DIY SECTIONAL SOFA + FREE PLANS | MODERN BUILDS

[@GarrettCrosgrove]

Being a furniture repair technician. The frame of this sofa is 20 times stronger than anything you can buy from a manufacture. I've repaired hundreds of couches, sofas, and chair frames. They are all so cheaply made, and in my opinion they are made to fail within 3-7 years so you go back and buy another one. Great work Mike!!!

[@ModernBuilds]

Thanks Garrett!!

[@GarrettCrosgrove]

@@ModernBuilds Yeah!

[@doubledarefan]

What you are griping about is known as built-in obsolescence. Designed to fail.

[@tauriscruggs2085]

Hey Garrett! That’s so cool that you’re a furniture repairman. I have a really old 8ft curved Victorian style couch. I’m unsure when it was made and if it has been refurbished or not. There are feathers that sometimes come out of the long bench seat cushion. When i take the cushion off to fluff it sometimes i see the bottom is fabric and springy but doesn’t feeel like it has actual springs. It definitely doesn’t feel like a solid plank of wood under there. Is there a way i can figure out when this couch was made? How are the bottoms of old couches like this constructed? It’s very well made and very comfortable. And lastly, do you have any idea of what this cushion is made up of? It can’t be all feathers. Thank you for reading ❤

[@GarrettCrosgrove]

@@tauriscruggs2085 I mainly have modern couch repair experience. They have changed the way make them a lot over the years. My guess is that their are some kind of springs under the seat. We call it the seat deck. Nice couches today will have springs either coiled, or in a zigzag pattern. cheeper ones will use flat bundgie cord type material. As for your old couch I would guess possibly a coiled spring. If you turn the couch upside down you might be able to see inside to see how its put together. If their is a dust cover cloth you'll have to remove that to see. just do a corner and peak with a flashlight. As for the cushion, it could well be just feathers. Thats a common fill back in the day. now days they use poly-laytex-foam, and nylon fiberfill type products. Hope this helps

[@bookamus7825]

My favorite thing about your builds is they’re alway simple. Like they’re a great starting point and if someone where to recreate them they’re easily modifiable. I see people commenting about how you didn’t do ‘xyz’ but the beauty is you can easily change that for your own build! Great video!

[@frostedfluke]

Exactly this is above average simple diy. So you can embellish on it YOUR WAY some just want to try to show how many HGTV shows theu have watched w fancy designer terms and miss the whole point of what DIY means. GOOD JOB

[@johnathandietz615]

You could also get a sowing machine and make some covers to put over the cushions. This would hold them together, and you could wash the covers if they got dirty

[@ModernBuilds]

I’d like to learn how to make cushions for my next sofa build and avoid pre-made cushions!! Gotta get a sewing machine!

[@DrunkInPublic]

@@ModernBuilds I’ll buy and send you one if you do the research and tell me what to but

[@nigelmtb]

Sowing 🤔

[@JeniLove808]

Exactly what I was thinking! This is AWESOME

[@JWtheElder]

There are lots of outdoor sectionals on KZbin that look better and are likely simpler imo. 731 woodworks video is probably my favorite.

[@lolafalana6960]

True DIY with easily obtainable materials without any exotic tools (that most of us do not have). Love, love, love! Thank you!

[@trishdadish21]

Wow this looked so easy to make. Love the simplicity. I would suggest adding a small piece of wood to finish the front framing and hid the joining L shape ledge.

[@biancamendez944]

Thanks for the idea! I want to build a sectional for my small space. I’d like it to have a modern look but I need functionality, like some storage. I’d also like it to have a pull out bed, it’d have to be a small one since my space is confined. Most I’ve seen online are functional but they lack comfort. I feel like because you know your sectionals measurements, for ultimate comfort and good looking/feeling yet easy to clean fabric. You can go to an upholstery and create comfortable cushions as well as comfortable back/arm rests. You need something that won’t sink you into the couch, otherwise you’ll be feeling the base soon. Thanks for the idea!

[@michaelwheeler334]

This blueprint is not for a sectional it’s for a movable deck…

[@busygiraffe7003]

The edges look sharp. Ouch 😬 imagine if the cushion moves a bit since nothing is keeping it from sliding or moving around you have just hardwood lol. Decent build. Just missing some finishing touches imo.

