readers have done this! I would add additional support boards along the bottom for a three seat sofa.
@Angela Marie Made,
I'm interested in making this for 3 cushions too...
When you say add additional support boards, do you mean additional horizontal support boards, or should I also add additional vertical support in front and back.
This is a beautiful design... just what I am looking for!
Thank you, I would add additional horizontal support boards that support the cushions and vertical supports in the front and back in the center of the couch frame.
Hi there! Great job on the sofa! How are the cushions holding up? Not sure from the photo but are they under a roof of some kind or completely exposed to the elements?
They are under a covered porch. They have held up well. They are white though which shows dirt more and we've had to wash the covers a few times which are a bit of a pain to take off and put back on.
I would love to build this using 2x4's as that's what I can get here in cedar. I'm trying to figure out how that would change the plan....hmmmm.
It would be so pretty in cedar! Just make sure to account for 3.5" wide wood with 2x4s vs 2.5" for 2x3s.
We made this and it came out awesome!!! We made our cushions too!! Thank you
Thanks for letting me know, that's great!
by chance do you have a tutorial on the cushions you made
I didn't make the cushions! The ones I used are linked above!
Hi Angela,
You couch is so beautiful and I will love to make it but unfortunately I was not able to download the printable build plants?
Thanks! We're you able to access the free printable library where they are located?
Hello! I’m planning to make this for my patio this weekend. I’ve changed the measurements per the cushions I bought, but have one question: if I’m taking 3” off the top side frame (the 30 1/4”) , should I decrease the length of the 24 1/2” cut also? Thanks so much!
Hi! My husband and I made this but ours didn't come out as beautifully as yours. We used the stain you recommended and it came out more as paint then an actual stain. Any suggestions? Also anyone find any pillows that fit? The ones linked have been sold out for months 🙁
I know what you mean by being more of a paint, the stain was really thick and we had to stir it really well and apply it quickly to the wood so that it was less blotchy. Wayfair has a 28x28 cushion that is the closest in size to the ones I used. Here is a link to those cushions: https://rstyle.me/+Omn-YuyBRJy2-PraZdooQw
Thank you! I found these pillows at a cheaper price after searching far and wide at totallyfurniture.com. They arrive later this month so fingers crossed they look as nice of your pillows.
That's great. I'm glad you found an alternative option!!
This was a great design! Super easy for a first time woodworker. I used 2x4's as my arm rests so they could hold a glass and have more substance. I also left out the 1x3 slats for a more modern design. I cut mine down to fit 24x24" cushions that are easy to find and the change in dimensions is easy. Highly recommend making these!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you found the tutorial easy to follow and customize the dimensions!
What kind of brad nailer do you have? Not sure which one to buy
I have the Ryobi Airstrike found here: https://amzn.to/2sxeXwR. I have had this for 5 years and it has held up great.
Hi Angela, thank you so much for sharing this. My wife and I made this as our first woodworking project. We have finished making the couch but unfortunately the cushions are sold out (I know you said to by the cushions first 🤦🏻♂️). We are having a hard time finding other similar cushions for a reasonable price. Do you know if anyone used 24” or 25” cushions? Would it look terrible?
Congrats on your first project!! The 28" x 28" cushions are the best alternative option. I think that the 24" or 25" cushions would be too small but you could get creative to make them work, I have seen a couple people build out a mini table to put in between.
@David Lynch,
Hi David, if you haven't purchased the cushions, I believe a crib mattress will fit. You can either buy new or used sheets, curtains, tablecloths, shower curtains, anything that has a flat center will fit over it with the help of the ironing board/bed suspenders (Amazon). A second hand store usually has a fair amount of these items.
Hello- Are the 1x3 just decorative or provide support? My local stores are out of that size. Can I make this without that detail for now? Thanks in advance for your help.
They are mainly decorative, the bottom one does help keep the cushion in place. You could substitute with 1 x 4's as well if they have those.
Thank you! Couldn’t be happier with how our couch turned out. Easy to follow tutorial!
Thank you very much!! I'm so glad that it turned out great!
My son and I used your plans/tutorial to build a SECTIONAL and BED SWING for his Back Porch!! Thank you for sharing!! I’m not sure how to send a pic, but love for you to see the finished project.
That's awesome, you can send me a picture at my email [email protected]. I'd love to see how it!!!
Hello! My husband and I want to build this sofa!! We have had a hard time finding the exact pillow cushion.
We bought some cushion from Target and are having a hard time adjusting the measurements. Could you help us?
The width of 3 pillow cushions together is exactly 6-feet long.
That’s how far we have gotten 😔
That is exciting!!! In order to adjust for different size cushions, measure the length and width of the cushions. The length you already measured at 6' long so that will be the length of your bottom frame. The width will be the width of the side frames. I hope this helps, and check out the free build plans for visuals if you haven't already. Happy building!
On the outdoor couch-Have you had any problems with the wood shrinking and swelling since it is outdoor? Thanks
No, I have not.
Hey !! We have another question
Did you add some kind of
Polyurethane After you added the stain?
Do you recommend it ?
We did not add a polyurethane, the stain we used was an for exterior projects and didn't think a top coat was necessary!
The slat on the bottom, that you put cushions on and sit on, are they secure enough with a couple nails?
And what is the difference between nails and screws? Is there a security difference?
Just found your blog and loving it!!
The bottom slats should be screwed in, you don't have to kreg screw them you can just do a straight screw through the outside but I do recommend kreg screws because they offer even additional support. The difference between screws and nails is that the screws have a spiral design that allows them to grip the wood much better to create a much more secure connection. Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any other questions!!