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DIY Outdoor Daybed
DIY Outdoor Daybed. Outdoor rooms have become a popular fixture in backyards around the country. These spaces offer you an extra sitting space and include all the furniture you'd normally find in a den or family room, including a couch or daybed. If you'd like to create a daybed for this purpose, the process is actually quite simple and the...
Outdoor rooms have become a popular fixture in backyards around the country. These spaces offer you an extra sitting space and include all the furniture you'd normally find in a den or family room, including a couch or daybed. If you'd like to create a daybed for this purpose, the process is actually quite simple and the materials inexpensive. Tthe outdoor daybed you assemble only requires a couple of days of work, but will net you many seasons of comfort and conversation.
Things You'll Need
2 Shipping pallets
Sander and accessories
Paint and accessories
8 cinder blocks
Straw mat (optional) Mattress
Bedding
Outdoor pillows
End tables
Tent canopy
Prepare the shipping pallets for painting by sanding off the rough spots with the sander.
Paint the pallet in the colors you're featuring in your outdoor room or sitting area. Make sure that you use all-weather paint and give the palettes two coats.
Allow the paint to dry according to the instructions on the can.
Paint the cinder blocks as well. If you've featured more than one color in your outdoor room display, consider painting the cinder blocks a different color than the pallets for a nice contrast. Allow the paint to dry.
Mount the pallets on the cinder blocks. Put down a straw mat underneath the blocks, if you wish, to protect the flooring. If you've positioned your outdoor daybed in the grass, ensure that the ground is even before setting up the bed.
Lay down the mattress on top of the pallets.
Put the bedding on the mattress. Use bedding made from indoor/outdoor materials like canvas or heavy cotton. A large piece of matching material to tuck between the mattress and the pallets will function as a dust ruffle and cover up the cinder blocks if you find them unsightly. However, it's not necessary to have this piece.
Add an array of outdoor pillows to the bed. Use these as an opportunity to introduce different colors or patterns to the bed and make sure that the material is also indoor/outdoor.
Flank each side of the bed with an end table to make the arms of the couch. These will keep the pillows on the daybed and provide you with a place for your drinks. Consider materials like wicker or rattan as they are more suitable for outdoors.
Protect the outdoor daybed bed with a backyard canopy tent in colors that match your color scheme.
Tips & Warnings
It is possible to use a larger shipping pallet instead of two smaller ones. However, stringer pallets are the most common in the United States and typically come in a 40-inch by 48-inch size. Sometimes you can get them for free from local businesses, but if you have to purchase them, they are inexpensive, usually costing between $12 and $15 as of February 2011.
If the pallets have been treated with any kind of chemicals, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and preparation instructions.
