6 DIY Outdoor Furniture Projects to Save Big on Your Backyard Setup
- Staff Desk
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Outdoor furniture can be incredibly expensive, with costs easily climbing to $2,000 or more for just a sofa. But you don’t have to spend that much to make your backyard beautiful. In this guide, I'll show you how I built six incredible DIY outdoor furniture projects for my back deck, saving me over $7,300 compared to buying them from a store. Let’s get started with the first project: a DIY outdoor sofa!
Project 1: DIY Outdoor Sofa
Building your own outdoor sofa can save you a ton of money, and you can customize it to fit your style. Here's how I did it:
Materials:
Cedar (great for outdoor projects)
2x4 boards
Screws (2.5-inch)
Plug cutter and cedar dowels
Cushions (approximately $195)
Steps:
Cut the Wood: Begin by sorting your cedar 2x4s for color, then cut the pieces needed for the armrests and seat base.
Assemble the Armrests: Drill 3/8-inch holes into the armrests and join them with wood glue and screws. Use cedar plugs to cover the holes for a polished finish.
Seat Base: Create a seat base using 1x4 slats. Attach cleats underneath to support the slats and add inner supports for extra stability.
Attach Backrest: Build the backrest with similar slats and attach it securely to the seat base. Add some taper to the back uprights for a modern look.
Finishing: Sand the entire structure and apply a spar urethane finish for protection. Attach rubber feet to the bottom to prevent water damage.
Cost Breakdown:
Store-bought sofa: $1,500 to $3,000
DIY sofa: $474.94 (wood, hardware, finish, and cushions)
You’ll save over $2,000 by building it yourself!
Project 2: Concrete Top Outdoor Coffee Table
Concrete tops on furniture can add a modern, industrial touch to your deck, but store-bought versions can be expensive. Here’s how I built my own concrete top coffee table.
Materials:
Cedar 2x4s
80-pound concrete bag
Melamine (for the form)
Spar urethane for finishing
Steps:
Build the Base: Start by cutting cedar 2x4s to build a simple rectangular base for the table. Secure the parts with screws and glue, adding a support in the center.
Make the Concrete Form: Cut melamine sheets to create a form for the concrete top. Apply silicone caulk to ensure smooth edges, then pour the concrete into the form.
Finish the Table: Once the concrete is set, attach the top to the base using screws and silicone. Sand the concrete edges and apply a sealer.
Cost Breakdown:
Store-bought coffee table: $550 to $1,200
DIY coffee table: $190.78 (wood, concrete, finish)
By building this yourself, you’ll save over $800!
Project 3: Grilling and Chilling Station
Create a functional and stylish grilling station with storage for your cooler and grilling tools.
Materials:
Cedar 2x4s
Pocket hole screws
Coolers and hardware
Steps:
Build the Frame: Start by assembling a frame to hold the cooler and storage shelves. Use pocket hole joints for easy assembly.
Add Shelves and Supports: Install cleats and shelves for storage, and make sure the cooler has a secure place on the cart.
Finish and Attach Hardware: Sand and apply a finish, then add functional elements like a bottle opener and hooks for grilling tools.
Cost Breakdown:
Store-bought grilling station: $800
DIY grilling station: $321.97 (wood, cooler, hardware)
You’ll save over $475 by building it yourself!
Project 4: DIY Modern Outdoor Chairs
If you don’t like the traditional Adirondack chair design, consider making a more comfortable modern version with better seating height.
Materials:
Cedar 4x4s (cut into 2x4s)
Pocket hole screws and dowels
Marine-grade finish
Steps:
Cut and Assemble the Legs: Use a 15-degree angle on the back legs for a more comfortable recline. Assemble the frame using dowels and pocket hole joinery.
Create the Seat and Back: Cut the seat base and backrest slats, and make sure they’re spaced evenly. Attach the slats using screws and glue.
Finish the Chair: Apply a marine-grade finish to protect the wood and make it last longer outdoors.
Cost Breakdown:
Store-bought chairs: $1,250 each
DIY chairs: $255.68 for the first chair, $180 for the second chair
You’ll save almost $2,000 by making these yourself!
Project 5: DIY Outdoor Side Tables
Add a couple of stylish concrete-topped side tables to complement your sofa and coffee table.
Materials:
Cedar 2x4s
Concrete mix
Melamine for the form
Steps:
Build the Frame: Construct a simple frame from cedar 2x4s, then build a form using melamine for the concrete top.
Pour and Finish the Concrete: Mix the concrete and pour it into the form. Once dry, remove the sides and smooth the edges.
Assemble the Tables: Attach the concrete top to the cedar base and apply a sealer.
Cost Breakdown:
Store-bought side tables: $500 each
DIY side tables: $192.49 for the first, $95.61 for the second
You’ll save over $700 for two side tables!
Project 6: Custom Adirondack Chair
Create your own version of the Adirondack chair with a custom design that’s more comfortable and easier to get up from.
Materials:
Cedar 2x4s
Pocket screws, dowels
Marine-grade finish
Steps:
Cut the Legs and Seat: Cut the legs at a 15-degree angle and adjust the seat height for more comfort.
Assemble the Frame: Use dowels and screws to attach the frame together. Be sure to add cross supports for extra stability.
Finish the Chair: Apply a marine-grade finish to the wood for durability and protection from the elements.
Cost Breakdown:
Store-bought Adirondack chairs: $750 each
DIY Adirondack chair: $170 for the first chair, $99 for the second chair
You’ll save over $1,300 by building two Adirondack chairs yourself!
Final Thoughts
Building your own outdoor furniture is a fantastic way to save money while creating custom, high-quality pieces for your deck or patio. These projects not only save you thousands of dollars but also allow you to add personal touches to your outdoor space. If you want to tackle these projects, you can find detailed build plans linked in the description.
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