FindWoodPlansWoodworking Plans
Home/Seating

Modular Outdoor Sectional from 2x4s and Cedar Fence Pickets

Modular sectional pieces can be arranged and rearranged for different seating arrangements. Make a giant bed for movie night, or individual chairs for a party - these individual pieces give you so many options! This is a DIY plan to use 2x4s and cedar fence pickets to build the modular sectional pieces. This plan is designed to work with 24" x 24" cushions, but can be easily adjusted for different sized cushions. Plans designed and built by Family DIYnamic.

Modular Outdoor Sectional from 2x4s and Cedar Fence Pickets

Specifications

Project typeSofa
RoomOutdoor
DifficultyBeginner Projects

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Modular Outdoor Sectional from 2x4s and Cedar Fence Pickets dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

For the chair/single seat

  • 2 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 - 5-1/2" wide x 6 feet long cedar fence pickets (not dog eared)
  • 20 - 2-1/2" star bit exterior appropriate screws (GRK or SPAX or similar)
  • 24 - 1-5/8" or similar length star bit exterior appropriate screws (GRK or SPAX or similar brands)

For the table/ottoman

  • 14 linear board feet of 2x4
  • 8 linear board feet of - 5-1/2" wide x 6 feet long cedar fence pickets (not dog eared)
  • 20 - 2-1/2" star bit exterior appropriate screws (GRK or SPAX or similar)
  • 16 - 1-5/8" or similar length star bit exterior appropriate screws (GRK or SPAX or similar brands)

Cut List

For the chair/single seat

  • 2 - 2x4 @ 23.5" - Back legs
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 12" - Front legs
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 23" - Sides
  • 3 - 2x4 @ 20.75" - middle supports
  • 6 - Cedar fence pickets @ 23 3/4” (two 6’ pickets cut equally)

For the table/ottoman

  • 4 - 2x4 @ 12" - legs
  • 2- 2x4 @ 21" - sides
  • 3 - 2x4 @ 20.75" - middle supports
  • 4 - Cedar fence pickets @ 23 3/4", (6’ cedar fence picket cut equally)

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • safety glasses
  • drill
  • circular saw
  • sander

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Attach legs to sides with two 2-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws per joint.

For the ottoman, all is flush to top of legs and to the outsides. Note the ottoman sides are 21" (not the same length as the chair sides - see next diagram). For the chair, the front legs are flush to top and outside. The back leg is attached so the top of the side is 12" from the bottom to match the front legs. You can use a front leg to mark the attachment point. Make sure you build the chair pieces in mirror as shown in the diagram.

Modular Outdoor Sectional from 2x4s and Cedar Fence Pickets — step 1
2

Step 2

Attach the middle supports to the leg sets using two 2-1/2" long self tapping star bit screws per joint.

Modular Outdoor Sectional from 2x4s and Cedar Fence Pickets — step 2
3

Step 3

Space the cedar fence pickets out on top of the chair frames. Attach with 1-5/8" long self tapping star bit screws, two per joint.

Modular Outdoor Sectional from 2x4s and Cedar Fence Pickets — step 3
4

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/modular-outdoor-sectional-2x4s-and-cedar-fence-pickets