How to Build an Outdoor Sofa EASY | With Building Plans

[@RossTrittipo]

Saw this video, bought the plans, built the sofa. It was easy and fun. The plans were affordable and easy to understand. The sofa gets tons of compliments. Only thing I can't figure out is how to leave a review on Shara's site. 5/5 highly recommend!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! You’re so kind! I’m so glad you enjoyed the project! I appreciate you wanting to leave a review! In order to make sure actual customers are the only ones to leave reviews (which makes sense), we email you a review request a couple weeks after purchase. The problem is we can’t email you a request unless you’ve agreed or opted in to receive emails from us (we can’t just go sending emails to anyone without their permission). If you’d like to leave a review, you can email me and I can manually send you one if you request to receive it.

[@Joshua.zero29]

Brilliant enough to stand out from the pack of the many outdoor sofa designs saturating the youtube algorithm, but minimalist enough to give even me the confidence needed to attempt the build. 10/10!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!! I was afraid it would be too simple, but sometimes simple is good 🙌 so glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful weekend!

[@petegandersen]

The plans were fantastic and saved me a lot of time building my 2 couches. I ended up extending the couch to fit 4 cushions which maxes out what you can get out of 8ft boards, using 2 middle supports instead of 1, and it's ROCK solid.

[@kentgreer3891]

This is the first design I've seen on KZbin that doesn't have a flat seating surface. Bravo...our backsides thank you!

[@jhold7553]

Finally, this is the first outdoor sofa I've actually liked.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Glad to hear it! I appreciate you watching!

[@ryanmcdonagh2082]

You look beautiful and like what you're doing and you're beautiful too on top of that

[@brewster3987]

Don't you just love it when the angles work together to make the most basic materials into a striking and elegant design? And it's perfect for an outdoor set. This is one chunky boy of a sofa! I didn't know about the super-size Kreg jig! I have always thought that the 2" screws into 2x material was the most you could get out of the Kreg system. I also love those Timber-Lok style screws. No one should worry about the strength of that frame between the larger Kreg screws and the timber screws... I could tell when you were maneuvering the frame around that it wasn't racking at all. Your parents are getting a beautiful and functional furniture set for their outdoor space. Really well done! P.S. I don't think I've ever been the first commenter on anything before... I got here by following the rabbit trail from your Insta post to your blog. P.P.S. Love the new cold open style and the playful transitions! P.P.P.S. The grass looks fine...🤣

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Wow you are FAST. No one was supposed to see this until next weekend! 🤣 I went ahead and uploaded it so I could get ahead on my schedule but left it unlisted so I figured no one would see it 😅 but you found it! Ha! I’m so glad I could introduce you to the giant pocket holes and screws. I finally got it out of the box and now I feel like I want to use it on more stuff 🤣 Also happy to hear you liked the cold intro. I feel like every video lately I’m trying something new to see how it goes. So far nothings working 🤣🙈 but maybe this will be the winner ahaha. Also also…glad you didn’t notice how I only mowed a circle around the sofa just for the photos 😆 I always appreciate your kind words and happy to have you following along. Thank you…sincerely. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙌

[@timothycreasy2161]

That is a beefy looking outdoor sofa. I guess being made of cedar makes it manageable to move around. You are so rite, build the unit to fit the cushion Very nice Ms. Shara

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It’s quite beefy haha. Cedar is fairly lightweight but it’s still pretty heavy. Thankfully not as heavy as it would have been with treated wood though 🥴 I hope you have a great weekend and I really appreciate you watching!

[@papascruffy]

Nice, I'm putting a roof over our patio and the wife is wanting some furniture down there, this should be a good piece! Love your work!

[@frankstoverpurebloodsaltya6441]

Well done young lady!!! Enjoy watching women engaged in the art of woodworking.. ( I've taught my daughters) blessing!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’m sure your daughters appreciate you teaching and encouraging them! Thanks so much for watching!

[@nobuckle40]

They're going to love it! I loved making furniture for my folks when they were alive. May the Lord allow you to have many wonderful memories sharing that sofa with them.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I just delivered it today and they loved them (the sofa and the matching chairs). I’m sorry to hear your parents have passed. I’m grateful for every day I still have mine. The older I get, the more I appreciate them. Thank you for watching 💕 I truly appreciate you following along.

