Outdoor Seating
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Outdoor Seating
68 Outdoor Patio Ideas and Designs for Backyards and Rooftops
These outdoor patio designs will turn your backyard, terrace, or rooftop into your own oasis
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With warm weather comes the urge to soak up the sun, dine al fresco, and lounge poolside. If you’re looking to create a backyard oasis, these outdoor patio ideas will give you plenty of stunning inspiration. Discover 68 gorgeous patio designs, including inventive patios that are as practical as they are arresting. A daybed repurposed as a chaise, a banquette strewn with colorful pillows and cushions, a lounge suspended from the ceiling: These inviting displays are more than just seating options—they create intimacy, make clever use of space, and are conversation starters in their own right. Get inspired and create your own savvy interpretation to fit your space (even if it’s just a fire escape or balcony!).
At her Hamptons home, interior designer Muriel Brandolini fashioned a colorful sitting area using a long custom-made teak sofa topped with vibrant accent pillows.
Painter Olivier Mourao devised a dreamy seating area at his Ibiza oasis using a white sofa and adding flowing curtains for a touch of privacy.
Bright white cushions line the built-in benches of a Morocco home’s sun-splashed terrace.
Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan achieve contemporary cool at their Shelter Island pool pavilion with a mod sectional sofa and array of colorful pillows.
In Mexico, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber constructed their outdoor living room entirely from Niwala limestone, topping off the seating with cushions in matching neutral hues.
The Manhattan triplex of entrepreneur Michael Hirtenstein boasts an ultra-sleek outdoor living room of solid mahogany. The rounded seating area wraps around the custom-made firepit.
An inviting dining area is set against the back wall of a New York City home’s lush garden.
Actor Jane Fonda created majestic outdoor seating for the terrace of her New Mexico ranch with a brass bed and mesmerizing Pakistani fabrics.
On a rooftop lounge in Mexico, concrete benches topped with plush cushions are joined by a trio of wicker chairs in front of the blazing fireplace.
Another great patio idea is turning the space into a lush courtyard, like the one shown here in Sig Bergamin’s São Paulo home.
At his vacation home in Mexico, George Clooney devised a dapper courtyard ready for entertaining using a spacious L-shaped sofa and handsome striped armchairs.
Even a narrow space can be completely transformed into a dreamy patio. Vine-covered columns, a lush lawn, and Ralph Lauren Home chairs turn this outdoor patio in San José del Cabo, Mexico into the perfect spot for outdoor relaxation.
For her Madrid home, decorator Isabel López-Quesada fashioned a romantic courtyard with an antique-inspired daybed and matching chairs.
Partly shaded by a steel pergola, the ipe-wood terrace at an Austin, Texas, home is furnished with a selection of Sutherland tables and seating; the pillows and cushions are all covered in Perennials fabrics.
A courtyard at the Malibu, California, retreat of film producer Avi Arad is furnished with Dedon side chairs, a Kenneth Cobonpue chair and sofa with cushions clad in a Donghia fabric, and a Sutherland cocktail table; the sconces are from Michael Haskell Antiques.
At an Aspen, Colorado, home by architects Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and Shelton, Mindel & Associates, a sunken outdoor seating area is furnished with an armchair, an ottoman, a modular sofa, and a side table, all by Kettal.
The fourth-floor terrace of a Kengo Kuma–designed residence in Japan is shaded by a fabric canopy. The geometric lines of the outdoor furniture echo the vertical louvers on the exterior wall, which allow light into the home while ensuring privacy.
At Richard Mishaan’s Cartagena, Colombia, retreat, bougainvillea and an ocean vista enliven the rooftop terrace; the seating is by Restoration Hardware, and Mishaan designed the red pillow fabrics for Stark.
London plane trees shade this poolside dining area at a home in Northern California by April Powers and Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects with landscaping by Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture; the director’s chairs are by Janus et Cie, and the tables were custom-made by Buddy Rhodes Concrete Products.
Edward Siegel created the trellis and fireplace for the rooftop terrace of a Manhattan apartment. The slate paving is from Stone Source, the daybeds and glass-top tables are by Dedon, and the pillows are made of Sunbrella and Janus et Cie fabrics. The plantings are by Miguel Pons Landscaping and Matthias Kirwald Landscaping.
Adding a dining table is one of the best patio ideas. Your table will be the seat of magical midsummer dinners, warm-weather brunches, and sunrise coffee sips. The stunning zinc-top dining table on this Manhattan terrace is by Lucca Antiques.
The outdoor dining area of a Los Angeles bachelor pad by design firm Commune features a picnic table and benches by Piet Hein Eek from Frozen Fountain and a Franz West chain light from Kimcherova.
The terrace of Ellen Pompeo's home in Sag Harbor is a relaxed spot for family dinners.
Kiwi vines shade a terrace at the Maine home of Martha Stewart. The dining area is furnished with a Charles Rennie Mackintosh–style teak table and chairs by R. L. White and Son.
