Backyard Remodel - DIY Sofa & Loveseat

Now that our deck is pretty much complete, we needed to find something that we could relax on. We have been looking at sectionals and outdoor sofas for awhile but everything we found cost more than it did to build our deck so it didn't make much sense for us to buy. We enjoyed building our coffee table and console so we thought we'd try to do something ourselves.

We found something we liked at Nebraska Furniture Mart that was on clearance for $1,500 - and it was only one piece.

We checked out one of our favorite DIY sites, and Ana White had created a similar version that resembled a sofa from Restoration Hardware so we had to try it. She provides great instructions, a shopping list and a cut list that's easy to follow. Luckily, we still had Dad's pickup so we went shopping at Home Depot...

That's a lot of wood

Excited to get started on a new project

Next, we needed to start making the cuts. We decided to build a sofa and a love seat at the same time so we did all the cuts together.

Keeping an eye on all the wood

 Someone kept sitting right behind the saw...

Covered in saw dust

For the loveseat

Once we made all the cuts and piles for each project, we broke out the Kreg Jig and started pre-drilling all the holes.

Definitely recommend the Kreg Jig

 We started by putting together the legs for each project.

Showin' some leg

Then we attached the rest of the supports to build the frame and we brought them up to the deck to see how well they fit.

The boys seem pretty happy with the sofa

And the love seat

They both work on the deck

 Then it was time to add the extra supports for the seat.

Adding support and tacking everything down

Next, we added the slats for the bottom of the seat. We used the nail gun to save some time (it was pretty hot out!). Tequila is not a fan of the nail gun, so he had to make sure things didn't get out of control.

Supervising

 Then we added the back slats to the love seat and decided to call it a night after a 13-hour work day.

95* at night did not make for a comfortable day...time to relax

 The next morning we got up to finish the sofa and start some of the prep work with painting.

Start of a new day

Of course, Tequila had to check out his new love seat.

Not too shabby

 Since we knew what we were doing, it didn't take long to attach the back to the sofa.

With the attached back

Ready for the next step

We started prepping them to paint, so the first thing we did was add wood filler to smooth out any of the cracks and since it was hot we were able to start sanding almost right away.

Sanding complete

Since we were using bare wood, we had to make sure to use outdoor paint and a lot of primer to seal it and lock out moisture. We began priming with Zinsser using a brush.

First coat of primer

About 1/2 way through the sofa we realized that we should have probably painted the wood first before putting it together because getting into all of the nooks and crannies of the slats was not easy with a brush, Since we didn't want to take everything apart, we decided to splurge on a paint sprayer. We found one that attached to the air compressor and will never go back. It was really hot out, even in the evening, so we were really thankful it helped cut down the time and was able to reach areas we couldn't with a brush.

So much easier

We used 2 coats of primer and started with the paint. You need to wait at least 24 hours between coats, so it's been a busy (and hot) week.

First coat of outdoor paint

We added a second coat of paint and let it sit for about 48 hours to let it cure a bit. Then it was time to take them out back to see how they looked.

They fit!

Then we brought out the cushions. It took quite a bit of time to find cushions that matched our style and our budget but after a lot of searching and a few trips to the store, we found exactly what we needed and they were over 60% off!

A little sunny but someone found his spot

My handsome boys

We still have more to do, but we are really happy with the result. The best part is that we spent a fraction of what it would have cost to buy them to build them - even with all the cushions we bought. It's almost time to start firing up the BBQ :)

Someone really likes his new sofa

We'll have more to share next week with some better pictures...until then, we'll be resting trying to get over this summer cold. Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

XOXO,

Sara, Brian & Tequila

Backyard Remodel - DIY Fire Pit & More Deck Finishing

Hope everyone got a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather we had last week! We've been work on a lot of different projects this week which we will share later but first we wanted to share our DIY Fire Pit. We actually did this last weekend but it was so hot and humid we got a little sick from being out all day in it and took the rest of the weekend off. 

One of the first projects we ever did when we bought our house was a backyard fire pit. We found some tutorials online, bought some cheaper stones and then did a full metal insert to sit on top. It's one of our favorite things to have in the back because it's so useful during backyard clean up. But more importantly it gives us a place to relax and unwind with friends and families. We've definitely had our fair share of good times around the fire pit and it was a must when we decided to redo the backyard. 

After weeks looking at different stones and designs we stumbled on a DIY kit at Lowe's for $200. It seemed a little too good to be true so we ran up to take a look at it and we were sold. The color of the stones was perfect and it came with a metal, fire resistant ring - not an insert that could melt through which really does happen - right Davis? :) 

Unfortunately it wouldn't fit in the Escape, so we had to wait a bit (boo!) until we could borrow Sara's Dad's truck. We didn't have to wait too long because they headed out to Jackson Hole for a week so we picked up Callie and the truck and headed to Lowe's. Luckily they picked it up with a forklift and all we had to do was help guide them in.

It fit perfectly

Then we brought it home and crashed so we could wake up early and get started before it go too hot. Since our new deck comes out close to where our old fire pit was, we needed to move it farther away and we had the perfect spot. We used to have this beautiful snow ball bush surrounded by daffodils that bloomed every spring and summer until 2 years ago when we had the major extremes in weather during the summer and winter. 

The first thing we had to do was dig up all the bulbs for the daffodils so we wouldn't have anything trying to bloom in the middle of the pit. 

Nice place to start

 We had no idea we had over 60 bulbs to dig up...it took a bit longer than expected but we got them all up.