[@snacking5908]

Sander or router. Problem solved

[@Tmassey011]

Same thought. It's why when I build furniture I stay away from plywood and primarily use 4x4 and round the edges. Great build quality on this though. It will last forever.

[@ModernBuilds]

I rounded the edges with the sander but I’d rather have more square edges than put an shreds I’ve round over on the wood. I guess I don’t really bump into furniture as much as viewers cause people are always so worried about my shins hitting beds and everything else lol

[@denvernow7294]

@@ModernBuilds "And on this episode of Modern Builds, we'll be making new shins. Super pro!" 😎

[@antoni3477]

@@ModernBuilds you did an amazing job. For the clumsies in the world like me all we need to do is put some batting around it and cover it up with some fabric if we're so concerned. Thank you so much for sharing your skills with us. Continued blessings 💖

[@kimhaas7586]

I like where you’re going with this. I was trying to think how I could put something like this in my basement. But I will probably make the main section twin size so that I can put a foam mattress on it.

[@hnremak]

I hope you really do it... You can't keep saying "I will probably" forever.

[@hissonshinegirl]

I have a day bed in my spare room with a twin mattress....making it a very deep seat So I added thick Custom pillows I made for the back cushions that go over regular back cushions to lessen the depth of the seat as a couch....but I do love the deep comfiness when I want cozy so I remove the deeper back cushions or plop my legs up on them when using them as a bed to watch tv. A deeper seat is great for taller people

[@somethingsomethingusername802]

After struggling to save up the dough to venture out on my own as a poor college student working full-time, and after visiting multiple furniture stores/outlets and seeing the absurd prices for what amounts to little else than mass produced crap by the lowest bidder, this video (among others) is going to save my wallet... and my soul lol. Thank you so much! Have basic carpentry skills but also family members who are far more savvy with a hammer and saw than I. So hopefully when the time comes to move in I should already have a few pieces of quality furniture waiting for a new home.

[@macrumpton]

So overbuilt it is hilarious!

[@Xhrissuazo]

I think this is great ! Just have someone upholstery it and you’re solid !

[@marissajohnson5695]

It’s kind of like a Moroccan couch, thank you for the tutorial! We are looking at building one similar.

[@idamack8235]

Thank you! There is a couch on Joybird called Denna that I have been hesitant to buy over 3K. I love woodworking (basic stuff building cabinets etc.) and keep saying I think I can make that couch instead of paying all this money. Your frame is exactly the same as the Denna I just need to make it a u frame. My next project! I think it will be better quality.

[@michaelwheeler334]

The Deanna is not a single piece of plywood on top it has straps and quality timber…

[@kungunganga4903]

You rock..i like that..i have been dreaming of self teaching carpentry woodwork..i started with search sofa making and you popped..keep up..am sure i will learn alot..i might even try to comment with questions as far as tools since am new to this..God bless

[@peacefulandfree1]

Well done! Looks quite sturdy. Thank you so much for the PDF of your plans!

[@jonchalk3855]

Awesome. The platform you made can also be made as a bed platform. Versatile.

[@sandyallen1488]

Ana White did a sectional a few years ago. I believe she was the first.

[@ladilondon1213]

Need to add LEDs underneath and make it really pop!!! Awesome piece.

[@shirgutierrez3966]

You’re right, the first diy sectional on KZbin. I love it!

[@tinameyers3064]

I wish I had all the tools he has. It wouldn’t make sense for me to make this without such a good shop set-up, but I did enjoy watching

[@thethirsthokage]

I said the same thing!