This gorgeous patio in Seattle, Washington, blends bright colors and breezy patio furniture with abundant greenery.
The rear terrace at Ralph Lauren’s home in Bedford, New York, is used for dining and entertaining. Large umbrellas shade the stylish spot.
A cushioned concrete seating area with a firepit offers a cozy spot for relaxing outdoors at the home of Patrick Dempsey.
The sunken outdoor seating area at a Palos Verdes, California, home provides a warm refuge with or without a fire, as even a small amount of sunlight is enough to warm the concrete. The Japanese blood grass’s red tips become fiery blades at sunset.
Potted plants not only dot the patio, but they are also placed on a large table to create a lush garden on a city patio.
This terrace at James and Jennifer Belushi’s Los Angeles home overlooks the pool and the rear garden, which was landscaped by Mia Lehrer. The wrought-iron furniture gives the space a polished yet casual feel.
Ralph Lauren chief retail creative officer Alfredo Paredes and writer Brad Goldfarb divided the expansive terrace of their Manhattan apartment into several entertaining areas, including one with a cluster of teak furnishings and another with a zinc dining table surrounded by vintage chairs.
At an estate on the Caribbean island of Mustique designed by architect Luboš Kráčmar with decorator Grant White, the airy veranda includes furniture from Bali and an assortment of printed throw pillows. The doorway and quoins are made of concrete treated to resemble coral.
At Sting and Trudie Styler’s farm in Tuscany , landscape designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd conceived a mix of intimate and grand outdoor spaces. An oak tree shades a gravel dining area, where lunch is often served.
Hanging loungers are suspended on the sleeping porch of a charming Northern California home, allowing plenty of room for rest and play.
At Anderson Cooper’s Brazillian retreat , the main cottage’s covered patio is furnished with a mix of terra-cotta pendant lights, a custom-made table, and a pair of antique farm benches.
Ken Tate created this classically inspired loggia during the renovation of a home he had originally designed. French doors in the living and dining rooms open onto the gracious space and echo the arches of the colonnade.
Flowering vines adorn the rustic log arbor surrounding the outdoor dining area of designer Ellen Denisevich-Grickis’s Rhode Island retreat . Unmilled oak trees were used to create the structure, which spans almost the entire rear façade of the 18th-century barn.
Earthy neutrals and plenty of plants give this patio a relaxing yet relatable vibe.
An outdoor fireplace warms this stone terrace at the Malibu home of designer and antiques dealer Richard Shapiro, who furnished the space with rattan and wicker chairs and striped fabrics.
The fun mix of colors and textures gives this outdoor patio design a fresh and modern feel. We love how they layered multiple outdoor rugs together to create a unique look.
The architecture firm Ike Kligerman Barkley used outdoor rooms to extend a house in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, into the surrounding landscape. This veranda offers panoramic views over the infinity pool to the ocean beyond.
The rear terrace of Ralph and Ricky Lauren’s ivy-covered home in Bedford, New York , features relaxed seating for entertaining and offers views of the 250-acre property’s sprawling lawn.
The pool and terrace serve as the focal point of designer Greg Jordan’s V-shaped Hollywood Hills residence . The exterior space even informs the interiors—a pair of sofas in the living room are aligned with the cypress trees.
On the rear terrace of a Los Angeles home designed by Silvia Kuhle and Jeffrey Allsbrook of the architecture firm Standard, Summit Furniture armchairs are upholstered in a Perennials outdoor fabric.
Antique stone tables and vintage Italian chairs occupy the outdoor breakfast area of a Laguna Beach, California, home constructed in collaboration with Teale Architecture.
The loggia of a Las Vegas home by Atelier AM overlooks boxwood parterres designed by Robert E. Truskowski and a reflecting pool that culminates with John McCracken’s sculpture White Light.
This is another one of those rooftop patio ideas we can all get behind. This patio is off the master suite in a Lee Mindel–designed Manhattan penthouse and furnished with outdoor furniture by Kettal.
Trip Haenisch decorated the Bel Air, California, home of actor Hank Azaria, his partner, Katie Wright, and their son, Hal. Honeysuckle climbs the trellis of the outdoor living room, which is furnished with Haenisch-designed seating upholstered in Perennials outdoor fabrics; the cocktail table is by Holly Hunt.
The roof terrace of the guest casita of a San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, home provides stunning views of the town and its surroundings. The sofa and chairs are teak.
Off the meditation room of a California house by Dirk Denison, a roof deck doubles as a dining area. The built-in teak daybed has cushions and pillows of Perennials outdoor fabric.
Designer Brad Dunning updated this 1957 home in the Beverly Hills Trousdale enclave for Eric Kranzler. Case Study outdoor furniture by Modernica surrounds a custom-made firepit on the terrace.
