DIY SECTIONAL SOFA + FREE PLANS | MODERN BUILDS

HOW TO BUILD A SECTIONAL SOFA // COUCH out of 2x4's and 3/4" plywood with basic tools. This Mid-Century Modern, Box Sofa inspired sectional was a ton of fun to build and I'll be uploading free plans later today as soon as I get them completed!
Head to squarespace.com/modernbuilds to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code: MODERNBUILDS
FREE PLANS: www.modernbuilds.com/diy-secti...
Materials and supplies: bit.ly/3zywIQF
Radiata Pine Plywood: From Home Depot
Kreg Jig: amzn.to/3sISBcc
Corner Clamps: amzn.to/3FrO8lQ
Hairpin Legs: semiexact.com/collections/hai...
Semi Exact Legs: semiexact.com
Simple Finish: makerbrandco.com/shop/p/simpl...
Wood Glue: amzn.to/3WgBs7b
12" Speed Square: amzn.to/3fkmTyP
Angle Guide: amzn.to/3Dq3i8m
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Thanks for watching!
-Mike Montgomery
MODERN BUILDS
Hi, My name is Mike Montgomery and I'm a MAKER; a designer, builder, and full-time content creator. Accessibility is my focus with Modern Builds, not simply accessibility of designs, but accessibility in materials, information, and projects themselves. I've focused on creating furniture and DIY projects that are simple enough that any beginner maker can accomplish, yet interesting enough that any expert might be inspired. Building and making is becoming less and less of an exclusive hobby and profession. My goal is to reduce that separation even further.

[@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

[@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…

[@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.

[@rebeccazuckman9059]

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

[@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

[@lolafalana6960]

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

[@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

[@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

[@Stevenyoung100]

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

[@marissajohnson5695]

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

[@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 😐

[@vinettehart5387]

Looks good and comfortable.

[@JupiKitten]

Nice tip on the brush handles! 👌

[@ModernBuilds]

Thanks! 👍

[@rajaharrison411]

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

[@kenn1936]

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

[@Xhrissuazo]

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

[@Nina_Sophia]

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

[@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?

[@IgorAnic9]

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

[@jonchalk3855]

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

[@HomeMadeModern]

looks good! cost effective! great project Mike!

[@macrumpton]

So overbuilt it is hilarious!

[@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 )

[@sandraorellana9522]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@sandyallen1488]

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

[@MoniqueAlva]

Awsome build ..love it

[@adedotunogunbiyi4844]

Looks great!! Nicelydone

[@brunoangel4556]

Amazing job

[@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 😂

[@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…

[@tyharris78]

Really cool how you provided plans , thanx

[@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.

[@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!

[@DrunkInPublic]

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

[@jlwhere81]

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

[@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 💖

[@yossid422]

Cushions double stacked looks ridiculous. Would get a different option

[@Ebolachicken]

mattress topper with diy fabric cover.

[@shirgutierrez3966]

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

[@Erwintajwinie]

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

[@JohnThomasKong]

Looks great.

[@bromma1979]

Nice job 👍🏻

[@thriftyhomediy]

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

[@doozerakapuckfutin]

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

[@anandabruce5408]

This is very beautiful

[@silkyway8596]

wow, great😍👍

[@halamadrid153]

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

[@thabisapenze7085]

I love it👌

[@coziigurl]

My favorite is still the rachspeed couch

[@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

[@DommoDommo]

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

[@briannacollins1442]

AMAZING

[@Raheem420]

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

[@1115991]

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

[@loganc4233]

Bomb!

[@sahtification]

You're an angel

[@jagjitsingh816]

Very very nice ❤

[@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.

[@rayhanaahmed5086]

Amazing

[@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...

[@sagwalydia4738]

Thanks for sharing..

[@jasondowney4873]

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

[@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.

[@luislago3509]

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

[@asherhead4174]

What size screws did you use in this?

[@AMRedemption]

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!

[@giftprincessgoden07]

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

[@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

[@assistatodos]

Esse sofa se tornou meu sonho agora😍🇧🇷

[@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!

[@SAWD-UST]

How about a link to the cushions.

[@bigperm005]

Tried to order from simple cushions but slims out of stock! What's ETA?

[@chakireladraoui9331]

Good my friend

[@IQbalplus62]

what is the thickness of the plywood for the bottom

[@ruffgirl1776]

I can’t find your link for the pillows?

[@fredbass5384]

How do you measure wood quality?

[@clarissawilliams9783]

Where’s the link to the sofa cushions?

[@ciaraj1336]

where are the cushions from?

[@vemcomacah8165]

Alguem tem as medidas e materiais usados nesse projeto?

[@Rachelshy2345]

What was your cost roughly on this?

[@vernonhurst7144]

I didn't receive any "plans" just a 1 page PDF with drawings of the completed project from different angles. Plans are supposed to have build instructors, cut lists, etc. What gives?

[@ninjaonline]

Introducing: The Shin Buster 3000

[@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.

[@heatherlaird-mcleod3271]

Great effort

[@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

[@mlbumller]

Link to cushions?

[@russianbear2]

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

[@AtmosphERIC35]

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

[@natalialouiseduarte]

😍😍😍

[@joedsondasilvasouzaloureir4369]

👏👏🇧🇷

[@T-DMidnight]

I don’t see the lists of cuts I need to make

[@user-nn9oh5wv5d]

Me gusta el sofa para papa

[@HernanHH95]

How do I get quality foam cushiosn

[@chlatepdng]

How much for materials (not counting cushions)

[@bladekieta1828]

I’ll always wonder if mike uses these tools just for videos but hides all his Milwaukee tools while filming lol

[@PetAllDogs]

I'd love to build this in the form of a daybed, but my wife is dead set on a standard couch.

[@werowero9167]

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