[@anayar2]

I don’t think he’s using more than $200 worth of tools in the build and you can always do woodwork outdoors and hit up your local maker space for access to the larger saws. Tbh you dont even need a miter if you’re good with a circular saw but just be careful where/how you cut. It’s more painful with simple tools but do able for sure

[@KyleHarrisonRedacted]

You’ll see his tools are in order of appearance - DeWalt 6-1/2” Circular Saw (painted light blue) with a Diablo finishing blade. First appears at 0:06 but the branding seen at 4:52 - Hart 10” Miter saw with a Hart ripping blade. 0:37 - Hart branded tape measure 0:46 - Some F-clamps 0:46, possibly Harbor Freight - Plastic framing square (unsure of brand) 0:48 - Kreg dowel drill bit with stop collar 0:56 - 90 degree Corner clamps, not sure of brand 1:09 - Gorilla Wood Glue 1:13 - Craftsman Drill Driver and Impact Driver (both painted yellow for some reason) 1:15 (only one battery is also painted but you can see both side by side each other at 2:38 ) - Pipe Clamps 1:36 - Flush trim saw 1:51 - Ryobi One+ cordless Random Orbital Sander (painted neon green) at 2:00 (can clearly see the battery at 3:26) - Spring clamps at 3:56 - A different set of corner clamps, less heavy duty, not sure the brand 4:25 - Harbor Freight Angle Finder 4:40 - Stanley portable bench at 5:40 - I swear I see a Ryobi drill at 5:47 as well as a different, smaller, grey speed square - A chisel at 6:14 (but not sure what it was used for) - A long straight edge ruler at 6:25 - Hart random orbital sander 8:20 For what it’s all worth, for furniture building the guy in the video is proving you don’t need the expensive stuff to get the job done. Hart being a very affordable lower tier brand from Walmart. Ryobi being a very affordable diy tier brand from Home Depot. Craftsman being a diy/mid tier sold in several places like Harbor Freight (Rona, in my area of the world) Dewalt being the only real upper tier tool on display, but he didn’t do anything special with it. For the power tools, you could get away with using all Walmart Hart branded stuff for dirt cheap. Or Ryobi if you want some additional staying power, quality, and durability (though then your stuck with Home Depot as opposed to just any Walmart) For the other hardware (clamps, rulers, glue, etc) you can grab Harbor Freight versions of all of this without any issues for pennys to the dollar of other brands and stores. But I will say stick to Gorilla Wood Glue and forget the others. The only specialty thing he really used was the Kreg Dowel kit, which isn’t expensive and can be had from Amazon for like $20 You don’t need that portable bench either, just laying the plywood to be cut on top of some foam or sacrificial scrap wood will do just fine so long as you’re not cutting into your floor and giving proper support to both side sod the cut you’re good.

[@sandraorellana9522]

Dannng super cool, maybe in the future you could try to build a similar sectional but with storage inside!

[@PassportBigBro]

The first one on KZbin 🤣 ok he’s got to be trolling 😂

[@jessifishman]

Yeah NOT the first by far and pretty janky woodwork 😂 no thanks

[@Erwintajwinie]

Pekerjaan yang benar2 modern😮🚁👍👍👍 sukses trus bung!

[@yossid422]

Cushions double stacked looks ridiculous. Would get a different option

[@Ebolachicken]

mattress topper with diy fabric cover.

[@mishafrolovdesign]

Looks like those cushions would slide off the base while laying on this thing.

[@ModernBuilds]

I ended up putting 1/4” foam yoga mats under the cushions and that keeps them from slipping around on the plywood! Plus extra padding 😂

[@DommoDommo]

Damn, I want that sofa. Looks comfy as hell.

[@doozerakapuckfutin]

60 tooth or blue tape wood also prevent blow out / tear out sir . 👍

[@thriftyhomediy]

This is fantastic, I also build my own DIY sectional sofa with storage.

[@ApplianceButler]

Unless you are buying Midwest USA handcrafted furniture this appears to be far and away better than what you will find in most Big Box or furniture outlets. Ever taken those apart? Flimsy mdf board, some springs and cheapest low grade lumber typically sourced from the other side of the world. Like others stated this is a great starting point. Just add some of your own foam and fabric and it would look like any other modern sofa.

[@halamadrid153]

For no knowlege its really not looking bad even my eyes still burning from seeing how you did it 😂 greatings from german

[@RaheemBuh]

How have I never seen someone use a piece of MDF as a fence for a skilsaw. That's brilliant

[@spikefivefivefive]

Great idea If you added a roundoever to the edges with a router it would add a nice touch I think.