A poolside lounge at a Nashville, Tennessee, home features a pendant lantern by Ames Ingham and a barrel-back chair from Dennis Miller Associates; the Robert Bristow dining table and benches are from Ralph Pucci International, and the cushions on the sofa, lounge chairs, and dining chairs are covered in a Perennials fabric.
The pool terrace at Victoria Hagan’s Connecticut house is outfitted with a cocktail table by Janus et Cie; the chair cushions are covered in a Ralph Lauren Home canvas and the ceramic taborets are from Bungalow.
A Ben Jones dog sculpture is displayed on the slate-paved terrace of a London home.
This patio makes excellent use of a neutral palette. The natural colors and textures, plus ample outdoor seating, create another one of our favorite outdoor patio ideas.
On the rear porch of a Juan-Montoya-designed home in Southampton, New York, wicker seating surrounds a teak table by Andrianna Shamaris.
A Piranesi-inspired mural by Miguel Rivero and Eduardo Cortes overlooks the pool at dealers David Serrano and Robert Willson’s Mérida, Mexico, home, which was renovated by Bohl Architects. The griffin statues and terra-cotta chair are from the couple’s Los Angeles shop, Downtown, while the mosaic-tile panel leaning against the wall is 1940s Italian.
A terrace with furnishings by Janus et Cie at Joan and Sandy Weill’s Sonoma Valley home.
Arranged near the outdoor fireplace of a Southampton home by Carrier and Company Interiors and architect John David Rose are Country Casual sofas and chairs cushioned in a Sunbrella fabric.
A vine-covered trellis tops a dining terrace at the Brazil retreat of Valentino brand ambassador Carlos Souza; the artwork visible through the doors is a Fernando Botero drawing of a woman in a Valentino dress.
At a Manhattan duplex designed by John Pawson, the stone-paved terrace, off the living-dining area, overlooks the Hudson River and New Jersey.
The terrace of designer Madeline Stuart’s Santa Barbara, California, getaway serves as an alfresco dining room, featuring a teak table by Janus et Cie and Palecek chairs; the star pendant light is by Reborn Antiques.
At a family's retreat on the Greek island of Spetses, park-style chairs surround a pair of hearty antique refectory tables on a terrace; decorator Isabel López-Quesada and architect Nikos Moustroufis designed the property, which includes a main dwelling and two smaller adjoining residences.
The terrace of Jay McInerney and Anne Hearst’s New York penthouse, shaded by an awning made of a Sunbrella fabric, was landscaped by Stuart Schechter of Interior Design Foliage. The tables are by Richard Schultz, and the sofa is by Carlos Motta for Espasso, as is the armchair, whose seat cushions are clad in a Perennials fabric.
At decorator Sara Story’s family compound in Texas, a sleek sectional sofa provides ample seating around the firepit.
A string of lights can transform any outdoor space into a romantic wonder. Even if you have a small patio or balcony, hanging up some string lights makes a big impact.
A rustic daybed furnishes the open-air garden room of a house in Umbria, Italy.
On the verdant grounds of a Long Island home, a series of teak tables and benches provide room for a grand gathering.
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Lots of people are asking how we built the custom outdoor sofa. I’m not going to lie… Emmett and I weren’t exactly sure how it was going to turn out because we’ve never built anything like this before, but I can gladly say it’s probably my favorite part of the backyard! It’s larger than our living room sofa and provides comfortable, durable seating on the patio. If you’re willing to put in the time, energy, and elbow grease, this gorgeous project is calling your name. Click through for the tutorial…
I had initially sketched an idea of a stucco sofa when planning the backyard. Emmett was super skeptical of my idea and did a TON of research prior to agreeing to help me build this thing. I’m really satisfied with the end result and it honestly exceeded my expectations. Here’s everything on the supply list:
Step 1 // Plan and prep the area. We actually sourced the cushions prior to building the structure, which tremendously helped with planning. If you’re going the custom route, it really won’t matter. This is only important if you’re purchasing readymade outdoor cushions. Once we had the dimensions of the cushions, we planned how large we wanted the structure to be. Emmett tripled checked his math and we began prep!
Prepping the area is a lot like prepping for a paver patio . We dug out the area, tamped the ground, and added some fine gravel prior to setting our cinderblocks. The key is to make sure everything is level.
Step 2 // Begin setting the blocks. Stack the cinder blocks in a running bond (brick) pattern until you reach your desired size and shape. We opted to leave our sofa hollow inside, so we can use it for storage if needed… this tutorial sticks to our exact process. Use a level to make sure everything is nice and square! It will actually start to look like a sofa frame right away.
Step 3 // Secure the cinderblocks. Once the blocks are perfectly set, it’s time to make them permanent and secure. This part is arguably the worst. It takes a little muscle, but I did this step entirely on my own without Emmett’s help. So lady friends… if you’re worried you need a super strong guy to help you out, I bet you’ll be ok on your own (girl power!!) .
