DIY modular sofa. How to make a sofa with your own hands: options, instructions and assembly diagrams. Sofa made of pallets


The sofa often becomes the centerpiece of a patio, living room or dining room. And you don’t have to shell out a tidy sum for this piece of furniture - you can make a stylish and comfortable sofa yourself, even without any special skills. This review contains sofa ideas that will tell you how to turn things that sometimes seem like outright trash into a cozy sofa.

1. Spring bed



old metal bed can easily be turned into an original boho style sofa. All that is needed to realize this idea: new mattresses, upholstered with bright fabric and paint to update the details of the bed.

2. Baby cot



A crib that can no longer be used for its intended purpose can be turned into a small but cozy sofa. Just get rid of the front side, cover the mattress with bright fabric and add a few sofa cushions.

3. Bath



Old cast iron bathtubs can be used to create original sofas that are suitable for decorating your home and garden. Of course, such work is very labor-intensive; you will need tools and certain skills, but in the end you will receive a unique piece of furniture.

4. Pallets



Charming low sofa with two drawers below, to create which you will need three wooden pallets and soft furniture pads.

5. Wooden beam



A simple and at the same time elegant sofa, made of rough wooden blocks and laconic light pillows, made to order, will fit perfectly into the interior of a modern living room or into the landscape of a country house.

6. Furniture panels



A stylish and laconic sofa that you can make yourself from furniture panels and large sofa cushions will become a real highlight of the living room, regardless of its design style.

7. Boards



People who are no strangers to handicrafts can make a sofa from ordinary wooden planks and furniture pillows. This piece of furniture is perfect for arranging a summer patio or living room in a private home.

Video bonus:

8. Boat



Creative small sofa made from the bow of a dilapidated wooden boat, will become a spectacular interior detail and bring romantic sea notes to the room.

9. Pallets



A low corner sofa with shelves for books, which you can make yourself from wooden pallets and large furniture cushions, will fit perfectly into the interior of an apartment decorated in Scandinavian, rustic or loft style.

10. Plywood and wood



An original, comfortable and ergonomic chair with shelves for books around the perimeter, which can be made from plywood and wooden boards.

11. OSB boards



A simple sofa, which you can make yourself from OSB boards and a thin mattress, will fit perfectly into the interior of the hallway.

12. Wooden boxes



Charming and very original armchairs, which can be made from wooden boards and soft furniture overlays, will become a creative detail in an introvert’s interior.

13. Cinder blocks



A bright, unusual sofa with space for shoes below, which is easy to make with your own hands. To do this, you will need cinder blocks, which should be stacked on top of each other to form a frame, a bright mattress upholstered in a pleasant fabric and several sofa cushions.

14. Suitcase

Video bonus:

17. Natural wood



Stunning sofa from natural wood with a shelf back that can serve as a workspace or dining table, it will become a stylish and functional detail in a small living room.

Especially for those who are seriously concerned about their own balcony, we have collected.

The interior of any modern apartment or private house requires the installation upholstered furniture: bed, armchair or sofa. Previously, it was assumed that the living room served as the place where the sofa would be placed. Today, developers present so many sofas different types that in terms of their functional characteristics and appearance they can be located in almost any room, from the kitchen to the balcony.

A new owner of upholstered furniture often has the question of how to assemble a sofa with their own hands. The installation process itself does not require any special technical knowledge or skills. The complete set of any sofas implies the presence of a user manual, which details the mechanism of how to do this.

But you need to take into account the fact that different shapes and fillers of soft parts make certain adjustments to the overall picture of the assembly. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to what sofas can be.

Sofa shapes and types of filling

The following types are distinguished:

Straight is a popular option, often called a classic sofa. Finding the required dimensions of such a sofa to suit the room will not be difficult.

Corner is a roomy and L-shaped option that is practical, saves space by being placed in a corner, and also combines the function of a bed.

Modular is a representative of a new generation of upholstered furniture that does not have a fixed configuration. There are sections that are transformed and composed in accordance with the ideas of the owner of the sofa. At the same time, they can either be fastened together or simply placed next to each other.

In the production of soft parts, two types of fillers are used, which determine the following varieties: spring sofas (with dependent and independent blocks) and foam rubber (they use polyurethane foam).

Spring sofas are heavier than foam sofas and during installation can cause a number of difficulties due to their weight.

Assembling a straight sofa

If, after purchasing a sofa, a decision was made to install it yourself, then a certain sequence of actions is necessary and a mandatory study of the sofa assembly diagram is necessary. First, you need to carefully remove each part from the packaging without damaging the upholstery. After which it is recommended to simply leave them in this state for a while so that the material can “assimilate” the humidity and temperature conditions of the room.

