Plate No. 05 What you are building
Outdoor sofa plans for the look of a high-end designer platform sofa, built from ordinary 2x4 and 2x6 lumber for a fraction of the price. If you can put together flat-pack furniture, you can build this: numbered steps with one clear drawing each, a parts list with letters, a cut list and a shopping list for every piece.
The build: a low boxy platform sofa with a floating plinth base, wide solid flat arms (7 in wide, same depth as the sofa, flush with the back), tight horizontal slats on the arms and on the tall back, and a deck under the seat. It is sized for thick, deep standard cushions: 24 x 24 x 6 in seat cushions and 24 x 18 x 6 in back cushions, one of each per seat. Seat height is 15 in, the back is 30 in tall, depth is 29 in. Versions: 3-seat sofa (7 ft 2 in wide), loveseat (5 ft 2 in), lounge chair (3 ft 2 in), an armless middle module (2 ft 2 in) that uses the same parts and lets you make a longer run, and a matching 48 x 24 x 14 in low slatted coffee table. Every piece is built from just 2x4 and 2x6 boards, with a saw, a drill and a tape measure (a pocket-hole jig is optional). Weekend build for the sofa, an afternoon for the table. Finish it in weathered teak or natural tones.
Who these plans are for
First-time builders who can follow flat-pack instructions and want a designer-look outdoor sofa for a fraction of the price, with a shopping list for the lumberyard.
How the set works
Pick your piece, check the cushion sizes, learn the part letters, then follow the numbered steps with one drawing each, with the cut list and the shopping list for the sofa, loveseat, lounge chair, armless middle module or coffee table, plus finishing, a budget planner and a yearly check log.
Sheets inside
Pick your piece, Cushions and sizes, How to read the plans, Tools and hardware, then for each piece: the finished piece and the parts (with the cut list), one page per numbered step, and the shopping list and hardware. Also Finishing and care, Budget planner, Yearly check log and a Quick-reference card.
- Materials cost workbook (Excel and Google Sheets)
- Every sheet as its own printable page (ZIP)
- Printable plans (PDF)
- How to open the workbook in Google Sheets (PDF)
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Price the build before you buy a board
These are the materials lists from the plans themselves, priced at typical US home-center prices. Type your own prices to see your total. Hardware and finishes link to Amazon so you can compare.
Estimates are our typical US home-center prices, not Amazon prices; check current prices where you buy. They change with your region and the lumber market. Amazon links are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Before you build
How much does it cost to build the Coastal Platform Sofa?
Our estimate for the materials in the 3-seat sofa is about $340 to $490 at typical home-center prices. Lumber prices vary a lot by region and season, so the plan set includes a workbook where you type your own prices and the total works itself out.
What sizes are included?
This set includes 3-seat sofa, Loveseat, Lounge chair, Armless middle module and Coffee table, each with its own drawings, cut list and materials list.
Do I need advanced woodworking skills?
First-time builders who can follow flat-pack instructions and want a designer-look outdoor sofa for a fraction of the price, with a shopping list for the lumberyard.
Are these engineered plans?
No. They are generic DIY plans, not engineered or stamped drawings. Each member is checked against a stated design load, and the design basis is printed in the plans, but you are responsible for safe construction, local codes and safe use.
How do I get the files?
Right after checkout you land on your download page with the PDF, the workbook and a ZIP of every sheet. Stripe also emails your receipt. Bookmark the page to download again later.
What if they are not what I expected?
Write to us within 30 days and we will fix the problem or refund you. See the guarantee page for details.
This is a digital download, no physical item ships. These plans are a guide only: build at your own risk, use outdoor-rated lumber and exterior screws, and check every screw and joint at least once a year. Cushions and pillows are not included. Colors can look a little different on your screen and printer. For personal use only; please do not resell or share the files.