Insert one piece of rebar into every other hole, hammering it down with a mallet until it is flush with the top cinderblock, as shown below.
Once all of the rebar rods have been installed, mix up concrete and pour the concrete into the holes surrounding the rebar. You only have to pour concrete into the holes containing rebar rods (every other one) . This ensures the structure stays together and won’t shift with time.
Allow the concrete to cure overnight before beginning the next step. You want to make sure it’s nice and sturdy.
Step 4 // Add the caps. Next, you’ll want to use concrete cap blocks to finish the top of the sofa. Using a brick exterior landscape adhesive, squeeze a fair amount around the perimeter of the cinderblock.
Place the cap block onto the adhesive and use a rubber mallet to secure it into a permanent position. Allow these to completely set and harden before moving onto the next step!
Step 5 // Mix the QuikWall. This specific product was new to us and one we’ll definitely use again in the future!
It’s like traditional stucco, but easier to apply and more durable. It is a little tricky to mix the correct consistency. Add water slowly and a little at a time. It should look a little something like this…
You’ll actually be able to see the fiberglass particles in the mixture. This is what makes this material so strong.
Step 6 // Apply the QuikWall. Wet the cinderblocks with a hose on the shower setting prior to beginning. Using a trowel, begin to apply the material. It’s best to work from one corner to the other, finishing one section at a time. Fluid motions are also best. Emmett was much better at this… swiping the trowel over the cinderblock in one motion.
It’s also worth reading the directions on the package… you want to keep the material wet as you’re working, and even once it’s finished. This assists with the curing process.
Step 7 // Wait… then add the seat. Once the entire structure has been covered and you’ve followed the curing instructions (spraying it from time to time) , allow it to harden for at least 24 – 48 hours. It should look like this:
Measure and use a chalk line to mark where the seating will go. Pre drill holes to mark where the structure will be installed. Again, this is all to your preference- structure size, cushion size / style, etc.
Emmett used treated, weather resistant lumber to build the grid support structure. Once it was completed, I helped him screw it directly into the structure. Contrary to the image below, the wooden support will be mounted just below the seat. This was before we pushed it into the appropriate position…
Cut a piece of treated plywood to size, and sit it into the niche, on top of the grid support. It should be perfectly flush with the stone seat and look something like this…
Step 8 // Add the cushions! The best part is adding the cushions and seeing the finished result. Even though there are multiple steps to this DIY, this project went relatively quick in comparison to some of our other backyard projects (the paver patio , the fence installation , etc) .
I’d love to hear your feedback! I’m pretty impressed that Emmett was able to find a way to make my vision come to life… and best of all- we built it together. We’re already spending a lot of time enjoying our yard and now we finally have a comfortable spot to hang out. This sofa comfortably seats eight. Hit me with any questions in the comments below… I’m all ears!
*This post is brought to you in collaboration with Lowes. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that allow us to create unique content while featuring products we truly use and enjoy!
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Omg!!! That is the most awesome backyard couch ever!!! I want it now! The finished space is dreamy!
Thank you!! Come sit on it with me and drink cocktails ;) xo
Sarah, I love your well described and photographed project. I am looking for instructions such as this to give to my handyman. I do have some questions though. Do you wish you had a slightly pitched back for seating? Do you have any ideas of how to create that pitch such as what you would have in a chair? Thank you, Julie Cooper
Happy to help, Julie! I like the sofa design as is (without the pitched back). It’s still very comfortable! I think it depends more on your cushions. If you’d like a pitch, you could have your handyman frame it out and pour the concrete. Hope this helps :)
Hi Sarah: We’re about to do a long over-due patio and pool renovation (after a 10 year house remodel! –don’t ask) … and my wife just through out this setup to add to our patio design. I know she’s found the cushions, but am curious if you could/would share the actual dimensions of off the concrete work so I can add that to the patio bid. It would lead to a serious “Honey-Do” success story if you could/would. Thanks!
Hi William, that is awesome! It was around 10 ft x 12 ft. We don’t live at that home anymore, so I don’t have the exact dimensions, but I hope this helps! Hope you’re having a great weekend :)
Could I get the dimensions you used for your couch, and what size cushions you ordered for it? I love it and want to put one in our backyard!
It will be nice to use seat are as storage
No worries; gives me a starting point. Appreciate your reply.
Loved watching the progress on your insta stories, you guys made it look so easy! The white Quikwall looks fabulous!
Thanks so much for following along! I think that’s what kept us going and focused… everyone following on Insta kept sending nice messages. Ha! Thank you. xo
I thought this was a store-bought couch that you customized to the space!!! I’m beyond impressed with how you two did this. So beautiful!
Ha! Thank you SO much :) what a compliment.
Hi Sarah, I have just read through your post about building a built-in outdoor couch. Wow! It looks amazing! I am about to build something similar. Can you share the dimensions with me? Thank you! Sarah
Gosh this looks AMAZING and the DIY seems pretty straightforward! Kudos, you guys rocked this one!
