The DIY Daybed Overview:
This DIY outdoor/indoor daybed features a 2×3 lumber frame construction that is designed to be both durable and stylish. The frame is constructed from common 2×3 dimensional lumber, which provides superior strength and durability for indoor/outdoor use. The frame is designed to be easily assembled using a few basic tools, with instructions included for a straightforward assembly process. The finished frame can be stained or painted to be weatherproof and to be UV resistant, ensuring lasting beauty and performance for outdoor use.
The daybed also features two adjustable armrests, allowing for multiple positions for comfortable
lounging and relaxing, reading or studying, napping, or sleeping, watching television, enjoying nature, hosting overnight guests, serving as a conversation area in a living room, or adding extra seating in a family room, creating a cozy outdoor oasis, and serving as a makeshift outdoor sofa or dining area. The backrests are secured with an adjustable simple bolt mechanism that is easy to assemble.
The daybed also features removable armrests, allowing it to be used as a sectional. The armrests are designed to be easily removed and reattached, allowing the daybed to be configured to fit any size space.
Who Can build the DIY Daybed?
This DIY bed is easy to assemble with the step–by–step instructions provided in this post. I believe this essential piece of furniture would be a great project for beginners to woodworking and anyone with minimal woodworking experience. The DIY plans offered in this post include helpful description, images, diagrams, helpful links, and more to ensure that the DIY build is smooth, efficient, and easy.
Where can I get DIY plans for the fence panels and firepit?
Time to build
About 1-2 hours
Total cost of build
About $45 per daybed
Skill level required
Beginner
Download the PDF plans
DIY daybed PDF plans
What is included in the PDF download?
Easy to read step by step instructions
Material list
Tools needed
3D illustrations
Recommended tools/materials
- Saw (miter saw recommended for precision cuts)
- Drill
- Impact driver with bit for screws
- wood countersink drill bit
- (6) 3.5 inch long screws
- 1-2 lb of 2.5 inch screws
- (4) 3/8″ diameter bolts, (8) washers, (4) nuts
- Sander
- Wood glue
- Chisel, hammer, and pencil
- 3/8″ thick drill bit
- Wood clamps (pair)
Shopping list and cut list
Don’t miss out! Our DIY folding day bed plan comes with a full lumber shopping and cut list, ensuring a seamless project experience. Get your PDF download now and start creating the perfect lounge bed for your outdoor space. Happy building!
Step 1 (DIY daybed seating platform assembly)
First, assembly the seating platform.
Take two 51-1/8 inch 2×3 lumber pieces and nine 26-5/8 inch 2×3 lumber pieces and arrange them as shown below.
Ensure proper spacing, add glue, predrill to prevent the wood from splitting, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Step 2 (DIY daybed back rest assembly)
Next, assemble the daybed back rest.
Take two 22-5/8 inch 2×3 lumber pieces, one 42-1/16 inch 2×3 lumber piece, and one 51-1/8 inch 2×3 lumber piece.
Arrange these pieces as shown below. Add glue, predrill, and 2.5 inch screws. To attach the 42-1/16 lumber piece, not that you have to use 3.5 inch screws and glue.
Step 3 (Daybed leg assembly)
Next, assemble the legs of the daybed.
Take two 26-5/8 inch lumber pieces and two 7-3/4 inch 2×3 lumber pieces. Arrange these as shown below.
Once you have the proper spacing, add glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Make two identical leg pieces.
Note that one of the sides is color coded brown and another side is color coded red. This will be relevant in a future step.
Step 4 (DIY daybed armrest component construction)
Next, cut to size the arm rest components that will enable the bed to recline.
Try to be as precise as possible with the cuts in this step so that the daybed doesn’t “over recline” or “under recline.”
Take a 18-1/8 inch 2×3 lumber piece and cut one side at 60-degrees.
Next, cut off the sharp tip by 3/4 inches.
Make a total of four identical arm rest components.
Step 5 (DIY daybed armrest assembly)
Next, assemble the two arm rests.
Take one 26-5/8 inch lumber pieces, two of the arm rest components with holes from the previous step, and two 23-5/8 inch 2×3 lumber pieces.
Arrange these as shown below, predrill, add glue, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Make two identical side rest pieces.
Step 6 (Attaching legs to the back rest)
Next, add the legs to the back rest. Use plenty of glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Note that the brown color sides need to face out and the red sides need to face in.
Step 7 (Attaching seating platform to legs and backrest)
Next, add the seating platform to the legs and back rest of the day bed.
Use plenty of glue, predrill, and 3.5 and 2.5 inch screws.
Step 8 (Attaching armrest to seating frame)
Next, add the arm rests to the futon frame.
First, clamp one of the arm rests to the futon frame using wood clamps. The arm rest needs to be leveled with the frame of the futon and needs to be 3/8″ lower then the frame of the futon as indicated below.
Fine tune the placement of the arm rest then drill a hole in the location indicated below using a 3/8″ drill bit. Do this for both sides of the arm rest.
Next, drill a second hole 1 inch away from the first hole as indicated below using the same drill bit. Repeat this for both sides.
Next, use a chisel to connect the holes.
Make two identical arm rests.
Thread four 3/8″ diameter bolts and use the bolt assemblies to connect the arm rests to the futon bed frame.
Tip: Prior to attaching the arm rests, sand down the arm rest components to make sanding the whole pieces easier when preparing the futon bed for staining or painting.