That's a lot of bulbs

 Then Brian got out the hoe to break up and level out the area.

Hoe'in it up

 Next we brought out the metal ring from the kit to mark the are we wanted to use.

This is the easiest part

 Next, put down a bag of sand mixture to hep level and help form the base.

Not an exact science

Now's the fun part. It's time to set the first layer of stones. Our kit came with 36 stones so we had 12 stones for each layer. Just set them into place in a circle and then work on fitting them together tightly. You'll need to make sure that all the stones are level, so get a 4' level and lay it across 2 stones and make any adjustments needed to get it as level as you can. That will help you have a solid base and make it easier for the rest of the project. We dug with our hands and used a rubber mallet to help level the stones.

Digging out some sand to level the stones 

First layer is level

Once the first layer is level, it's time to start setting the second layer by placing the stones in an of- setting pattern Use the level again to make sure everything is set and use the mallet to secure the stones in place. Some people glue the stones together but we didn't feel it was necessary.

Leveling the second layer

Then it's time for the last layer, and you will follow the same steps. We then took the rake and settled the rest of the ground around the pit. Some people put gravel or stones around the pit but we wanted more grass and we have a little digger so grass was the best choice for us.

Leveling out the ground

 Next, set in the metal ring...

Final touch

And you're done. It's an easy project that you can get done in an hour or so, depending on how much prep work needed.

Yeah, it's done!

 We added some sod to finish it off.

We love sod

Once the fire pit was in we started working on some of the finishing pieces of the deck. We wanted to stain some of the wood that was exposed to match. After an hour or so at Home Depot we finally took a chance on one of the colors.

I love painting when you don't have to worry about making a mess and staining an outside deck is probably the best way to messy paint. I was a little nervous that I picked out the wrong color but once I started painting I was so glad we went with the darker stain.

Putting on the first layer

 He used a weather proofing semi-transparent stain because it helps seal the wood.Here's a picture of what we used:

Stonehedge was the color we tinted it with

First layer - not too bad, but still needs more

It recommends 2 coats but after the first one I wasn't sure how many we would need to get it done. But after starting on the second coat, it was perfect. Take a look:

Second coat up

It matches so well that when I was doing the stairs and had a few drips, you couldn't even tell! I love the uniformity of the color.

We also wanted to start closing up the bottom of the deck. We both aren't big fans of lattice but we needed something to close off. We decided to space out the decking boards for the base. We framed it like we did the top of the deck:

Framing it up 

Once we got the first boards attached we spaced the other ones an inch down. Once the sides were up it really started coming together.

Almost done

Another view

We still need to get hinges to create a gate on the end near the house and we will cover the spaces near the stairs with either some bushes or planters, but we're getting there! And you can really see how close the stain looks with the composite up.

The pups seemed to like it

We have been really busy this weekend with a new building project that we will share as soon as we get everything completed. But here's a sneak peek into what we're making...

He's already loving it

 We'll keep you posted on our progress! Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

XOXO,

Sara, Brian, Tequila & Callie

Callie's favorite seat in the house

Backyard Remodel - We Have A Deck!

Hope everyone had a safe and Happy 4th of July! The weather has been really nice this week and we took advantage while we could. We started off cleaning up the edges and adding the rest of the top boards.

Pretty nice cut for a first try

Added a framing piece

Love that it all goes under the overhang

 We got all of the boards screwed in and ready for the holiday weekend. This time Uncle Mat had a day off so he jumped in to help. We started cutting down the posts and post sleeves for the railings.

Ready to get this thing together

Next it was time to start working on the stairs. Our personal engineer (Dad) had already drawn up the plans and since we are going with 4' stairs, we needed to cut out 4 stringers. We used a square and a few stoppers to make the step design. Then it was time to cut...

Starting on the first one

Cutting the wood down, his way

Two down, two to go

 Then once all 4 of them were cut, the boys spaced and attached them so we could move them into place.

Looking good

And then the fun part...more digging. We decided to concrete the stair posts into the ground so the boys started digging so we could set the stairs

More holes

Lovin' life

 Next it was time to attach and level the stringers...

Getting in place

Our foreman, making sure everything was in place

 Next we sat in the posts, mixed the concrete and let it set for the night.

Starting to look like stairs

 Then it was time to take a break and enjoy some fireworks

What a handsome group of guys

Even Tequila likes fireworks

This morning we tackled the stairs, first we needed to cut down the boards.

All the boards laid out

After seeing the boards on the steps, we decided that we didn't like the open look of the stairs (OK, we = me, but better to decide now than later). So we ran up to the hardware store and grabbed a piece of treated plywood and brought it back to cut down.

A lot better

Tacking everything in

 Then we got the boards screwed down and Voila, we've got stairs!

These steps aren't going anywhere

View from the top

 We got the stairs in before my parents showed up and we also started attaching the posts and the post sleeves for the railings.

All the posts are up

 Then we started measuring and cutting the railing sections one by one.

Starting to look like a deck

All the outer rails are up

Then we worked on the stair rails. Let's just say the railings were not a cake walk like we wanted them to be. After some cuts and bruises (and a few choice words), we got them up and steady. Then it was time to take a step back and admire how far we've come...

We have a deck!

Another view

View from the back

Callie approves

And the final view from the back door

We still have a lot of work back there but we are so happy to have a big (and safe!) deck to enjoy for the many years to come. Thanks again to Sara's family for all of their guidance (and free labor!). We'll keep you updated on the rest of our remodel.

XOXO,

Sara, Brian & Tequila