At this time, you can check the quantity and quality of the accessories that come with the kit, and also prepare the required tools: screwdrivers, you may need a drill with drills of the required diameter, hexagons.

The next step is to screw the legs, if any. This needs to be done for the simple reason that when assembled the structure will be less agile and much heavier. In addition, it makes sense to make room for yourself further work so that all parts and tools are in sight.

The straight sofa includes the main frame and additional elements(backrest, armrests, decorative components).

The basic assembly process is carried out as follows:

We install the fasteners by aligning the holes and inserting bolts, self-tapping screws or screws into them as provided in the manual. Next, carefully twist them. Similarly, we connect the seat and back of the sofa. The design obtained at this step is the basis.

Then we install armrests and all decorative elements, if any, on the frame on both sides. There are cases where the mounting holes were not visible because they were hidden behind the upholstery. Then it should be carefully bent. The instructions should say this.

At the last step we check sliding mechanism, if the sofa is equipped with it. Its operation should proceed smoothly, without creaking or extraneous sounds.

It is important to remember that it makes sense to not tighten the internal fasteners all the way; later, if the sofa is not mounted correctly, it will be easier to disassemble it. However, after completing the work, we must not forget about tightening all fastening points.

Corner sofa and the nuances of its installation

Assembling a corner sofa involves connecting two or three parts, which are seats, backrests and a retractable part. Any specialist will recommend assembling the large elements of the sofa first, and then the small ones.

First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the design of such a sofa. It can be right-handed or left-handed, one part of it is longer than the other, the folding mechanism itself is different models also different; The assembly sequence will depend on these facts.

The frame, armrests, seats and backrests are the parts of a corner sofa, the connection of which requires the following steps:

  • First, the supports are attached to the base, corner sections and armrests using screws. Rollers are installed on the retractable part. All elements must be strictly recorded.
  • Using screws, one of the armrests is connected to the corner section. It is necessary to check the stability of the fixed elements.
  • The base section and backrest are installed, and the box is connected to the second armrest, after which assembled structure fastened to the corner section.
  • Installed back wall, fixed with armrests. The stability of the resulting structure should be checked again.
  • Finally, a roll-out mechanism is attached to the guides installed in the base part.

There are corner sofas (Atlanta) complete with a table that is attached to the side and serves as an armrest. The Atlanta sofa is assembled in the following sequence: first, the transport fasteners are removed and the roll-out seat, secured with a special stop, is pulled out, the screws are unscrewed with a screwdriver.

Next, the armrest is aligned with the back of the sofa and secured with two hexagon screws. Then, through the metal corner of the ottoman box and its wall, the backrest is secured with three screws. A bar table is screwed to the ottoman with two hexagon screws, which also serves as a second armrest. In this way, two modules are assembled, and subsequently they are tightened together with fasteners.

Assembling a modular sofa

Each furniture manufacturer has its own design of modular sofas; the only thing that remains unchanged is that they can be assembled and disassembled at your discretion. Another advantage of the modules is the fact that they themselves are often sold already assembled, and the buyer is given the opportunity to combine them at his discretion.

But if the sofa’s configuration requires the presence of a more complex module, a number of additional steps will need to be taken, taking into account the specifics of a particular model. Modular sofas come in two types: sectional and convertible.

The sectional option implies a rigid connection ready-made modules, which the buyer chooses himself in the store. The possibility of combining exists precisely at the pre-sale stage, when they are considered various options layout. And here you may need sofa assembly drawings that reflect all the nuances of possible combinations. Then, already in place, the sofa is connected with fasteners and remains in this form permanently.

More interesting option is transformable modular system. The number of purchased sections is unlimited, then any design is formed from them. The initially purchased modular sofa, when rearranging the sections, can become a single bed or a set of armchairs. In addition, sections can be given a variety of geometric shapes: square, rectangular, round, etc.

Thus, the process of assembling a sofa is quite a responsible task. But anyone who has time can do it. necessary tool and the desire to do it with your own hands. In any case, there is always the opportunity to contact professionals, assemblers from the company from which the sofa was purchased, or private individuals providing installation services.

Photo of the sofa assembly process

It's always nice to come home and, having settled down on comfortable sofa, enjoy the comfort of home. Sofas are now going out of fashion so quickly that it is better to save significant money and make such furniture at home, especially if the interior space is designed in a restrained style.

Main advantages self-production upholstered furniture:

  • Saving money. A sofa made independently will cost the owner several times less than one purchased in a store.
  • Quality control. When making a sofa yourself, you can carefully choose the main and consumables, choose only high-quality, dried timber, certified foam rubber of suitable density, as well as reliable, beautiful and durable upholstery.
  • Wide choice of designs. Before making a sofa with your own hands, it is worth assessing in advance the style of the room in which it will be located and choosing the design of the product in accordance with the interior design of the room.
  • Optimal sizes. When planning to make a sofa yourself, its dimensions and shape can be selected taking into account the actual dimensions of the room, fitting it into the free space.
  • Change of upholstery during use. Having learned to carry out once assembly work and upholstery reupholstery, you can replace textiles or other covering on the product at any time.
  • Pride in the work done. A self-made sofa will always be a source of pride for its owner, which he can boast about to his acquaintances and friends.