[@johnkelley9877]

Not only does it look good but it looks nice and sturdy! Excellent work on this bench. Thanks for sharing it.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much for watching! So glad you enjoyed the project 😊 have a great weekend!

[@scooterwardynski5198]

Downloaded the plans and completed mine yesterday. First time trying woodworking. Very happy with how it turned out!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Amazing! Hope you enjoy it!

[@Juanro_7]

Looks solid. I would round the edges for comfort. Adds that next level of comfort

[@jomangeee9180]

I admire your discipline, every Saturday morning without fail! How do you do it?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Well, full disclosure, it’s not usually every Saturday. I’ve done well and had one every weekend the last month or so, but usually I miss a week or two a month. It’s tough to stay on schedule juggling the building and editing and designing and writing haha.

[@espnmk]

I would seriously put that in my living room, conversation piece... great build looks amazing thanks for sharing.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I mean who says it’s for outdoor only? Haha! Thank you! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@stevedockery3534]

Love the outdoor bench. I think your angles, legs & back are spot on. Your videos are awesome.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I was worried the design was going to be too simple, but sometimes simple is good 😁 I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@irawardmusic]

Wow Shara!😲 I am speechless on this one.😶 What a beautiful design and build! 👍👍👍💯 Keep up the good work!🔥🔥🔥

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I love how it turned out and I can’t wait to deliver it to my parents (although, to be honest, I’d really like to keep them for myself haha)

[@irawardmusic]

@@WoodshopDiaries I could tell by the way you were sitting on it!😂

[@sillydaisy11017]

Wow, beautiful design!!!😍😍 You just have a way for making simple things look so elegant! Can’t wait for the chairs!!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I love simple 😉😅 I appreciate you watching and I promise to have the chair video out very soon 🙌 have a great weekend!

[@SawdustmakerLori]

That sofa turned out GREAT!!! Your parents are going to be thrilled. Looking forward to seeing the chairs if you decide to show them. I still think you need to build a nice bench or something to put out by your beautiful garden or you could use your Adirondack chairs out there. That giant Kreg system will come in useful with all the projects you've been doing with 4 x 4's lately. It was fun to see Bubby checking out the sofa and giving it his stamp of approval!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I’ll be sharing the chairs very soon! 🙌 the bench is still on my list 😉 one of these days I’ll get around to building it haha. Bubby is such good company…he likes to be in the way but I appreciate that he’s involved. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and thank you so much for watching!

[@antoinettegarcia2224]

Projects like these are where you can truly see your math background come to life, this was flawlessly executed! Always love what you create and this one is no exception, it’s stunning!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

You’re so kind. Thank you so much for watching and I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the design and the video! I hope you have a great weekend 😎

[@antoinettegarcia2224]

@@WoodshopDiaries Thank you, you do the same! And by the way, *LOVED* the new cold open!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!! Every video I try to do something new and see if anyone notices haha. I’m kind of digging it too. May try it on a few more videos. I’m obviously not a professional videographer so it’s all trial and error with the edits around here 🤣

[@antoinettegarcia2224]

@@WoodshopDiaries 😂😂 you definitely should, it was so good!

[@SkyfalconTin]

I think your patio chair is the only one on youtube that I like. Also thanks for the cushion link. I can’t find a good one on the internet.

[@PakiPigeonsCanada]

Great design. Saves lots of wood too. All other vids I have watched kind of over do it. Well done

[@janierlarcheveaux3057]

Thanks for including the assumptions for the measurements. I can easily adapt this build for a love seat with different cushions.

[@MCsCreations]

Amazing work, Shara! Beautiful sofa!!! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🙌

[@bearsstuff]

It's absolutely beautiful! And looks incredibly sturdy for a svelte person such as myself...

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I may or may not have jumped on it a little for testing. Held up well 😅🤣 I appreciate you watching and hope you have an amazing weekend!

[@bearsstuff]

@@WoodshopDiaries You too!

[@muskiet8687]

I like your idea and will probably build this. I'll probably make a few changes, like adding slats to be able to sit on this without cushions as well, rounding the top and arm rests, and making it a two-seater with two identical chairs. Thank you for a great foundation!

