DIY patio sectional: Comfortable and stylish, a must-have for any DIYer.
This patio sectional set is made from 2x4x8 common studs that are widely available in any hardware store. The set can easily stain or be painted to match any exterior decor. This particular design also fits standard 24in x 24in cushions with 24in x 18in backrest cushions. The cushions can easily be swapped out for different sizes and still fit the set.
This sofa can make any deck or patio into a comfortable living space. This set is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy their time outdoors with friends and family. The sectional set is also great for hosting events such as outdoor parties or barbecues.
Additionally, you can add a coffee table to this patio sectional! The coffee table is the perfect addition to this set. It’s perfect for holding drinks, appetizers, or even just a place to rest your feet. The coffee table is also made from the same 2x4x8 common studs and can be stained or painted to match the rest of the set.
Plans for the coffee table can be found here.
Who can build this patio set?
It can be difficult to figure out how to build a beautiful patio sectional on your own. There are many ways to go about it, and it can be hard to know where to start. However, following my step-by-step instructions will help you to save time, material, and nerves. You don’t have to be frustrated when building. You will find that this project is beginner friendly because I am not using advanced woodworking joinery techniques or creating intricate and complicated design details
Time to build
9 hours
Total cost of build
$140 (cushions and pillows not included in cost estimate)
Skill level required
Beginner- Intermediate
Download the PDF plans
Outdoor wood sectional patio bench PDF
What is included in the PDF download?
- Easy to read step by step instructions
- Material list
- Cut list
- Tools needed
Recommend tools for this project
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Impact driver with bit for screws
- GRIP Clamps
- Sander
- wood countersink drill bit
- 10 lb of 2.5-in screws (highly recommend T25 Star Drive screws)
- pencil
- Wood glue
- sand paper
- Pipe clamp grip, tie downs, or straps.
Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links.
Cut list and material list
Available with purchase of PDF plans.
Instructions for building the 79-inch patio bench (bench1)
Step 1: DIY patio bench frame assembly (Bench 1)
Gather two of the 72-in pieces and four of the 22.5-in pieces. Lay them out as shown in the diagram. Space out the pieces as shown below. It is recommended to predrill the wood prior to putting in a screw to prevent the wood from splitting. What works for me is to us a wood countersink drill bit.
Apply wood glue to all surfaces that will be joined together. Too much dry glue can be difficult to sand off and does not stain well.
Step 2: DIY patio bench armrest assembly (Bench 1)
Next, take two 27-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and two 22-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and arrange them as shown below. Add glue, predrill holes, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Step 3: DIY patio bench armrest assembly continued (Bench 1)
Next, add a 22-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces to the arm rest. It needs to be indented by 1.5 inches. I use a spacer from 2×4 lumber scrap wood for this step since the 2×4 is 1.5 inches thick.
As before, add glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Next, make a second arm rest identical to the one you just made for a total of two arm rests.
Step 4: DIY patio bench armrest assembly continued (Bench 1)
Next, add 27 inch long 2×4 lumber pieces to both of the arm rests.
BE CAREFUL! Make sure that the 27 inch long 2×4 pieces are places in a mirrored fashion to eachother. This is indicated by the red arrows in the diagram.
Once you ensure the proper placement of the 27 inch 2×4 lumber pieces then as before, add glue, predrill, and add screws.
Step 5: Attaching arm rests to main frame of bench (Bench 1)
Next, set the frame up right on top of one of the armrests.
In this step make sure that glue is applied to the areas that will make contact. Get help to balance the frame. Secure the frame with clamps for stability and a more solid joint.
As before, predrill and add screws.
Add both vertical and diagonal screws as shown below for a secure joint.
Repeat this for the other arm rest as well.
Step 6: Adding backrest to DIY patio bench (Bench 1)
Next, add a 72 inch 2×4 lumber pieces across the back of the bench for the back rest.