Anyone with a low level of training and a certain set of tools can make a simple sofa on their own using assembly diagrams.

What is a sofa bed

In Soviet times, it was enough to say that a sofa bed was needed, and it became clear to everyone what a person needed. Modern sofas, which can also be used as a bed, differ not only in appearance, but also in the method of transformation.

Type of mechanism Description and method of transformation

The mechanism of a simple book can safely be called the oldest, but at the same time the simplest. In order for such a sofa to turn into a bed, it is enough to raise the front part until a characteristic click appears and lower it. To assemble the sofa, the steps are repeated. Among the positive characteristics, we can note the presence of a box for storing linen and the low cost of the mechanism, but there is a significant drawback - you need to make a lot of effort to transform it. A certain distance from the wall must also be maintained for the backrest to be lowered freely, which is not always convenient in small apartments.

This sofa is an improved “book” model and is distinguished by the fact that the backrest can be installed in an intermediate state, that is, reclining. The transformation mechanism is more expensive, but more functional. When unfolding the sofa, you need to focus on the number of clicks of the backrest locking mechanism - one or two. The size of the department for storing linen depends on the design features.

The mechanism of such a sofa is very durable, so you don’t have to worry about it wearing out if you fold it out frequently. Folds out without special effort– just pull the strap, and the front part will extend, followed by the entire mechanism. After these steps, the sofa can be used as a bed.

This mechanism is most often used in corner sofas. The transformation mechanism is very simple - there is a retractable part from below, with a soft pillow, which is manually fixed in place. Can even physically decompose weak person. This sofa does not have a drawer for linen.

The mechanism of such a sofa is hidden under a soft pillow, which will need to be removed each time before laying it out. After this, the mechanism extends and unfolds. The bed consists of 3 sections, which are not very comfortable to sleep on, so a sofa with such a mechanism is extremely inconvenient for everyday use. It’s better if you have to lay it out occasionally, for example for guests. There is no drawer for linen.

Unlike the French version, the American version uses a different principle - folding occurs along with the backrest. It’s not at all difficult to unfold – just pull the back towards you. When unfolded, such a sofa bed is more comfortable for sleeping, and the convenience of the layout makes the model more popular.

A sofa with an accordion mechanism is very comfortable for sleeping, as it is wide and the mattress is flat. Unfolding such a sofa is also not difficult - just lift the seat until a characteristic click appears, and then pull it out. It is during the transformation that it becomes clear why this mechanism is called that - it moves apart like the bellows of an accordion. A sofa with such a mechanism is quite reliable, takes up little space when folded, and it is possible to use drawers for linen.

“Eurobook” is very reliable, since there are no mechanisms at all. Having pulled out the front part, the back is simply lowered - it is fixed on hinges. It is comfortable to sleep, and there is also a large drawer for linen. To avoid damage flooring legs, they need to be upholstered soft material, nail plastic extensions or install rollers.

Video: how to make a sofa bed

What is a sofa sofa

People sometimes say that they need a sofa sofa. It is important to define what is meant by this name. Now the differences between a sofa, sofa and ottoman are gradually disappearing. For example, on the website of a furniture store there is no division: a sofa, sofa, and ottoman are called sofas, but on another website they sell a sofa-ottoman, calling it a sofa. It will help to understand this issue comparative analysis provided in the table.

Sofa Sofa
The back is quite high, significantly higher than the armrests. The back is low, made at the same level with the armrests.
The seat is soft and can consist of several pillows. The seat is flat and very wide, most often solid.
The contours are rounded, emphasizing the elegance of the product. The shape is angular, without smooth transitions.
High. Low.
Voluminous and beautiful. Compact, inelegant.
Multifunctional. The number of functions is minimal.

Now let's move on directly to the process of making the sofa.

How to make a Chester sofa

To do the job you will need the following tools:

  • hand circular saw;
  • jigsaw;
  • stapler (preferably pneumatic, but if there is no compressor, then you will have to work manually);
  • drill;
  • screwdriver;
  • marker and pencil;
  • ruler and tape measure.

This standard set of tools will be necessary when making any sofa.

So, you should prepare all the blanks and cut grooves into them in accordance with the presented sketches.

The assembly diagram is presented with a series of photographs, sequentially showing the stages of the work.

Inserting the workpieces into the pre-sawed grooves, we secure them with self-tapping screws.