This is amazing! So impressed! I can’t imagine anything else for this space – you’ve done it again!
Ahhh!! Thank you :) I love how Emmett can figure out how to make my visions come to life. It looks just like the sketch. I really appreciate your comment! xo
Wow. Just wow. This is the chicest, most welcoming and comfortable backyard ever!
This is so hardcore. I can’t believe you guys MADE this! Ahhh-mazing.
Ha!! I’m just glad it wasn’t a giant fail… I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. Thank you so much! Have an amazing weekend.xox
Looks awesome! we are getting ready to move the the new house patio would be perfect with something like this! can’t get more durable that a concrete sofa! and i love that you can make it any size and configuration!! wall done Sarah and Emmett!! Cheers!!
Thank you so much! That was our thoughts exactly… durable, weather-proof, customizable. xo
This is SO beautiful! We are looking to makeover our backyard and this is so impressive and inspiring!! Do you mind sharing basic dimensions?? (Like how high the seat is from the ground, depth of seat and height of back support?)
Thank you so much! The seat height is 20″ (including a 5″ cushion). The seat depth is 19″ to the back cushion / 27″ to the structure. The back height is 39″, and the arm rest height is 26″. Hope this helps! xo
Hi! what do you mean by seat depth at the back cushion and to the structure? can you give me a sketch pls?
Love the seat!! Can you please share all of the dimension? Thx!
I’d like to do this in an area that is already a concrete patio surrounded by brick walls. Kind of like a sunken patio. Do I need to remove the concrete down to the dirt or can I put the cinder blocks directly on top of the patio? Wondering about the rebar step because it would stop when it hits the concrete.
Hi Dana! It really depends on the existing concrete patio. If it’s really sturdy and in good shape, I’d say you’d be fine to leave it and skip the rebar. The concern is about ground settling and shifting. We added rebar as a precaution, but according to the QuikWall product we used, it’s not necessary. You could either skip the rebar completely, or drill into your existing patio and set the rebar before stacking the cinderblocks. Make sense? Good luck!! xo
Would you be able to share the estimated project cost? Specifically, the material costs for the concrete bench itself?
Hi Derek, you can find the budget and cost for every project in this post: https://roomfortuesday.com/backyard-budget-breakdown/
Sorry I just asked about the sofa and here it is… DO you recommend setting up the pergola before starting the sectional?
Hi Grissel, I would definitely recommend setting up the pergola prior to the seating so that you can have shade while working. It’s also nice because it will appear to be more built-in and custom.
Did you complete the paver patio after completing the sofa? I am trying to decipher from pictures and it appears the sofa was completed on the gravel with the pavers laid around it to make it look built in. Any additional information would be great!
Yes, the pavers were installed after the outdoor sectional!
Hello Sarah , Really nice concrete sofa ! Exactly what I want ! Could you tell us how much time it takes to do it , hours spend and how much blocks there is ? Thank you !
Thanks so much, Chris! I’m not sure the exact number of cinder blocks used, but we’re guessing around 200. We had a palette delivered and didn’t end up using all of them (not even close). We’d estimate we spent around 30 hours total (with both of us working on it). Hope this helps!
Hi! This is fabulous! I’m wondering if you could point me in the direction of cushions. I’m having a hard (say impossible) time finding them that aren’t just flimsy tie on pieces instead of comfortable deep seated pieces. (And I wish I had time/will to make my own but I don’t trust myself to do that.
Thanks Scarlett! We bought these cushions: http://bit.ly/2EgGdnZ and they’re holding up really nicely. We’ve only used them for one season, but they’re wet-rated / outdoor, and fit into the budget nicely. Hope this helps! xo
Hi Sarah! My husband and I fell in love with this project! It’s so unique and beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing!! We are about to start the project but are having difficulty finding the quickwall bonding cement in white. We may have to special order. Do you recall the number of bags you used? Our project will be very similar in size.
Thank you! We used 20 bags… you can find more of the quantities and costs in this post: https://roomfortuesday.com/backyard-budget-breakdown/
Hi Sarah, It looks like you had to cut some of the cinder blocks by the arm rest if so, do you mind saying how you did it?
Hi Blair! We did… you could easily avoid it by doing a slightly different size, but we wanted it to fit perfectly inside the pergola, so we used an angle grinder to cut the blocks. Luckily we didn’t have to cut very many. Hope this helps!
Oh another question, when applying the surface bonding material on the seat part did you use something to plug the holes in the cinder block or does the seat have a cap block as well? Picked up all our cinder block yesterday now just trying to track down the surface bonding stuff as nobody within a 100 miles sells it. Looking forward to starting the project this weekend. Thanks for the great idea.
