DIY A Comfy Outdoor Sofa For Your Backyard Using IKEA Storage Boxes

IKEA can be a gold mine for budget-friendly furniture, but it also has great pieces that can be the building blocks for stellar DIY projects. Take the NÄMMARÖ storage boxes, for example. You can transform two of the wooden storage containers into an outdoor sofa by adding an armrest and cushions. In addition to the boxes, you'll need a few mending plates, L-brackets, 2 ½-inch deck screws, wood planks, and a drill.

The NÄMMARÖ storage boxes ($110 each) act as the base for the outdoor sofa. Since the wood is treated for protection against stains and the elements, it will be fine to leave outside. Plus, IKEA even recommends using the storage container as an extra seat, so it's durable enough for this job. Aside from the arm rest, you can also extend the seat to add depth and make it more comfortable to lounge in. It is a DIY outdoor furniture project you can start right now, with all these modifications able to be completed in one evening. With a little drilling, you'll have a stylish custom outdoor sofa constructed all from storage boxes.

First, you'll need to build the storage boxes and connect the two crates with a mending plate. Line the plate up along the joining seam for the boxes, mark where the screws will go, drill pilot holes (this prevents the wood from cracking), and mount the mending plate in place. For the armrest, you need two 2-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot planks. Each plank needs to be cut into four pieces: one 21 ¼ inches, two 24 ½ inches, and one 18 ¼ inches. This will create the rectangular frame for each armrest. The 21 ¼-inch piece will be the top of the armrest. Using the deck screws, attach either 24 ½-inch piece on the underside of the top rail. Then, screw the remaining 18 ¼-inch board between the bottom of the side pieces. Repeat the process with the other plank to complete the second armrest.

Once the armrests are assembled, stain the wood a warm brown that will best match the color of the NÄMMARÖ storage boxes. You can also create contrast by staining it a different shade, leaving the wood raw, or painting it a fun color. After the wood dries, use an L-bracket to screw the armrest in place. Right now, your build might look more like a bench than a sofa. Place some cushions and it can be chic outdoor seating. However, adding extra depth to the seat and a backrest can really upgrade this IKEA hack.

To add depth to the seat, you'll need two 2-inch by 6-inch by 8-foot planks. Cut the boards into one 63-inch piece and three 16 ¼-inch pieces. Then, use the deck screws to attach the short pieces on either end and the middle of the 63-inch board. Similarly, to the armrest, you can stain the back support to match, paint it, or leave it unstained. This beam will be added to the back of the storage boxes to extend the seat. The extra few inches will make the couch cozier. Now, attach the support beam to the NÄMMARÖ storage boxes using two mending plates on either end.

To upgrade the outdoor sofa even more, you can add a backrest. This way the couch doesn't have to be propped against a wall or fence for you to enjoy leaning back. You'll need three more 2-inch by 6-inch by 8-foot planks. Cut two 63-inches pieces and four 16 ¼-inch pieces. First, lay one 63-inch piece horizontally, then the other underneath it spaced an inch apart. Next, align and drill the 16 ¼-inch pieces vertically to connect the planks. They should be equidistant apart, with the excess length at the bottom. This will create the backrest. Feel free to paint or stain it like the other modifications. Finally, attach the backrest to the back support beam with screws. Don't forget the cushions. Now, you know how to maximize your outdoor living space using IKEA storage boxes.