First, crossbars coated with PVA glue are attached to the racks.

The holders are screwed to the rail with self-tapping screws and fixed with brackets, after which the part is fixed to the frame.

The armrests and the front part of the sofa are upholstered with fiberboard.

We draw a center line and mark 14.5 cm on it - this is how the markings are made for the buttons, which will then be installed. Then, using a feather drill, holes are drilled in the marked places.

After covering it with fabric, we begin gluing the foam rubber to the frame. In those places where gluing is inconvenient, you can shoot the foam rubber with a stapler.

Now let's draw up two sketches, taking the necessary measurements.

First, measure the distance from the top button to the side bar. We do the same with the back - from the button to the back bar. You also need to measure the distance from the front pillar to the first top button on the armrest. We put all these dimensions into the sketch.

  • Size L is the length of the arc from the button to the top bar.
  • L+50 is 50 mm to shoot.
  • 155 is the distance between the rows.
  • These data are not final, as they will still change.
  • 195 is the size between the buttons horizontally. On the bar it was 145mm but now has 50mm added for the pleats.
  • Each row comes with an offset of 97.5 mm.
  • Green shows an edge allowance of 50 mm.
  • Bottom distance N this is the distance from the bottom button to the allowance block.

Taking into account all these dimensions, we get the dimensions we need.

In the second picture we see that there is also a distance IN from the front bar to the top extreme button.

After receiving these dimensions, we transfer it all to the fabric.

Now let's do it carriage tie. You can find out how to make it correctly, and how you can do without a press for making buttons, by watching the following video.

Video: correct and incorrect carriage tie

Now we need to make a mattress. To do this, a snake spring is attached to the base, and a dense woven material is placed on top of it. Then a coconut trunk is laid, then 35 (or 42) density foam rubber 10 cm thick. We lay padding polyester on top, and only after that we can start covering the sofa with fabric (or leather).

Such a sofa will be comfortable, beautiful and durable.

By viewing the following slide show, you can watch the assembly process of a similar design.

Video: sofa assembly process

As you have already noticed, the work cannot be called easy, so without experience it will not be easy to make a high-quality Chester sofa.

How to make a corner sofa

Nowadays corner sofas are very popular, but this is not only a tribute to fashion. This design allows you to save space in a small apartment. However, this is not an economical option; such furniture will decorate both small and large rooms.

Video: making a corner sofa in an apartment

In our case, we will consider the process of making a soft sofa for small apartment. The basis will be chipboard.

As a rule, the size of each sofa is individual, as it is adjusted to the dimensions of the room, but the presented sketch will help you navigate the further work.

In order for all the parts to be the right size, it is necessary to make a pattern and outline the outline of the workpiece along it. Using a jigsaw, all the parts are cut out using the applied markings, after which you can begin assembling the sofa. Instead of wood screws, it is better to use confirmats, since they are specifically designed for reliable fastening of chipboard parts.

Since our sofa will not be solid, but from two parts, we will assemble them one by one. First, let's take care of the sofa, and then the attached corner part.

We will not dwell on the process of manufacturing the soft part, since this information was presented in the previous section.

As a result, we should get a small sofa like this. Please note that the spacer installed in the middle is sufficiently recessed so that it does not prevent the springs from stretching to their maximum level under the weight of a person.

The back of the attached part of the corner sofa should be a continuation of the main part, but bottom part It is made liftable, which allows you to hide bedding inside.

The lower part is made in the form of a box, the lid of which will serve as the soft part of the sofa.

The lid will be maintained in a raised state by a mechanism that also acts as a hinge.

It turned out to be a very decent and comfortable corner sofa.

What should a sofa be like for a kitchen?

Since even in the same house the sizes of kitchens can vary somewhat, it is necessary to determine as accurately as possible the dimensions of the sofa for this room. Since the design is usually simple, it will not be difficult to draw a sketch that will indicate the necessary data.

Particular attention should be paid to the seat height. Your legs will constantly be in an awkward position if the seat is too high or too low. If your height is “non-standard”, you are probably familiar with this problem. In any case, it is better to measure the height of your favorite chair, but you should not forget about other family members.

You can also make a simpler non-folding structure, which is often called a sofa chair.

Video: how to make a corner sofa for the kitchen

How to make a Eurobook sofa

Everyone knows what a sofa book is, but few people know what a Eurobook is. Essentially, this is an improved model of an ordinary folding sofa. The design of this model allows you to install it close to the wall and even in the middle of the room. The method of transformation is also different, since the seat moves forward and the back rests on the free space. Another pleasant feature of the Eurobook is that when unfolded, such a sofa is in no way inferior in comfort to a bed, since there is no deep depression in the middle, and 2 halves of the same size, almost flat.