[@mollykrieg2510]

I’ve been wanting to build an outdoor sofa for a while and have been watching every video I could find on the topic on KZbin. However, as soon as I saw your video show up on my feed, I knew that’s the one I want even before I watched your video. Your design and plans are simple yet always good looking! Thank you for the wonderful video! Can’t wait to watch the chair video.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I do appreciate this comment. Thank you and I’m so happy to hear you liked the design and enjoy the plans and videos. 🙌 happy building and I promise I’ll have the chair video our very soon 😊

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Shara, this looks like a great Father's Day project. Or even better a great sofa for a Father's Day nap! You make it look so easy but I bet by the end the weight was adding up. I think you should get a hard hat for Bubby if he is going to continue to inhabit the construction site! The weather here is a bit cool for this time of the year. (60 to low 70's and cooler at night) It's great for working outdoors but I keep switching from shorts to blue jeans and the day goes by. Hope your are doing well and get the chance to spend some quality time with your parents this weekend. Thanks for Sharing! 🙃🙃🙂

[@psustudent2]

Just wanted to share that I love the plans! Thank you for building and posting. It’s inspired me to attempt my own little Etsy shop for patio furniture locally out of my garage. These look very expensive and stylish yet simple and budget friendly. I’ll post pictures if it when/if I complete it this weekend. God Bless!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad to hear you liked them and have been inspired. Would love to see your finished project when you complete it! Have a great weekend and happy building!

[@lisaneedham-go9ik]

Your videos, designs and explanations are always so well done and easy to follow. We bought the plans and built this--our first real woodworking experience. We made a few oopsies, some because we are not excellent with angles, but the outcome still looked amazing. And it will never blow away in our Kansas wind. Thank you so much for your planning and videos. We will be making the chairs to match next.

[@deborahhaynes8361]

Your mom is going to love this outdoor couch

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Just delivered it today. They loved them 🙌

[@lazarousjam]

You are a smart, strong, amazing, and beautiful person. Thanks for sharing

[@cjortiz7917]

Beautiful gift to your parents!!!

[@ChrisPollard]

Fantastic work! That sofa will last for many, many years.

[@SQLKC]

Plan buyer of all three pieces... good job

[@jodibraun6383]

I love this design. So simple, but so beautiful. Great job & thanks so much for sharing! Your parents must have been thrilled! 😊

[@marktracy]

Your timing was perfect on this one. We just bought a new house, and patio furniture is on the list of projects for this summer. Looks great. Thanks for sharing!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Yes!! Congratulations on the new place! I hope this inspires you as you furnish it. Happy building!

[@abxeff4153]

Just recently finished this build and have gotten lots of compliments! Thanks for the great design. I did add a 4th and 5th back slat since my cushions were a little thin. But other than that it looks great!

[@jerrodc8743]

Awesome. Waiting on the chair so I can build the set!!

[@Johnlewissawmill]

That’s a beautiful bench, nice job. Keep up the beautiful work.

[@pteddie6965]

Great looking bench, Shara. I'm sure that your parents will enjoy it this summer. Thanks for the video and plans.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I just delivered it today and they loved them 🙌 I hope you have a great weekend!

[@rickpouley2857]

Love this project! Can not wait to see your matching chairs!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I promise I’ll share them very soon! 🙌

[@jasonthomas1760]

Looking amazing Shara! The couch looks good too😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha thank you! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@amos616]

Gorgeous! Can’t wait to get our pergola up and build this for it! 🤩

[@WoodshopDiaries]

A pergola! I love a nice pergola set up 🙌 Im jealous 😅 haha I’m sure you will enjoy it. Happy building!

[@amos616]

@@WoodshopDiaries ditto! Concrete is getting poured for it in two weeks and we’ve had the pergola kit in the garage forever (life kinda took over for a bit!) so it’ll be SO nice to get it up finally and furnished - not to mention more space in the garage / workshop without it in there!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s amazing! Good luck with the set up!

[@sandman2651]

Really enjoyed watching this build shara, its good to see different designs that look amazing

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful weekend!

[@JohnDoe-lc9yj]

Really great design. Definitely a quality piece of furniture for an affordable amount of money.

[@melissaabraham8826]

Love the couch build can’t wait to see the chairs that will match great job

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I can’t wait to share the chairs. I promise it’ll be soon! 🙌

[@franks122]

Excellent job as always, thanks for sharing.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching! Have a great weekend!

