Hey everyone, Robert Kline here from Robert Kline Art! Remember that dreamy hanging daybed I was building for my porch? Well, it’s finally finished, and my family and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it turned out. There’s something magical about lounging on a hanging daybed, gently swaying in the breeze, lost in a good book or enjoying a peaceful afternoon nap.
Finding the Perfect Outdoor Daybed Cushion
I knew I wanted a daybed that was both stylish and durable enough to withstand the elements. After doing some research, I realized that building a custom frame around a pre-made outdoor cushion would be a more practical and affordable option than having a custom cushion made.
After searching high and low, I stumbled upon the perfect replacement cushion from Pottery Barn. It was the ideal size, a beautiful color, and specifically designed for outdoor use. While it took a bit longer than expected to arrive (thanks, supply chain!), it was well worth the wait.
Building the Daybed Frame: Step-by-Step
Now, for the fun part – building the frame! I’ll admit, I was a tad nervous about constructing a hanging bed, but it turned out to be surprisingly straightforward.
Materials You’ll Need:
Here’s a breakdown of the materials I used. Keep in mind that you might need to adjust the quantities based on the size of your cushion or mattress:
- Three 8′ long 2 x 4″ boards (for the frame)
- Four 8′ long 1 x 4″ boards (for the slats)
- Three 8′ long 1 x 8″ primed boards
- Three 8′ long 1 x 4″ primed boards
- Two 8′ long 1 x 3″ primed boards
- Three 8′ long 1 x 2″ primed boards
- A box of 2″ exterior screws
- A bottle of exterior-grade wood glue
- Four 5-gallon buckets
- Eight screw eye hooks (for the ceiling and the bed)
- 3/4″ natural hemp rope
- Outdoor-rated paint and primer
Constructing the Daybed Platform:
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Building the Core Frame: Begin by building a rectangular frame using the 2 x 4″ boards, matching the dimensions of your cushion. Use exterior screws to secure the frame together.
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Wrapping the Frame: To add a polished look and create a lip to hold the cushion, wrap the frame with thicker wood, like 1x8s. Before attaching the boards, determine how much you want your cushion recessed.
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Adding the Slats: Cut 1×4″ boards to size and nail them across the frame to create supportive slats for your cushion.
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Priming and Painting: Protect your hard work by priming and painting all exposed wood surfaces with exterior-grade paint.
Crafting the Daybed Arms:
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Corner Posts: Create four corner posts by attaching two 1×4 boards at a right angle. Determine the desired height for your arms, keeping in mind that they’ll support pillows for leaning back.
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Attaching Horizontal Rails: Secure 1x3s horizontally between the corner posts to create the distinctive armrests. Use scrap wood spacers to ensure the rails remain level.
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Adding the Top Rail and Trim: Attach a 1×4 board across the top of the corner posts to create a flat armrest surface. Add a decorative 1×2 board along the bottom edge of the frame for a finishing touch.
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Finishing Touches: Fill nail holes, sand smooth, caulk seams, and paint the arms with matching exterior paint.
Hanging Your Outdoor Oasis
Hanging the daybed securely is crucial. While I initially experimented with two anchor points, I found that hanging it from four points provided greater stability and weight distribution. I’ll be sharing a detailed guide on the hanging process soon, so stay tuned!
Creating Your Dreamy Retreat
This project perfectly blends relaxation and style. By combining a comfortable outdoor cushion with a custom-built frame, I was able to create a stunning hanging daybed at a fraction of the cost of pre-made options.
And there you have it! My DIY outdoor hanging daybed swing. It’s quickly become a favorite spot for my family and me to unwind, enjoy the fresh air, and soak up the sunshine.
What do you think? Would you ever attempt a project like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And be sure to check out the Robert Kline Art website for more inspiring DIY projects and unique handmade gifts.