There are not so many disadvantages, but one significant one is worth mentioning: when the seat is pulled out, the sofa legs sliding along the floor can scratch and even ruin the floor covering.

Frame assembly

First, we will make frames for the soft parts of the future sofa. To do this, we will need 4 two-meter straight beams without knots 40x40 mm, and from the same beam 14 pieces of 72 cm each.

Sections of bars are screwed to the four bars along the edges - they will play the role of amplifiers. To fix the frame we will use 4.2×70 mm wood screws.

Now you can assemble the frame, but for now use 1 screw per corner.

A sheet of plywood 5 mm thick, prepared to size, is placed on the assembled frame. It needs to be fixed on the narrow part of the frame with self-tapping screws (or staples), and then level the frame and check that the plane of this part is level. Then you can screw the sheet completely.

Now it's time to secure the crossbars. If they are attached to the seat at equal intervals, then one rib should be installed in the backrest in the center, and 2 - spaced 195 mm from the edge. The rest are attached arbitrarily.

Making a box

For the drawer you need to make 2 guides from 40x40 mm bars. Cuts are made on both sides, reducing the height by 15 mm.

We will use the same 40x40 mm bars as legs. We grind down their corners a little.

First, we will step back 50 mm along the edges from the top of the sidewall, since we have a boss 50 mm high. If you have a different boss, then the distance should be equal to its height.

We screwed the guide, then screwed the legs flush against the guide. The second side is done in exactly the same way.

Then it is taken longitudinal part, all this is laid on a flat surface and twisted with 50 mm self-tapping screws.

A jumper is screwed to the finished box, and then a plywood bottom.

Having installed the box on the legs, on one side we will make an amplifier for the hinge from a block.

Sofa legs

Now we will make the legs for the sofa. It will be necessary to make two legs for the seat. For this purpose we also use a 40x40 mm block. The length of the leg will be equal to the height of our box from the floor. We retreat 8 cm from the edge and grind down the edges. We treat the edge with stain to make it beautiful. We do the same with the legs and on the box.

If desired, the legs can be upholstered in leather, and a plastic heel can be nailed underneath, which will easily slide across the floor.

So we assembled the frames of the back and seat. We sew the back frame with reverse side Fiberboard. We do not trim the seat frame. In addition, we will screw blocks onto the seat frame, which will act as supports for the legs.

Seat assembly

Now let's start installing the drawer. We take our drawer and lay it flat. Where the blocks pass, you will need to make cuts. We mark a little with reserve the places where the boards will pass. Cutting depth 40 mm.

Having made cuts in the drawer, we install it on the seat and screw it on. The height of the drawer should not be less than 150 mm.

Now the legs are screwed on. Additionally, the fastening can be strengthened with a furniture screw.

We cut out this figure from the remains of plywood. Its size can be arbitrary. Then we cut out exactly the same second figure using it.

Each part is attached with 35 mm screws to the frame and leg.

The remaining fiberboard can be used to smooth out the transition by attaching it with staples.

Now you can start covering.

Drawer lining

We will cover only the front and sides of the box with fabric.

Let's start nailing the fabric from the top of the front wall. Then the side ones.

Having nailed the fabric, a strip of thick cardboard 15 mm wide is nailed on top of it.

The fabric is stretched over the body, the box is turned upside down, and the fabric is secured from below.

Making foam pillows

To complete the work, you will need 3 sheets of foam rubber, with a density of at least 30, 1 x 2 m in size and 40 mm thick. You will also need a small piece of foam rubber 20 mm thick.

We cut foam rubber for our pillows. To do this, use a sharp knife and a ruler.

We will make a second layer from foam rubber scraps, resulting in a mattress thickness of 80 mm. If the weight of the person who will sleep on this sofa is more than 90 kg, then it is better to use foam rubber with a thickness of 50 mm.

To glue foam rubber, it is best to use glue that is specifically designed for this purpose. You can also use Titan glue, which is sold in hardware stores. It will also glue the foam rubber well, but it will just take a little longer to dry.

And now, the foam rubber is glued. At the back the foam is flush with the base, and on the sides and front it protrudes 2 cm.

The protrusions of the pillow foam are made in such a way that these voids can be sealed with 2 cm thick foam rubber.

Having covered the frame with foam rubber, you can begin further work.

Seat cover

Let's consider 2 options for upholstering the sofa seat. One of them is sewing a cover on a sewing machine. Using another option, you can cover the sofa with a single piece of fabric without using a sewing machine. To do this, the fabric is assembled in the front part with an accordion and nailed in this state. From the back of the pillow, the fabric is simply laid so that the excess is inside, and also nailed.

We will use a ready-made cover with drawstrings sewn to it.

Having pulled the cover over the front part, use a wire to pull it out through drilled holes tension ropes.

