DIY Patio Loveseat

With summer just around the corner, most of us can’t wait to get outside. What better way to enjoy your patio than lounging on some outdoor furniture in the shade. Making your own outdoor seating is easy and will cost you a fraction of the cost. Here’s how to make a beautiful wood bench just in time for your next barbecue.

Materials needed:

Cut list:

2 – 2×4 @ 30-1/2″ (back legs)
2 – 2×4 @ 21″ (front legs)
2 – 2×4 @ 45″ (seat framing box front and back)
2 – 2×4 @ 18-3/4″ (seat framing box sides)
2 – 2×4 @ 15-3/4″ (seat framing box under supports)
2 – 2×4 @ 41″ (back horizontal supports)
2 – 2×4 @ 20/1/4″ (arms)
6 – 2×3 @ 48″ (seat lats)
7 – 2×3 @ 6-1/2″ (back vertical supports)

Make your cuts

Start by cutting all the pieces to length using a mitre saw. To save you the headache, I’ve mapped out which lengths to cut from which pieces to make sure they all fit. You’re welcome 😉

Pre-drill pocket holes

Using pocket hole screws is optional. You can easily use deck screws for this entire project. But if you want to limit the number of visible screws, use a Kreg jig to pre-drill pocket holes in each end of the following pieces:

41″ back horizontal supports
6-1/2″ back vertical supports
15-3/4″ seat framing box under supports

Sand

Use an orbital sander with 120 grit paper to sand all surfaces until smooth. I made sure to make multiple passes on the end edges to round them out for a softer look.

Stain

I find it easier to pre-stain all the pieces before assembly. That way you make sure to get the stain into every nook & cranny giving every surface full weather protection. It’s also just easier than trying to squeeze the stain into small crevices once the bench is assembled and trying to get into the hard to reach spots.

I used Varda outdoor furniture stain from IKEA. It protects the wood from rain and UV rays while adding a rich golden brown color and bringing out the wood grain.

Assemble the back

Use 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws to assemble the back from the back side. Start by attaching the top horizontal board to the back legs, flush with the top. Then place the vertical supports and lower horizontal board and hold in place with clamps before securing.