[@chlatepdng]

I would cut all the corners off (no stabby stabby )

[@sunman108]

👏👏👏🙌 starting soon too

[@MichaelJohnson-cd4wb]

This build is amazing! I’m gearing up to do something similar and I’m wondering, how stable are the sides and back? have you had any concerns about them being prone to snapping under pressure?

[@rebeccazuckman9059]

Just found ya! Also love that you share with us what’s in your head. My appriciated.

[@questionmark9819]

Looks good. How much did it cost to make? Not the tools, just the materials.

[@acerhoa5]

He wont reply to these cuz it aint worth it

[@amusingkiwi9586]

This video is perfect fr. I want to build a couch cuz my bfs mom spent over 2k on a couch and its already broken in less then a year 😐

[@Stevenyoung100]

It's literally plywood with wish cushions on top. Congratulations.

[@coziigurl]

My favorite is still the rachspeed couch

[@KyleHarrisonRedacted]

I was really hoping to see the Upholstery side of this. Those cushions you intend to sit/lay down on are just gonna slide around all over the place unfortunately. I saw in another comment of yours that you plan to learn this for your next sofa build, so I’m going to subscribe to see that :)

[@rajaharrison411]

I need a full video on the concrete floors! Nice sofa!

[@JupiKitten]

Nice tip on the brush handles! 👌

[@ModernBuilds]

Thanks! 👍

[@tyharris78]

Really cool how you provided plans , thanx

[@HomeMadeModern]

looks good! cost effective! great project Mike!

[@1115991]

you can put some velcro on the cushions so they will stay in place

[@DrunkInPublic]

This thing is built wayyyy better than our 2000.00 couches that the supports literally fell out of

[@IgorAnic9]

Looks simple, easy and accessible. I like it a lot!

[@anandabruce5408]

This is very beautiful

[@Angibbabee]

I know those cushions are going to come off. 😂. DEF need cushion covers. Which could be custom ordered or wherever you ordered the cushions from, I’m sure they have cushion covers available.

[@jamilynncreates3622]

Is it possible to adapt this to two twin beds, and make it modular so they can come apart for the kids sleepovers? Single mom, just bought my first own house, and want to build sensory friendly living room furniture for the kids to lounge on.

[@KeirNy]

This is definitely 1-800- SUPER PRO

[@abexx17]

isn't semi-exact your company?

[@ModernBuilds]

I’m a part-owner yes!

[@SynergyFightClub]

As is Maker Brand Simple Finish. Smart to be a partner of the companies you use! Shows you stand by the product, bc it works!

[@ninjaonline]

Introducing: The Shin Buster 3000

[@mariannes.6023]

Awesome - luv it! But i don't see the link 4 the cushions anywhere... ?? ;)

[@stefaniasantoro2863]

Cool video, I just don't think it would be very comfortable with those armrests. Also, are you going to sew some covers for those cushions? I don't know if I like the double layer look...

[@adedotunogunbiyi4844]

Looks great!! Nicelydone

[@russianbear2]

It's about 50% complete. Needs to soften all edges, cover all exposed plywood.

[@MoniqueAlva]

Awsome build ..love it

[@brunoangel4556]

Amazing job

[@alexandrealbergaria6224]

I literally just come to his videos to see the comments. 😂

[@mikelitoris6315]

Comment section is the only good part lol

[@kcChicken123]

Same. I'm not even gonna watch the video tbh. No offence to this guy, he gets the job done

[@alexandrealbergaria6224]

Just sadly done

[@groundupRVA]

he said 8 foot pieces of wood are 98 inches, that's super pro

[@kenn1936]

AWESOME!!!!! Thank you for sharing this video.

[@sahtification]

You're an angel

[@TJsVette]

Wish you would give a cost breakdown for everything. It's Def something different and cool.

[@henryskinner1092]

Hi, nice and easy and quick. I thought about Anna Whites video (2) to be exact. Nice build.

[@sandyallen1488]

Yes Ana White did her sectional a few years ago.

[@sagwalydia4738]

Thanks for sharing..

[@Nina_Sophia]

Looks great! I'm tempted to try making one.