The cover is adjusted to the sofa.

Having upholstered the sofa, you can start tightening. Each rope is pulled up from the reverse side so that all points are lowered to the same depth. After adjustment, the edge of the rope is stapled to the bottom of the sofa.

Back upholstery

Now you can start lining the back. Just like the seat, the foam rubber will be glued on the inside along the edge of the backrest, and its side parts will have a 2 cm protrusion.

In those places where the mattress protrudes above the base, we glue 4 cm strips of foam rubber 2 cm thick.

We make markings on the top of the pillow for tightening, and cover the bottom with batting.

We do not sheath it all the way to the bottom, since there will be a box there and there is no need for sheathing there. In addition, if you sheathe it to the bottom, it will be inconvenient to install hinges.

Now let's put on the cover.

Having secured the cover to the back, you need to take another piece of fabric and upholster the back part over the trim.

When using a standard cover, the upholstery is done in the same way as the seat upholstery.

Hinge installation and assembly

The middle loop is screwed in the middle using self-tapping screws. When attaching the outer hinges, the lower self-tapping screw goes into the block. The upper holes are secured with screws, since there is no block in that place.

After we have screwed the hinges onto the box, we lay out our sofa in the way it should be when unfolded. That is, we put a box, we put a seat on the box. We push the seat forward as far as possible so that the bosses rest against the front wall.

Why do we lay the backrest in a lying position so that it lies flat next to the seat. You need to measure the distance from the edge of the back to the drawer. In our case it turned out to be 21 centimeters.

Turning the back over, we place the box on it and set the distance that we measured, that is, 21 cm.

Now all that remains is to screw the hinges to the back with self-tapping screws.

At this point, the assembly of the Eurobook is completed, and the product can be used.

Eurobook sofa drawing

Sofa with tick-tock mechanism

The manufacturing process of such a sofa is not much different from similar ones. The main difference is the use of a tick-tock mechanism, the operating principle of which is shown in the video.

Drawing of a tick-tock sofa

Assembling a sofa from pallets

Is it possible to make a sofa out of pallets? Of course, you will answer, adding that it will be in the country house, in the garage or on the veranda, and in most cases this is where products made from pallets are located, but furniture can also be made from this material for a living space.

Depending on the purpose of the sofa, you need to select pallets. So, for making furniture for a cottage or garage, old pallets are suitable, but for a living space it is better to purchase whole, slightly worn pallets.

The process of making a sofa from pallets

Having purchased pallets, the first thing you need to do is inspect them, determining which one will go where. Niches for insert drawers will be cut out in our design. After preparing the pallets, they must be thoroughly sanded.

During the assembly of the sofa, the pallets are fastened with metal plates, which are screwed with self-tapping screws.

Where possible, pallets are rolled directly together.

We also cut out and install armrests from pallets.

To strengthen the fixation of the backrest, spacers are installed on the sides.

Fiberboard is used to cover the bottom, and the armrests and back are upholstered with fabric over laid foam rubber.

Linen drawers will be installed in these niches.

All that remains is to make the soft part. For this purpose, a mattress and 3 pillows were used, for which covers were sewn from the same fabric that was used for the upholstery.

Now the sofa can be used.

The process of making sofas from pallets various designs You can watch it in the video selection.

Video: assembling various sofas from pallets

Photos of sofas made from pallets

Making a sofa from a bathtub

Although such a structure can hardly be called a sofa, the structure still has a right to exist.

So, to make a sofa you need an old cast iron bath, which is time to throw away. The first thing you need to do is clean it of rust and debris.

Now let's unscrew the legs. If the nuts do not budge, then they need to be moistened with kerosene and waited for half an hour. If they still do not unscrew after this, the procedure should be repeated.

Let's start marking the bath. To do this you will need a marker.

Using a grinder, we cut off the unnecessary part according to the markings.

The cut must be processed by rounding the edges.

We will paint the bathtub with blue paint.

Let's make the legs yellow.

When screwing the legs to the bathtub body, use new nuts, not forgetting to add a washer.

In order for the paint to adhere well to the inside of the bathtub, it needs to be sanded.

We will paint the inside with white enamel, but you can choose any color that suits you.

To make the mattress we will use 50 mm thick foam rubber, and we will sew a cover from fabric.

All that remains is to install our mini sofa and put the mattress inside.

Video: how to make a sofa from a bathtub

Use of plastic bottles

Scope of application plastic bottles very large, right down to the manufacture of furniture. How to make a sofa from these containers is described in detail in the video.

Video: unusual homemade sofas

How to sew a cover

Making the body of a sofa is already a lot, but it is also important to trim it beautifully. Considering the fact that the fabric is expensive and cannot be bought in reserve, it is important to make the right patterns and sew a cover from them.

Which fabric to choose?