[@polgartibor1958]

Sarah you ist one amazing Woman , thank for video !!!!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Very nice build of outdoor furniture for your parents! They are going to enjoy this very much! I always admire your step by step approach and your plans always mirror your instruction video. Glad that Bubby was a big help as usual and I suppose that Lucy was admiring your work off camera! lol…. Have a great weekend and keep on building!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video 😊 Lucy always likes to chill right outside the shop door unless it’s raining. We haven’t had rain in several weeks 🙈 But Bubs likes to be in the middle of the action haha. I hope you had a great weekend and I really appreciate you watching!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

@@WoodshopDiaries …. We did indeed have a great weekend up in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Townsend! We had a great time for a close to home vacation! Thanks very much and I tell everyone about your channel. I hope it inspires at least one more person!

[@patrickperson1252]

a nouveau une nouvelle superbe réalisation Sarah félicitations sincère patrick

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@jimrosson6702]

Looks great very cool build

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I hope you have a great weekend!

[@johndean4810]

Love it! Just purchased the plans from your shopify. Grabbed the coffee table and chair plans too! It's going to be my Labor Day weekend project.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for your support of my small business! Happy building!

[@carolvalentine2407]

I always look forward your projects.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I really appreciate that 💕 thanks so much for following along!

[@cliff5240]

Looks very nice, great job!

[@NLeary]

I haven't even seen the chairs yet, but I'm already planning to build them! This outdoor sofa is just perfect - thanks for doing all the hard "figuring out" for me. ;)

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad you like the design! I’ll be sharing the chairs hopefully this weekend! 🙌

[@danielhanawalt4998]

Noe of the better designs I've seen.

[@Tukangkayu_ae]

Good job

[@you78mas]

Awesome build! Cute cat! 🐱 Thank you for sharing! 👍🏼👌🏼😊

[@zhyvchikbos]

Nice and inspiring video! I will probably also make a sofa for the garden!

[@jamespatrick5348]

Such a good communicator and brilliant design. I will use for my patio. Thanks!

[@jerrychetty2524]

Awesome work you are very good at this! 😍😎

[@heatherroydiy]

Looks great! I was looking at pattio furniture for our back deck! and I think I'm going to build this instead! I can not wait for the chairs!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s awesome to hear! Happy building! I enjoyed every second of building these and if you go for it, I hope you do as well! I’ll be sharing the chairs very soon 🙌

[@blankreg420]

sweet project much peace and love

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[@edilsonnascimento4148]

Essa mulher Mada muito bem parabéns 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@lovejones7545]

Shara, there's no such thing as a long introduction when it comes to your videos! My favorite part of all your videos! This outdoor sofa looks amazing and very well built. Looks better than a lot of outdoor furniture I've seen in stores. Can't wait to see the matching chairs.🤙🏾💯

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so Lucy! I’m so glad you enjoy the videos (even the ramblings haha). I truly appreciate you following along and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be sharing the matching chairs soon 🙌

[@Tyom-321]

Amazing result ❤

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@TM-it1vr]

Very cost-effective and practical

[@lamiglass1]

That turned out pretty awesome

[@Jacq28]

Awesome build, can’t wait for the chairs! Could you do a beginner woodworking video? Being a beginner myself I’m still having a hard time (still intimidated by the table saw) but a lot of your builds are on my project list because I appreciate the way you explain everything so well, so I’d love to hear your opinion on the beginner side of things or what you recommend/don’t recommend

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! Have you checked out my “getting started” resources? I’ve got tons of tips and posts about tools, basic how tos, picking and buying lumber, etc here: www.woodshopdiaries.com/getting-started/

[@chaudoyedavid2519]

Thanks for this job. You're the best 😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@donniemullins2719]

great build and on my project list

[@optimusal7905]

Nice project, will build one

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Happy building! 🙌

[@TheLesleymackay]

I'd be super interested to see this as an L-shaped sofa! I made a super basic one out of 2x6s for now but eventually, I'd definitely like to make one that's a little more professional looking like this!

[@dandufault7521]

Hey Shara- absolutely loving your channel and your work -you are *extremely* talented! I do have a question for you. Could you share how you determine the angles you used for the legs on this project? Thanks!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! For the angles, I just kind of guessed what I thought would look right for the back leg slope. Then once I had those, I built the rest of it around that angle

[@robertrobinson3525]

Looks amazing

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!

[@myronbedner989]

Another great video and a great job on the outdoors sofa

[@stevedsouza9843]

A great summer project!

