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I’ve been pretty busy this past month, which was the inspiration for my “Embracing the Calm” post a couple of weeks ago. If you haven’t read it, it’s worth a read (although I might be a little biased). I helped my sister move into her new apartment (out-of-state), the hubs and I also had a wedding (also out-of-state), and I’ve been busy with work. While I wouldn’t change anything I’ve done this month because I had fun doing it, I am down-right exhausted. So this coming month I’ll be taking more “me time” by embracing my calm and getting back to my restful, peaceful self.

On top of all that above, I wanted to give my sister some seating for her small, yet adorable patio. She definitely loves the outdoors, and one of the few reasons she chose this apartment over any others was that it was close to work (like walking distance) and it provided an outdoor space. When we were moving in a few weeks ago, we measured her patio (10’x10′) and roughly laid out where her bench would go, making sure it would fit. I knew she’d be visiting over Memorial Day weekend, so it had to be completed by then.

I was fairly confident in this build as I build two patio sofas for my own deck a couple of years ago. This time around though, I had more knowledge and more tools :). Knowing that this build needed to be more custom and petite, I modified these plans from The Handyman’s Daughter and these plans from Ana White to fit either the indoor/outdoor bench seat pad from the Christmas Tree Shop or the patio loveseat cushion from Lowes. Make sure you download either of the plans above for complete instructions and drawings.

I had a bunch of leftover 2×4 scraps for this projects, so I only needed to buy 5 – 2x4x8′ boards. My car will only fit boards up to 8′ in length, but based on the cut list below you can figure out how many 2x4x8′ boards you will need, or you can alter then to 2x4x10′ if your vehicle will allow.

Cut list:

8 – 2×4 @ 45″

7 – 2×4 @ 18.5″

2 – 2×4 @ 21.5″

4 – 2×4 @ 25.5″

Tools:

2.5″ pocket hole screws

2.5″ exterior decking screws

Mini Kreg Jig

Miter Saw

Drill

Measuring tape

Sander

Favorite Exterior Stain (optional)

Instructions:

Cut all of your wood first.

I then started with my scrap pieces of wood and assembled the arms and legs of the loveseat first. I used mostly all pocket hole screws for the loveseat (something I didn’t do with my sofas) to ensure a secure fit.

• I drilled 2 pocket holes into one end of each 25.5″ leg piece. I then attached them via pocket hole screws to the 21.5″ arm pieces with the pocket holes facing inward.
• Next I drilled 2 pocket holes into both ends of the 18.5″ pieces. I then attached 2 – 18.5″ pieces to the legs 12.5″ up from the bottom keeping the pocket holes facing downward.
• I then attached an 18.5″ brace under the middle arm piece, flush with the legs. This is how you will attach the arms to the seat later.

I then assembled the frame for the seat using pocket holes.

• Attach 2 – 45″ together with 3 – 18.5″ pieces using pocket hole screws. The 18.5″ pieces will serve as 2 ends and 1 middle brace.

Next, attach each arm/leg piece to the frame.

• I pre-drilled holes through the brace to prevent splitting and used 2.5″ decking screws to attach the frame to the arm brace.
• For additional security to prevent wobble, I added 2.5″ pocket hole screws to the interior of each 45″ piece to secure them to each leg.

Attach 5 – 45″ slats to the seat frame 1″ apart using 2.5″ screws. Predrill the holes to prevent splintering and countersink the screws to prevent them from ripping the cushion.

Lastly, attach the back of the loveseat.

• Drill pocket holes on each end of the last 45″ piece.
• Attach to the back of the loveseat – keeping pocket holes facing outward.

I then gave it a quick sand using 80 grit sandpaper. I then used my favorite decking stain to make my sister’s outdoor loveseat waterproof!

I absolutely love it, but my sister does too which is most important! I can’t wait until I have pictures of a finished patio to share!