Step 9 (DIY daybed finishing touches)
Filling in the screw holes with wood putty.
To fill screw holes using wood putty, begin by using a putty knife to spread the wood putty into the screw hole, making sure to apply it evenly and fill the hole completely. Allow the putty to dry for the recommended amount of time, then wipe off any excess putty with a damp cloth. Finish by using sandpaper to sand down the putty until the surface is even with the surrounding wood. This simple process will ensure that the screw hole is properly filled and the putty is seamlessly blended into the wood.
Sanding down the day bed.
To properly sand down a DIY daybed, start by using an 80 grit sandpaper to remove any large splinters from the wood surface. Then, move up in grit, using a 120, 150, and 220 grit sandpaper to ensure the surface is smooth and free of blemishes. If a smoother finish is desired, use a 400 grit sandpaper to ensure the surface is extremely smooth. Finally, use a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or debris from the daybed.
Selecting the right size cushions for the day bed.
Embarking on the journey of cushion selection can be a delightful challenge for DIY enthusiasts. It’s an integral part of designing your outdoor patio futon, one that demands careful consideration and an eye for detail. Weaving in both functionality and aesthetics, choosing the right cushions can significantly enhance the comfort and appeal of your handcrafted creation.
1. The Plethora of Cushion Choices
The world of cushions is wide and wonderful. It’s a realm of infinite shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, and materials. The choices can sometimes feel overwhelming. But, don’t worry! In the end, it all boils down to the specifics of your futon design and your personal preferences.
2. The Ideal Cushion Size: A Pragmatic Approach
To perfectly fit your folding futon, the ideal cushion sizes are as follows:
- Base cushion: 47-7/16 inches long x 29-5/8 inches wide x 3-1/2 inches tall
- Side cushions: 26-5/8 inches wide x 13-3/4 inches long x 3-1/2 inches tall
- Backrest cushion: 47-1/4 inches long x 13 inches wide x 3-1/2 inches tall
However, we live in a world of reality, not ideals, and it’s highly unlikely that you’ll find cushions in the market with these exact dimensions, unless they are custom-made.
3. The Reality of Market Sizes: Flexibility is Key
In the absence of the perfect fit, your strategy should be to find cushions that closely match the ideal dimensions. For example, the base cushion can be a 30 inch x 48 inch cushion, or it can be two 30 inch x 24 inch cushions. This flexibility extends to the backrest cushion and the armrests as well.
Remember, your futon is a piece of dynamic furniture, transforming from a seating area to a day bed at will. This means the armrests can be up or down, or you can have one up while the other is down. In such cases, the cushions will sit higher when the armrests are up, creating a gap between the armrest cushion and the base cushion when they are down.
4. Fill in the Gaps: Embellish with Accessories
This is where the creative fun begins! To address these gaps, consider using additional smaller decorative pillows. Not only will they provide extra support and comfort, but they will also add a layer of aesthetic appeal. Enhance the cozy vibe with throw blankets and additional head pillows. These additions will serve to make your futon more inviting, transforming it into a beckoning oasis of relaxation.
5. Fabric Selection: The Final Frontier
The final touch in your cushion selection journey is choosing the fabric. This decision should balance durability, comfort, and style. Opt for weather-resistant fabrics if your futon will be exposed to the elements. Sunbrella, for example, offers a wide range of such fabrics in a myriad of colors and patterns.
For comfort, consider the texture. Soft, smooth fabrics can enhance the relaxing experience. Finally, the style should align with the overall theme of your outdoor space. Don’t be afraid to play with colors and patterns! The perfect blend of these three elements will ensure your cushions are not only functional but also a reflection of your personal style.
Remember, cushion selection is an art as much as it is a science. Take your time, explore your options, and most importantly, have fun with it. After all, your DIY outdoor patio futon is a labor of love, and it deserves nothing but the best!
How to stain the DIY daybed
When it comes to staining the DIY daybed, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to get the best results. First of all, make sure that you sand the wood down completely before applying any stain. This will help to ensure that the stain goes on evenly and that the final product looks professional. If you have any rough spots on the wood, sand them down as well so that the stain can penetrate evenly.
After sanding, I add a wood conditioner. A wood conditioner helps to even out the absorbency of the wood, so that the stain is applied more evenly. If you don’t use a conditioner, the stain can come out patchy and uneven.
Once the wood is sanded, it’s time to apply the stain (note some wood putty does not stain well). Make sure to wear gloves and protective clothing, as stain can be messy. Apply the stain evenly with a brush, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Once the stain is applied, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping off any excess with a rag. Allow the stain to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
If you want to add a topcoat to the DIY daybed, now is the time to do it. Apply a thin layer of topcoat evenly over the whole surface. This will help to protect the stain and make it last longer. I use a spray gun and a water based polyurethane so that the result comes out looking more professional.
How to paint the DIY daybed
When painting a DIY Daybed, it is important to choose a paint color that is durable and easy to clean. A high-gloss or semi-gloss paint is a good choice for a DIY Daybed since it will be easy to wipe down and will resist dirt and stains. A light color may show dirt and scuffs more easily than a dark color.
Before beginning to paint, it is important to prep the surface. This means removing any staples, nails, or screws, sanding down rough spots, and cleaning the surface with a degreaser or TSP. Once the surface is prepped, you can begin painting. Start with a primer, then paint the DIY Daybed with your chosen color. A high-quality paintbrush, paint gun, or roller will give the best results.