Most home projects are practical. Fixing something that is broken. Improving something that will make your daily life better. Increasing property value etc.
Then there are projects that are none of the above.
They are the impractical high heels of the home world. Did you need them? No. Are you going to wear them to walk the dog, or get the groceries? Not a chance. But are they absolutely gorgeous, sexy as hell, and so very impractical that they were bought solely out of love? Absolutely.
Our outdoor daybed project is the 6″ hot pink stilettos of home improvement.
…and I LOVE IT.
Before:
AFTER:
Here is how we did it:
The structure for the daybed was built using pressure treated 2×4’s. The back of the daybed was securely attached to the deck support posts, and the rest of the frame built as a box around it. (similar to how you would build a deck)
It was all assembled with deck screws. It was built to fit a twin size mattress, with a bit of room to spare at one end for a small built-in table.
After the frame was built, it was clad with 1×6 fence board. We broke out our new Ryobi cordless brad nailer, and it made quick work of the job.
We trimmed the edge where the skirt met the seat of the daybed with a 1×2. This way you would not see any unfinished boards and the edge of the daybed would not be rough against your legs. (Here you an see the trim in progress & Odin helping of course.)
I had lots of trouble finding an economical cushion. So in the end, I headed to Ikea and picked up a twin size 4″ thick foam mattress.
I would love to have a custom cover made for it, but until then an inexpensive twin size fitted sheet works perfectly.
All the linens come in each night, and in the winter, the Ikea mattress can be rolled up for easy storage.
It is incredibly comfortable. Great for lounging or having a nap. It’s my new favorite spot for reading my book with a cold beverage in hand. We are going to get a lot of use out of the daybed this summer!
Do you have an outdoor daybed? Would you try your hand at building one?
SOURCE LIST:
Materialst:
8 – 2×4 8′ pressure treated c/o Home Depot Canada
14 – 1×6 6′ pressure treated fence boards c/o Home Depot Canada
1 – 2×2 8′ pressure treated (cut in half to make a 1×2 as a trim piece) c/o Home Depot Canada
Deck screws
Galvanized brad nails (1 1/2″)Twin size foam mattress
Twin size fitted sheet
Decorative pillows
[Plant Pot – Home Depot, Candle holders – Dollarama, Concrete Candle – Loblaws, Mattress – Ikea, Sheet – HomeSense, Pillows – Ikea & HomeSense, Blanket – West Elm]
Tools Used:
Miter Saw
Drill
Ryobi Cordless Brad Nailer
Measuring Tape
Difficulty Level (on a scale of 1-5):
Total Cost: $200
*Home Depot Canada provided a gift card to aid us in our project.
This looks so good!! So in love. I wanted to use an ikea mattress for an outdoor couch type set up but I wasn’t sure how it would work. Do you leave the mattress out all the time? Or take it in with the linens? I would worry about it getting messed up out in the rain but I guess it’s not much different then a foam chair pad hey?
I take it inside. Everything seems to get filthy when left outdoors at our house, even our outdoor wood & painted furniture requires a wipe down every week. If it was covered, I’d probably consider leaving it out!
Sorry, I disagree. That gorgeous daybed is totally practical. Do you need it? Hell yes! Can you walk the dog on it? No, but he can laze around on it with you while you work up the energy to walk him. Will it give you incentive to go out for groceries like cold drinks? Absolutely. See? Totally practical.
Love, love, LOVE this day bed (and your Odin) – this was my first visit to your blog and I’ll definitely be back.
Thanks Hilary! We’re happy to have you!
I love this! You get some great sun in that area as well. I would never move if I had this at my place. Naps all the time!
I could definitely use one of those- awesome!
Your daybed looks very cool and just perfect in that space – like it was meant to be!
Looks really good! I love a spot to relax in and just kick back. Your project turned out wonderful!
It’s so comfortable, I have a hard time getting up and getting anything accomplished. Like mopping…or dusting…or laundry! Who needs clean socks, right?
Is it awkward if I tell you I want to lay in your bed?… awesome project, looks so comfortable, perfect for suntanning too (not that I do a lot of that, just sayin)
BAH HA HA! LOL! You’re welcome to come on over and lay on our bed anytime, you just have to kick the dog off first 😉 !
pure genius! and your dog is ADORABLE!
He is a very excellent helper. The moment the last seat board went on, he jumped up to check it out (testing it for stability I’m sure).
No, I do not have one. Now I MUST have one! It looks so cozy and a perfect spot to take an afternoon nap! Also, good call on the IKEA mattress!
I cant wait to have a nap on it. I just have to find a shade solution so I don’t turn into a lobster in the sun! The Ikea foam mattress was way cheaper than anything else I could find! Even cheaper than sketchy foam guys on Craigslist!
I love it! You should cover the cushion in outdoor fabric that you can remove to wash to that it repels water from the cushion. No one likes the chore of bringing things in and out 🙂
I would love an outdoor cover. I was looking at all the lovely Tonic Living fabrics this morning! The hardest part will be choosing a pattern.
Love this project! Will def. keep something like this in mind for our future outdoor deck!
I cannot recommend it enough. I am kicking myself for not building it sooner!
Okay… this is fabulous! I love your twin-sheet hack, and hoooo boy… am I jealous of that brad nailer. It’s on my “must-get” list before we move into our new house.
You guys are so creative. I wish you were my neighbours, so I could invite you over for a drink (and to help me)!
That brad nailer is one of my new fave tools. It just makes such short work of everything! (and a bonus point, the dog inst afraid of it, like he is of our big compressor & brad nailer.)
You’re always welcome for a drink on the deck if you’re in Toronto!!
Ooh, I love it! I would love to have something like this… I’ve been thinking about building some proper outdoor couches or something of the like ever since we moved it, but… when the sneakers of the reno world need addressing, the stilettos fall pretty low on the list… (LOVE your metaphor!)
Yes the sneakers of the reno world! Those supportive shoes complete with orthopedic inserts, always take the reno time and money. But sometimes…you need to have a little fun. Like MOTORCYCLES. Those are super fun!