Depending on where and under what conditions the sofa will be used, a suitable fabric is selected. Let's look at a few examples.

Where is the sofa Type of fabric

In the living room, the sofa is often used, and not only by people living in the apartment. Guests often sit on it while eating, so there is a high probability that a cutlet or a piece of fish in vegetable oil will fall on it. Taking this into account, it is better to use synthetic fabrics, since they practically do not absorb moisture, including fats, and they wash well.

In the bedroom, the sofa is used to sleep on or just relax. Instead of synthetic fabrics, it is better to use natural materials, or those containing at least 50% natural fibers. Flock is often used, as this type of fabric is durable, does not cause allergies and does not lint.

Concerned about the health of the child, it is better to use cotton fabrics, not causing allergies. This type of cladding has one significant drawback - it gets dirty easily, which makes it impractical. The quality of the fabric can be improved by using Teflon impregnation.

In the area where you regularly eat, there is a high probability of contamination of the sofa upholstery with food products. Using fabric is impractical and unprofitable, so it is better to use high-quality leatherette, which is made specifically for these purposes. Low-quality leatherette will very soon begin to peel off from the base.

How to cut

When repairing an old sofa, you can use the removed fabric as a pattern, but when upholstering a new sofa you will have to cut it yourself. How to make the right pattern?

Covering with a single piece of fabric

This technology has already been briefly mentioned in the article, but now we will describe the entire process in detail. For example, we will use a sofa seat and instead of a single piece of fabric, we will demonstrate it using a piece that was left after sewing the cover.

So, in order to upholster a separate element of upholstered furniture, you need to cut a piece of fabric that could be used to wrap the piece so that the edges can be secured from below.

Having stretched the fabric onto the parts, it needs to be stapled in front and behind. Then the hanging corner at the front is pulled tight and secured at the bottom. The fabric is laid out in folds so that they converge at one point and nailed with staples.

The back of the seat will be turned towards the wall, so you can not lay it out, but simply fold it, leaving the excess inside, and secure it in this state.

Sewing a cover for a non-folding sofa

The described technology will allow an inexperienced person to cut and sew a cover not only for a new, but also for an old sofa.

Sewing this cover took 3.5 meters of fabric and a spool of thread.

So, you need to throw the fabric over the sofa, wrong side up, positioning it in the same way as the finished cover will be located.

We will put marks so that we can then cut the fabric according to them.

In these places we cut the fabric all the way to the sofa.

The seat piece needs to be fastened to the back fabric.

Using needles, you need to pin the fabric along all the supposed seams. Instead of needles, you can use pins or sew with a basting stitch.

Having fastened all parts of the cover, remove it.

After basting the seams, put the cover on the sofa - it should fit without much effort, fitting the product being covered. If it turns out to be too tight or too loose, then this needs to be corrected by removing it.

Now you can sew the cover.

Then a frill is sewn onto it. If the cover is intended for upholstery of a sofa, then there is no need to sew on the frill, as it will be inconvenient to fix the fabric. The frill can be nailed on later if the need arises.

The result is such a cute sofa. Based on this example, you can cover any sofa, but for a new one it is better to sew separate covers for the back and seat.

As you can see, making a sofa and upholstering it at home is quite possible.

Sketches of sofas with dimensions

In order to make furniture, you need to create a drawing; it will also be impossible to make a sofa without this stage. You should not purchase expensive materials for sofas, including large cross-section timber or laminated boards. It is not recommended to equip complex tenon joints, since only a professional carpenter can make them. You should not use nails as fasteners, as such connections will soon become loose and the sofa will begin to creak. There will be self-tapping screws the best solution. Additionally, you need to apply glue.

Making a corner sofa

In order to make a corner sofa design, you need to stock up the following materials and tools:

Figure 1. Schematic drawing of a sofa, the dimensions of which can be adjusted depending on the dimensions of the living room.

  • pine timber 30x50 mm;
  • 5- and 15-mm plywood;
  • lifting mechanism;
  • 3 mm fiberboard;
  • 16 mm chipboard;
  • legs in the amount of 9 pcs.;
  • 20- and 40 mm foam rubber;
  • upholstery fabric;
  • holofiber;
  • padding polyester;
  • batting,
  • hacksaw;
  • miter box;
  • stapler;
  • drill;
  • self-tapping screws;
  • screwdriver

Figure 2. Drawing of a sofa with measurements.

In Fig. 1 shows a schematic, the dimensions of which can be adjusted depending on the dimensions of the living room. Work should begin with laying out the elements, including: frame, back, armrests, seat. Assembly must be carried out in this sequence. The armrests must be identical, and they are assembled using self-tapping screws.