Sure thing, Blair! We used the rebar and concrete method for the seat “holes” as well… just to ensure everything stays in place. Good luck finding the material- I’d maybe call your local Lowes and see if they can order it for you! xo
I’ll have to build this on a concrete patio. I don’t think I can use rebar for stability. Do you know of a different way? Also was it hard to drill into the cinder block?
I’d still use the rebar to hold the structure together- even if it’s not anchored to the ground. It’s really heavy, so I doubt it would shift on a concrete patio. It does require some force / pressure drilling into the cinder block, but it’s not difficult. Hope this helps, Patti! xo
Love it! Just wondering how many cinder blocks you used to help me work out costs as I’m in Australia.
Check out this post, Michelle! It breaks down all of the cost (including materials): https://roomfortuesday.com/backyard-budget-breakdown/
This project looks phenomenal!! I wanted to ask… Is there a mathematical process (or advice you can give) to calculate the layout of the cinder block running bond taking into account the cushion sizes?
Thank you Justin! We actually did do a lot of match to calculate the number of cinder blocks, as well as where to begin the running bond pattern. I bought the cushions first, measured those, then divided the length of the cinder blocks to determine how many we needed. I always find it helpful to sketch things out prior to beginning! Hope this helps.
Thank you so much for sharing this project! Magnificent! I stumbled across this as I live a little further North, in Canada, and am considering making an outdoor couch with a rocket mass heater in it. Would be wonderful to sit or lay on in the colder parts of the year, and gaze up at the stars. Yours looks wonderful, and gives me a great basis to start from!
Thank you Daniel! Ooooh- I LOVE the idea of constructing a heated outdoor couch. That would be so nice! You’ll have to let me know how it turns out :)
This couch is soooooo beautiful? Two questions. Do you wish the back was more than 90 degrees for comfort? And do you ever bump your head on the cement since the back is so high?
Thanks Karen! I really liked the shape and the back angle. It was perfect for lounging, but you could also sit comfortably with food or drink and not worry about sinking or spilling. I only bumped by head on the back once (after one too many margaritas, haha!)… I just liked the aesthetic of seeing the back structure poke from behind the pillows. It also was a great ledge for a plate or drink- the arms and back were super handy for that.
Absolutely awesome. I’m definitely going to copy this, I love it. Can I ask how deep you made the seating (front to back), to allow the storage to be incorporated.
Thank you Phill! We actually don’t live at that home anymore, so I can’t run out to measure- but I’d highly recommend getting your cushions first, then build the seat to fit the size. Any additional negative space in the center would be great for storage :)
Love it! We are in the process of purchasing the materials to do this! I see that you did it before the pavers, what did you use to level the ground? I see you have pea gravel in the list of materials but don’t see what step they were used for.
Yay!! So excited to hear that, Jessica. This post gives the full tutorial for the paver patio and the order of ground materials: https://roomfortuesday.com/install-custom-paver-patio/
THis is EXACTLY what i envisioned for our space! If the dimensions ( how high etc) are not listed can you share? Also since the seat is flush with the base ( as opposed to over hanging) do you have any problems with legs against the base? I ask as my hubby built a window seat but it is not comfortable for me as my legs hang against the bast/ heel marks etc. GREAT JOB!!!!!
Aww yay!! So happy to hear that Barbara. The size can definitely be customized depending on your cushions or floor plan. Each cinder block is 8″ x 16″, and we did 2 cinderblocks tall for the seat height (16″ not including the cushion) and 5 cinderblocks tall for the back height (40″). Hope this helps. We didn’t have any issues with comfort and hitting legs against the back.
I have a large flat backyard (3 acres) with no trees. Backyard patio furniture must be heavy to withstand the wind we see. I watched a double barbecue pit/smoker roll like a tumbleweed. A concrete couch looked perfect and yours looked perfect. I’ve been fixated on this project for over a year. Last year we made a large paver patio and I used the front corner as a retaining wall, with plans to add the rest in phase II.
I’m needing to fill a few gaps between blocks… any suggestions?
Thanks for keeping this project available. We love it.
Oh wow, Paul! I’m so happy you gave the concrete sofa a try… it’s looking great! I’d fill the gaps with concrete, then cover everything in the stucco mix. Hope this helps!
I successfully obtained sofa cushion donations (7inch foam is stupid expensive) and learned 5 yards wasn’t enough, but I did get one side complete. https://www.dropbox.com/s/1tk35eazmtj3bw9/IMG_4905.JPG?dl=0
I’m really getting into this project… I might be scaring the fam lol
I’ll put 2 6×6 posts on the ends to support a square sail shade. What stain did you use for your posts?
Haha!! Great job, Paul! We actually didn’t stain our pergola- it came as a kit and had treated wood… so that’s just the color we bought. I’m excited to see your shade sails!
