As an artist who loves bringing ideas to life, I’ve always been drawn to the charm and comfort of a hanging daybed. Picture this: a lazy Saturday afternoon spent swaying gently on a cozy bed, a cool breeze whispering through the trees, and a good book in hand. Sounds idyllic, right? That’s the magic a hanging daybed can bring to your outdoor space.
The Inspiration for a DIY Hanging Daybed
My fascination with hanging daybeds began during a trip to Costa Rica. The Airbnb we stayed in had one on its porch, and my wife, Sherry, and our daughter spent countless hours curled up on it, reading, chatting, and simply enjoying each other’s company. It was the epitome of relaxation.
Back at home, we realized our front porch was the perfect spot for a similar setup. It was covered, protecting us from the elements, and had strong exposed beams perfect for hanging. The only catch? The space wasn’t quite deep enough for a standard twin mattress daybed.
Finding the Perfect Cushion for Our DIY Daybed
After much deliberation, we decided to build a slightly smaller daybed using a comfy outdoor sofa cushion. It would be more manageable, weather-resistant, and wouldn’t overcrowd the porch.
We finally found the perfect cushion from Pottery Barn’s Cammeray Outdoor Sofa collection. It was the ideal size, a beautiful color, and designed to withstand the elements. While we waited for it to be delivered (it was backordered!), we started planning the construction of our daybed frame.
Gathering the Materials for Your Hanging Daybed
Here’s a list of the materials we used for our daybed, keeping in mind that our cushion dimensions were 28″ x 72″. You can adjust these measurements based on your chosen cushion or mattress size.
For the Frame:
- Three 8′ long 2×4″ boards
- Four 8′ long 1×4″ boards (for the slats)
- Three 8′ long 1×8″ primed boards
- Three 8′ long 1×4″ primed boards
- Two 8′ long 1×3″ primed boards
- Three 8′ long 1×2″ primed boards
- A box of 2″ exterior screws
- A bottle of exterior-grade wood glue
For Hanging and Finishing:
- Four 5-gallon buckets
- Eight screw eye hooks (different sizes for the ceiling and bed)
- 3/4″ natural hemp rope (approximately 48-foot length)
- Outdoor-rated paint and primer
Constructing the Daybed Platform
Building the daybed turned out to be a surprisingly straightforward process. We took inspiration from bunk bed designs and a helpful tutorial from Plank & Pillow, adapting it to our needs.
Step 1: Build the Support Frame
We started by building a rectangular frame using the 2×4″ boards, matching the exact dimensions of our cushion. We secured the corners with exterior screws. This frame would provide the primary support for the cushion and the hanging hardware.
Step 2: Add the Platform Sides
To give the daybed a more polished look and conceal the 2x4s, we wrapped the frame’s sides with 1×8″ primed boards. We chose primed wood for ease of painting later on. Remember to factor in the thickness of your slats and how much you want your cushion to be recessed within the platform.
Step 3: Install the Slats
With the sides in place, we created our own platform slats by cutting 1×4″ boards to size and securing them to the frame with nails, leaving even spaces between them.
Step 4: Prime and Paint
For added protection against the elements, we primed and painted all exposed wood surfaces with exterior-grade paint in a shade that complemented our porch’s existing trim.
Crafting the Daybed Arms
For a cohesive look, we designed the daybed arms to echo the horizontal railing style of our porch. We opted to skip a back rail, believing it would encourage us to face outward and enjoy the view.
Step 1: Install the Corner Posts
We began by attaching sturdy corner posts made from two 1×4″ boards joined at a right angle to each corner of the daybed’s base. The height of your posts will dictate the armrest height, so consider what feels most comfortable for leaning back.
Step 2: Add the Horizontal Rails
Using 1×3″ boards, we created horizontal rails between the corner posts, securing them with glue and brad nails. To ensure the rails remained level, we used scrap wood spacers during installation.
Step 3: Finish the Armrests
To create a flat armrest surface, we attached a 1×4″ board across the top of each arm. For a decorative touch, we added a 1×2″ board along the bottom edge of the frame, connecting all four corner posts.
Step 4: Fill, Sand, Caulk, and Paint
We filled all nail holes with wood filler, sanded them smooth, caulked any seams for a polished look, and then applied two coats of the same exterior paint used on the platform.
Hanging Your New Outdoor Haven
Hanging the daybed was another adventure. We initially tried a two-point hanging system but later switched to a four-point system for better stability and weight distribution.
We’ll be sharing a detailed guide on our preferred hanging method soon, so stay tuned!
Final Thoughts on Our DIY Daybed Project
Our outdoor hanging daybed has truly transformed our porch into a sanctuary. It’s become our favorite spot to unwind, whether it’s curling up with a good book, enjoying a morning cup of coffee, or simply basking in the serenity of our surroundings.
This project was not only rewarding but also budget-friendly, costing us a fraction of the price of pre-made hanging daybeds.
If you’re looking to add a touch of relaxation and charm to your outdoor space, I highly encourage you to consider building your own hanging daybed. It’s a project that brings immense satisfaction and endless enjoyment for years to come!
Want more DIY inspiration? Explore the rest of Robert Kline Art’s website for creative projects, craft ideas, and unique handmade gifts.