Secure the lumber piece with either a tie-down/ratchet strap, or a pipe clamp (Both options displayed below)
As before, add glue, predrill, and add the diagonal screws to secure the joint.
Step 7: Adding backrest to DIY patio bench continued (Bench 1)
Next, add a 72-inch 2×4 lumber pieces to the back rest ad shown below. Add glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Step 8: Adding decking pieces to DIY patio bench (Bench 1)
Next, add six 72 inch 2×4 lumber pieces to make the seating platform of the bench.
Space them out about 7/8 inches apart.
As before, add glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Step 9: finishing touches (Bench 1)
Next, sand down the whole bench. This can be time consuming. I use an orbital sander to speed up the process
I use a rough 80 grit paper first and then finish it with a 220 grit paper.
Filling in the holes is optional.
At this point it is ready to be stained or painted!
Instructions for building the second patio bench with one armrest (bench1)
To create the full sectional sofa you need to build the side bench with one arm rest. The design is very similar as well as the construction method.
Step 1: DIY patio bench frame assembly (Bench 2)
Take two 68-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and four 22-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and arrange them as shown below.
Predrill holes to prevent wood from splitting, add glue, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Step 2: Arm rest assembly of DIY patio bench (Bench 2)
Next, take two 27-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and two 22-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces and arrange them as shown below. Add glue, predrill holes, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Step 3: Arm rest assembly of DIY patio bench continued (Bench 2)
Next, add a 22-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces to the arm rest. It needs to be indented by 1.5 inches. I use a spacer from 2×4 lumber scrap wood for this step since the 2×4 is 1.5 inches thick.
As before, add glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch screws.
Step 4: Arm rest assembly of DIY patio bench continued (Bench 2)
In this step, add a 27-in 2×4 lumber piece. Predrill and attach it with screws and glue as before. Be careful to make sure your piece matches the one in the diagram.
Step 5: Arm rest assembly of DIY patio bench continued (Bench 2)
Now you will need to assemble the second arm rest. Gather the pieces as shown in the diagram. Make sure to draw a line at 9 inches so you know where to attach the 27.5-in piece. Predrill, glue, and put in 2.5 inch screws.
Step 6: Arm rest assembly of DIY patio bench continued (Bench 2)
Next, put in the 24-in 2×4 lumber piece. As before, predrill, glue, and put in screws. It is important to put in the back screws first (the ones that will be facing the back of the bench), then the top screws. This helps to make sure that the 24-in pieces is completely flush with the 27.5-in pieces without any gaps.
In the end you should have two arm rests that look like what is shown below.
Step 7: Attaching bench frame to bench armrest (Bench 2)
Add the vertical and diagonal screws to have a secure joint as shown below.
Step 8: Adding back rest to DIY patio bench (Bench 2)
Next put in a 68.5-in 2×4 lumber piece across the back. As before, a bar clamp or ratchet straps/tie-downs can be very helpful. Glue, predrill, and apply screws in diagonally.
Next, put in a 72-in 2×4 lumber piece across the top. Apply glue across the entire piece underneath and on the sides. Predrill and add screws.
Step 9: Adding decking pieces to DIY patio bench (Bench 2)
Next, add six 68-1/2 inch 2×4 lumber pieces. Add glue, predrill, and add 2.5 inch screws.
space out the decking pieces 7/8 inches apart.
Step 10: Finishing touches (Bench 2)
As before, sand down the patio bench. I use a 80 grit paper for my orbital sander to help take away all major imperfections and then I follow up with a fine grit 220+ afterwards to have it be ready to be stained or painted.
Step 11: Completing the patio sectional (Bench 2)
The two benches will come together to for the sectional sofa. Once painted or stained, just add cushions and the sofa is ready to be enjoyed!
I highly recommend having a sofa cover for these during the winter time. This helps protect the wood and helps it to look great for many years. If you have a roof that covers the set, I would still buy a sofa cover because moisture and dew can settle on the wood regardless. I also take off the cushions and pillows and put them away into storage during the winter as well.