I wish I had read the comments and built the sofa to the measurements of cushions ( custom cushions are not in this budget LOL ) I’m now taking sofa cushion donations, and it’s amazing how many people I know have a sofa they don’t want in storage and are more than happy to give me the cushions. My seat depth is 24 1/2 inches which is longer than standard so I’m basically turning cushions longways and cutting them (an electric fish filet knife is amazingly effective on foam FYI) … I’ll need to number the bottoms because no two will be the same and it will fit like a jigsaw puzzle.
I toyed with the idea of using waterproofed canvas painting tarps… but my wife convinced me to have some sort of print.
We chose this one… BRYANT INDUSTRIES Bryant Indoor/Outdoor Corinthian Driftwood, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NPR33W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4EGiDb4HDE9WA
To cut costs I am making a thin plywood base putting the cushion on top of that, and then wrapping the fabric around it stapling … once that’s done, I will start acquiring some outdoor throw pillows (the color will add a lot i hope) and I pray it looks great. This has been a lot of work.
Phase 3 is the Pergola, and so far I’ve kept that a secret (Shhhh) ;)
That’s so exciting! Yes- we bought the cushions first and built the sofa accordingly to fit. I hope your wife loves the pattern! It’s looking good, Paul.
I’m gonna seek out some larger pillows, but how’s this?
Looks so great, Paul!! Did you also see this post? https://roomfortuesday.com/outdoor-sofa-update/ You can also paint it if you’d like to extend the project ;) haha!
I have another question! On the second picture in step 4, I see little (almost brick sized) blocks on the lower half of the bench. What did you use here? Are these just different size caps? It’s hard to tell in the pic and I don’t see them listed in the materials. Thanks!
Great question Jessica! Yes… our pallet came with a few different sizes and we ended up cutting a couple too. It totally depends on the configuration of your sofa :) Hope this helps!
Ok cool, can you remember anywhere else that you used something other than the standard 8x8x16s? We got the same cushions as you guys and starting to build today! Any help is appreciated!
Love this smart and beautiful creation of yours! How comfortable is the sofa? Debating building one of our own but going for a minimalistic look so I don’t want to add chairs for extra comfort. Worth it as the only seating for entertaining?
We’ve since moved from this house, but we used it ALL the time- it was honestly really comfortable. I’d build it to fit your back height / arm height / and seat height accordingly.. that way it’s the most comfortable for you and your family. We sat on the sofa more than we did the lounge chairs.
I live in a row home right in the middle of the city. Our 15×15 patio is surrounded by a high fence (giving us some privacy from the neighbors who are literally on top of us. Would you think we could just set this up against the fence and use the fence as the back of the sofa? Basically we’d be making a bench rather than a sofa? Thoughts?
I’d think you could definitely do a bench style instead. As long as you don’t skip the concrete and rebar step- it should be secure and just fine… nobody will ever see the backside anyway :) Hope this helps!
I can say as a 1st timer playing with stucco… I’d probably try to stucco the whole fence… I love that stuff lol. But just be conscious of the contrast… add pillows.
I’m in Ghana, Africa and I guess I would replicate this and be the talk of town soon. Beautiful and easy DIY!!! Hope I can be your personal buddy to tap more ideas. Keep it up.
Thanks Alex! Good luck if you decide to tackle this DIY project :)
Thank you so much for this tutorial, it’s fantastic! We just completed this project with slight variations (can’t figure out how to attach a photo). Also, we did not have the Quikwall available in our area so we used Sakrete surface bonding cement, which appears to be the same product. Quick question – did you find that the little fibers in the quikwall stuck up a little after you were finished, particularly around corners? We are getting ready to paint it once the cure period is up (using your recommended H&C from your 1-year-later post) and trying to figure out if we should sand the little fibers down because I don’t think the paint will make them lay down. Thanks for any thoughts/suggestions!
I love hearing that, Natalie! Such a great question… those little pesky fibers- I trimmed them down, and sanded (just a bit) to solve that problem. The paint helps, but it’s better to get rid of them before painting. Hope this helps :)
Amazing! You could have added hinges where the plywood is, and use it as a storage space :)
I would like to try just the cement part to cover an ugly cinder block wall in my backyard. After I cover the wall with cement are there any next steps like sealing it to be waterproof or anything like that? Did you paint it too? Thanks!
You can definitely do that, Amanda! I might recommend pressure washing it before applying the material, if it has been there for awhile. Just to make sure it’s clean and bonds properly. It doesn’t need to be sealed or anything… you can paint it if you’d like. Check out that post here: https://roomfortuesday.com/outdoor-sofa-update/
Love this tutorial. we used your steps for a small planter box! Did you have any trouble with the fiberglass from the quikwall sticking up and out in places, especially the tops and corners? We just finished it yesterday evening so the curing process isn’t completely done yet.
I love hearing that, Cursti! You can give those pesky little fibers a trim or quick sanding. Paint also helps keep them in place. Check out this tutorial for that: https://roomfortuesday.com/outdoor-sofa-update/
Hi Sarah, this is just beautiful and inspired my husband and I to do the same off a small side patio we just dug out. You are very talented.
