DIY garden day bed

Build an outdoor daybed for lazy days enjoying the freshness of spring in the air. Our daybed is perfect for a shady spot in the garden, or on the patio or deck.

 

YOU WILL NEED:

Laminated pine or meranti board

A	2	22 x 200mm cut to length 1420mm	bed side
B	2	22 x 200mm cut to length 1890mm	bed side

This size allows for a standard double mattress. Adjust for different mattress size.

C	4	100 x 100mm cut to length 400mm	legs
D	16	22 x 200mm cut to length 80mm	leg cleats
E	2	22 x 50mm cut to length 1530mm	side railing
F	2	22 x 50mm cut to length 1016mm	side railing
G	2	22 x 70mm cut to length 1890mm	side slats
H	2	22 x 70mm cut to length 700mm	side slats
I	6	22 x 70mm cut to length 500mm	side supports
J	4	22 x 50mm cut to length 1374mm	base supports

Sheet of plywood cut to size 1370 x 1885mm
[6] Hex bolts and nuts
Half-shank cut screws
Ponal wood glue

HERE'S HOW:

1. Assembly the frame by screwing A to B. Use a countersink bit to sink the screws below the surface of the wood.

DIY Tip
Use half-shank cut screws so that you will not need to drill pilot holes.

Use a corner clamp to hold the sections together firmly, or have someone hold the pieces while joining.

Corner Clamps
You will find a variety of clamps at your local Builders Warehouse. Simple corner clamps have a pin that is turned to tighten and hold the board in position. A quick-release clamp is my personal favourite. It's easy to use and holds the pieces firmly in position during joining. Visit www.vermontsales.co.za for details on the full range.

1. Attach the legs to the inside corners using [4] cleats per leg - see image below. Countersink each hole and attach the cleats to the frame using cut screws. The legs should be attached leaving 50mm from the top of each leg to the top of the daybed so the mattress can fit inside the frame.

2. To hold the plywood base and mattress in place, attach a pine railing of 22 x 50mm boards all the way around the bed at the same height as the top of the legs and cleats - see image above.

3. To add more stability for pillows, create a backrest using 22 x 70mm planks for the vertical (I) and horizontal (G & H) supports. Secure the backrest together using wood screws or nails and after drilling pilot holes, attach it to the frame using hex bolts and nuts.

4. Cut three or four slats (J) and space them out across the railings. Put the plywood on top.

5. Apply Prominent Paints Wood Primer as per instructions and then use Prominent Paints Non-Drip Enamel (chocolate brown) to paint all the boards. Once dry, use 120-grit sandpaper to sand the edges for a worn look.