[@jagjitsingh816]

Very very nice ❤

[@briannacollins1442]

AMAZING

[@vinettehart5387]

Looks good and comfortable.

[@werowero9167]

its a good idea for cat owners, im gonna try it.

[@silkyway8596]

wow, great😍👍

[@jasondowney4873]

Velcro strips between those cushions would keep them in place and tidy

[@jaxter112]

How did you get along with the strength of the sides? Did they work loose at all?

[@thabisapenze7085]

I love it👌

[@heyitsthatdude17]

It's kind of weird how you don't seem to really disclose that you're an owner of simple finish or an investor in semi exact in these videos

[@MegaJman2009]

Probably doesn't have to. Cause if he's an owner, then it's not really considered a paid promotion. If it were a paid promotion, he'd need to be transparent about that so the viewer can consider that when they think "is he just saying nice things cause he's getting paid", whereas when you're the owner of the product, obviously you're gonna say nice things about your product, so the transparency doesn't seem nearly as necessary

[@heroofnow1]

is it weird? or are you just weird for caring?

[@heyitsthatdude17]

@@heroofnow1 it's weird and manipulative lmao

[@bromma1979]

Nice job 👍🏻

[@loganc4233]

Bomb!

[@rayhanaahmed5086]

Amazing

[@EkaChandraNugraha]

What type of woods do you use ? Greeting from Indonesia

[@giftprincessgoden07]

Your builds are always awesome and inspires me to DIY bigger!!! ✨🎇✨🎇🎇🎇✨🎇

[@chakireladraoui9331]

Good my friend

[@darkflux]

yeah, on a SOLID WOOD surface, you'd BETTER have a double layer of thick cushions! i would have done some nice upholstery webbing and some couch cushions on top. if you ever took apart a REAL couch, you'd see they don't use solid wood under the sitting area. now you know why!

[@doubledarefan]

When I'm done with a foam brush, I save the handle.

[@clarissawilliams9783]

Where’s the link to the sofa cushions?

[@Cr7and10LM]

Hi mike your the best builder I have saw yet and since I saw your bus building videos I literally watched half your vidoes by the way I am subscribed

[@SmallsAquatics]

Where can I find more about this tank?

[@verdantero_gaming_x]

Adding LEDs will make the sofa more interesting

[@ciaraj1336]

where are the cushions from?

[@SAWD-UST]

How about a link to the cushions.

[@tinameyers3064]

Can you tell us how much this DIY sectional cost you to make? Sectionals are so expensive, I’m wondering if it’s cheaper to make it or buy one

[@FiddleKat]

There is one other diy sec sofa, but it's not completely from scratch. They use beds. Yours might be the first completely from scratch. Thank you for sharing it.

[@mlbumller]

Link to cushions?

[@bolerkai]

Better cushions or some type of suspension under the cushions would help...

[@ModernBuilds]

Agreed! I’m gonna have to get a sewing machine for the next one!

[@HomeByMon]

Wow! You are on fire 👏 Love the sofa, and the cushions, and your overall vibe!! And you are so right, this really is the first diy sectional on yt 💪

[@ModernBuilds]

Thank you so much!! 😁😁😁

[@wbtrap]

Better to cover legs by something soft because one hit and leg fingers can be broken.

[@AtmosphERIC35]

Any other sites to get these cushions, the link in description is outdated

[@luislago3509]

Good job I would just hate to move the larger piece looks heavy

[@AMR2442]

What’s the material costs on this? Ive seen people use “nylon straps/tape” to make a woven suspension layer so it’s inherently cushioned. I want to make one.

[@crystalBall9287]

I've been doing research on furniture making and I would suggest not doing the webbing alone. It sags very quickly. I've seen some designs that does the webbing over the s-shaped support springs to help offer spring and support. Hope that helps.

[@meganmoloney1401]

@@crystalBall9287 Ooh, can you share the link where you found designs with webbing over s-shaped support please? Thanks so much!

[@alexisarechiga4282]

Do you have an estimate of how much the costed was to make?

[@heroofnow1]

this will vary greatly based on your location so giving prices doesn't really make sense - also going to depend on if you have the tools used in the video or not.