I love the look, but curious to see how the cushions are holding up. Does the beige get dirty easy? I have a little dog I am worried about him jumping up to cuddle on. I see they also come in navy and wondering if that is a better option
The cushions are outdoor, so they’re wet-rated and are designed to hold up to the elements. We have two dogs and haven’t had any issues with them getting super dirty… you can actually just hose them off or power wash them if they start to look dirty!
Hi Sarah – your garden seating is making it across the globe (paris in this case :)). Wondering how you cut the cilinder blocks? I looked at the pictures and it seems the blocks have a very clean cut. Did you use a special saw or blade to do this? Thank you!
Aw yay! I love hearing that, Veronique! Great question- we cut the cinder blocks with an angle grinder using a masonry blade.
Amazing, thank you for the fast reply. Can’t wait to get this project started (unfortanately Target does not exist in France, but will def use your trick to use the cushions as a size guide!
Hi there! Annoying question. But I don’t suppose you recall how many blocks you used for this project, do you? Excellent work, by the way. I plan to give this a whirl.
Hi Ben! I’m so sorry- I wish I had an exact number, but it has been a few years since we’ve tackled this project and I really couldn’t say. We had them delivered on a pallet. Not sure if that helps? Let me know if you have other questions during the process. I’m so excited to hear you’re going for it :) Enjoy!
I made a similar size version of this and I had a pile of cinder blocks already… I started the project and realized I needed a full pallet… and even that was one block short… I “borrowed” one from my neighbor :)
That’s amazing, Paul! I’m so glad you’re liking it :)
Couple of quick questions. Did you use only gravel as a base to lay the cinder blocks on? No cement footing or sand like the pavers (apart from the cement fill you did with the rebar)? Has it shifted in the last three years? Still sturdy? Much appreciated.
Long shot question but would you have the dimensions / brick count for your build? I want to buy the same cushions. Thank you!!!
This is a great project! Have you had any problems with settling or drooping of blocks now that it is 3 years old? Considering building this on top of a professionally installed paver patio and I’m concerned about settling/shifting. Thanks for the reply/design!!
Thank you Jonathan! We’ve since moved, but upon moving out- there were no issues with settling or drooping. It was very sturdy and solid. We’ve never built on top of an existing paver patio before, so I can’t speak to how that holds up (from personal experience). I’m sorry!
This looks awesome!! I would really love to try it but I was wondering does water get into the storage seat part? I live in Florida so it rains like everyday and we have some flooding issues. Usually just for a day or so after a bad rain but its like once a week
Thanks Ash! We didn’t have any issues with water, but we didn’t use the inner portion for storage. I’d recommend zipping cushions into weather proof bags before storing it beneath because it’s definitely not a watertight or air tight solution- especially for your climate. Hope this helps :)
I’d love to try this with storage too – did you make any modifications Ash? Sarah his is incredible, thanks so much for the step by step. This is probably a very stupid question but if I put this on grass would I need to screed the ground first?
There are no stupid questions :) I wouldn’t recommend installing directly on grass… you definitely need to screed the ground to make sure it’s perfectly level prior to building. I’d say plant your grass around it once the project is installed. Hope this helps!
Hi Sarah, I just came across your project and think it’s so beautiful. I am just finishing off the cushions for a very similar project that I thought you might be interested in. We live in Scotland so the weather is very different! You talked about girl power and I am proud to say that apart from the patio and lots of moral support, I did it all myself. I used the block paving bricks we didn’t want from the patio that was already there when we moved in. I’ve made a time lapse video of the whole thing and wondered if you might like to see it? I’m not sure how to post on here though. Any ideas?
Thank you so much, Pauline! Amazing work on your cushions! Way to go. I’d love to see your video… feel free to DM me on Instagram :) xo
Hi Sarah! What an amazing project. I was curious if you had any thoughts on if you could “Stucco” wood. As in, if we built a wood framed seating area, then stuccoed it- do you know how that product works on wood? I’m having a hard time finding info on that, and wondered if you knew much about how that product holds up on other materials besides brick. Thank you!
Hi Bekah! The product we used was specifically for stone. I would be concerned about the stucco product adhering or bonding to wood. It might at first, but I’m not sure about the longevity. I know plaster is a bit more forgiving and can be applied to a variety of surfaces, but I’m not sure how that would work outside. Another textural option… roman clay? I’d look into that option and research how it might hold up. Hope this is helpful :)
Where did you get your cushions? We want to try this!
They came from Target! They’re linked in this post :)
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Hi there! I'm Sarah, creator of this blog. Expect to find inspiration related to: interiors & styling, renovating, DIY, and home improvement projects! My husband Emmett and I are currently renovating our third home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Follow along and say hello! I love hearing from you.
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