[@harkiratsinghbhullar]

Very good job dear

[@pmapaez]

I just love the work you do

[@ogsan1296]

I love your AMAZING build. 1 question can you link me where you got the cushions. I am doing this in my back yard this year for sure. I like the way you detailed everything. Awesome project !!!!! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! Cushions are linked in the video description 😊 happy building!

[@matthewadams2011]

Hi Shara, these look amazing. You've inspired me to try woodworking. I'll be purchasing the the plans and tools but have one question. Was your cedar kiln dried or green?

[@jimgreenhouse214]

You must be a rocket scientist. My head was spinning when all those numbers were fling. Lol. It’s a beautiful build as usual.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hahaha I’m far from a rocket scientist 🤣 but I’m glad you enjoyed the build! I hope you have a great weekend!

[@christopheroppel7881]

Where are the cushions from? Great build btw I just got finish building mine today looks amazing thank you so much! Wish you could share pictures on youtube!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! That’s great to hear! 🙌 These are the cushions I used: amzn.to/3MWRoI8

[@DMAG-3200]

Good morning Shara, that came out very nice. Another great idea and great build. I love how bubby was so concerned he was in the way 😂 LOL! Have a nice weekend.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Good morning! Thank you! Yeah bubby is always concerned about his placement. He needs to make sure he’s in the way as much as possible 🤣 I hope you have a great weekend as well and I appreciate you watching! 🙌

[@mon2dan]

You are truly so awesome!! Love love seeing your videos!!

[@rodpotts2666]

Another great video, Girl knocking it out.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! 🙌 I really appreciate you watching!

[@bradhale7520]

Nice work my friend.

[@samme5513]

Very nice looks cool

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@joantriay7181]

Hi Shara. I’ve been trying to guess the brand of your sander in a couple of your videos but you don’t mention it in the description box. Would it be possible to know the brand of your blue sander, please? By the way, congratulations on your KZbin channel. Your work is amazing. And even your furniture is made with pocket holes, YES, it’s woodworking!! For those who think it is not.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! It’s a SurfPrep sander. I don’t link it because it’s pretty pricey. Full disclosure: they sent it to me and I bought the vacuum for it. I really love it. But I wouldn’t personally spend that much out of pocket on a sander so I don’t link it because I don’t want people to think you have to buy an expensive sander to build with. I used a $100 Bosch after my old Mirka died and before I got this one and it worked just as well. So I recommend it if you have the budget, but if not, there are plenty of just as good cheaper options. I hope that makes sense-I typed it in a hurry 🙈🤣

[@joantriay7181]

Thanks for your answer. I’m just a woodworking is just a hobby but I have some budget for some important tools, like sanders, that save a lot of time. Thanks again and best wishes from Spain. Happy building!!

[@jaybrunn1175]

It’s beautiful! Just one question. Are you happy with the angle of the back supports? Is it truly comfortable at that angle? Thanks for all the videos. I love watching them!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I am! It’s a super comfortable seat.

[@jaybrunn1175]

@@WoodshopDiaries thank you.

[@williampandaholiday]

Great quality, thanks for sharing

[@jackfoxxx68]

I love this! I'm going to build one to put around our new pool! Thank you so much for the video! Your parents are lucky to have someone so skilled. What do you think about putting a 1/4 round on some of the edges to give it a softer feel?

[@oatechaosincycles]

I'll bet cutting all of that cedar smelled so good!

[@SeRaPh-2]

Awesome built always 👍

[@scottmorris4914]

Good job. Looks really good, and I like the simplicity. I have a couple of questions. Did the cedar come from your HD store? Will the couch be undercover?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks! My local HD doesn’t carry cedar so I got it from a local building supplier who had to order it. It’s tough to come by around here. The couch will be on an uncovered patio.

[@ericamoreno70]

Awesome job, I can’t wait to try I just bought my plans! About how long did it take to build and finish the couch?

[@joelcopeland3018]

I'll adopt you and you can deliver me a set too...Lol... this looks great... Good job...

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Ahaha I don’t know if my parents would be willing to share 🤣 I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for watching 🙌

[@pamelamayfield4887]

Now a set of chairs and a coffee table. Great work

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’ll be sharing the chairs very soon 🙌

[@tinaedwards7044]

Beautiful

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! Have a great weekend!