Sean and I are finally creating a fun outdoor space.  The first thing on the list was to make an outdoor couch.  I originally thought about building one out of pallets because 1. cheap. 2. easy.  but Sean wasn’t a big fan of the pallet idea.  So after searching online I stumbled across Ana White’s plan for an outdoor sectional using 2×4’s and Sean approved.So to the lumber store we went.  We opted to go with cedar 5/4 decking in a tight knot, vs the typical 2×4 because it was like half the price.  I think the total we spent was just shy of $260 and that included the 230ft of wood, wood glue and a 5lb tub of screws.And keep in mind, we paid “island prices” so for those of you wanting to make this and don’t live here, you could probably get away with paying like half of that.  hashtag- first world ‘island’ problems.

We didn’t follow Ana White’s plans exactly.  We had to tweak it a bit to fit our ((awesome)) cushions we had custom made from Sunbrella and to factor in the fact we went with the 5/4 boards instead of what she used.  Let’s just say it’s a good thing Sean’s good at figuring those kind of things out 🙂The couch is built in two separate pieces – first the main couch and then you add on the sectional.
Technically we could one day put an arm on the end of the smaller piece and have ourselves a couch and loveseat, but for now we’ll just leave it as a sectional…but I do kind of like that idea.  Ana White also has plans for a matching outdoor chair and coffee table.  Sean, just think of all the things we’re gonna make 😉       I’m so happy with how everything turned out.  I stained the couch with a Minwax brand stain called Special Walnut and I love how it looks against the white cushions.  I knew I wanted good quality cushions where the fabric was removable and washable because – hi, I live in Washington and I have a big brown dog named Pedro.  I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to team up with Sunbrella on this project.  They were so great to work with.  We went with their fabric called Sailcloth Salt in their Elements collection and I couldn’t be happier with them.

Next up on the list is building a fireplace.  I’m super excited for this space to unfold and hopefully fill it with lots of strung lights and friends and bbq’s and all the outdoor movies.