You can work on the frame of the left side by preparing two sidewalls to which they are attached longitudinal beams, and then – the racks. The latter should be reinforced with transverse ties. Now you can begin installing the seat on the left side. The seat frame needs to be installed. Once the frame is installed in the frame, you need to strengthen the plywood on top. Afterwards you can fix the fiberboard to the back of the left side. At the next stage, you can proceed to the installation of the right side.

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Japanese futon folding product

To make a sofa, the frame of which can be covered or decorated with Japanese futons, you should use pine furniture panels.

The main modules, seat and backrest have frames that are mounted by connecting two side walls at the front and back using boards. The elements that are located lengthwise will need to be strengthened with a base for the mattress, which contains transverse slats.

Figure 3. Dimensions of workpieces that must be prepared before starting work.

In Fig. 2 you can see design drawings with dimensions. And fig. 3 contains the dimensions of the workpieces that must be prepared before starting work.

Using the drawing and circular saw, you need to cut the material. It is recommended to process the corners with a jigsaw, smoothing the edges with fine-grained sandpaper. Before installation, the elements must be coated acrylic varnish, and then leave them for some time to dry. The side parts of the seat need to be connected to each other with longitudinal boards, using 2 dowels set with glue. Furniture screed will give the structure additional rigidity. The same technology should be used to assemble the back of the sofa.

Hinge joints must be equipped with bolts and hex nuts. TO longitudinal elements the backs and seats need to be strengthened with 30x30 mm bars using screws and glue.

In the holes of the longitudinal boards with a diameter of 10 mm, you need to install bushings, which are borrowed from furniture sets. M5x80 screws should be installed in them. You can mate the hinge joints of the legs with 80 mm screws. The planks need to be secured with a belt, for which you need to press the section that will act as a stop to the workbench with clamps.

The seat and back frames must be bolted together. In order to obtain a strong connection between the sides of the back, you need to glue the bars and press them with clamps until the drying is completely dry. Cross slats are installed on screws, which must be secured one at a time on both sides.

Using a self-prepared drawing, you can make any sofa, but it is better to entrust the cutting to professionals.

Standard furniture does not always suit a specific interior. When standard options do not fit into the decor, you can make a sofa with your own hands - after all, any craftsman can handle the job. To do this you will need drawings, materials, step by step instructions. A product assembled by yourself will last a long time and will also look interesting in the room.

Work at home should begin with creating a diagram. To make the correct drawing of a sofa, you must:

  1. Select a transformation mechanism.
  2. Decide on the dimensions of the finished product depending on its purpose (for sleeping or relaxing), as well as the area of ​​the room in which the home-made furniture will stand.
  3. Choose a model that suits the shape and design.
  4. Prepare everything necessary for work.

When choosing or independently constructing a drawing, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the specific material from which the home craftsman plans to make homemade sofas. When the diagram is ready, you can proceed to the next stage - calculating and ordering metal, wood (or plywood, chipboard), filler, upholstery fabric, consumables.

Upholstered furniture of the standard type consists of two blocks - a back and a seat. When decomposed, these components form sleeping place. A corner sofa made of plywood is a structure of three modules connected to each other in the shape of the letter L (less often - P). The furniture stands on four legs; some models use casters instead.

If the product is intended for relaxation and night sleep (for example, for a bedroom or children's room), the design may include a niche for bedding. It is also convenient to put children's toys or old, unnecessary things in such a box. The presence of a special box makes the furniture more functional, but increases the weight of the sofa and makes it difficult to transport.

Before studying the drawings and diagrams, you need to decide on the dimensions. Standard dimensions products with a book mechanism are 140 x 220 cm when unfolded. When the furniture is assembled, these dimensions are reduced (100 x 220 cm).

First, individual parts (modules) of the product are manufactured and then combined into a single whole. Assembling the sofa is the most critical stage. When connecting two main elements together, the master must ensure that the folded seat does not extend beyond the armrests. When the sofa is unfolded, the distance between the frames should not be less than 10 mm.

The backrest and seat are made from blanks. Their number is the same for any model. Need to cut:

  • stand;
  • upper and lower crossbars;
  • side bars;
  • overlays.

You will also need two crossbars for the seat - back and front. For making a board will do 50 mm. Lastly, the blanks for the backrest and seat panel are made.

Preparation

For sleep and relaxation

Materials and tools

Wood is most often used to make the frame. Less expensive options are also possible - plywood or chipboard. Metal frames are the strongest, but they have one drawback - the large weight of the finished product. Experienced craftsmen use the following types of wood for work:

  • pine;
  • birch;
  • alder.

When choosing a drawing, you should pay attention to the fact that each diagram is designed for specific materials. Drawing metal frame not suitable for those who decide to make a sofa out of wood, and vice versa. For additional rigidity, experts recommend using sheathing made of wood, plywood or chipboard. You can make it yourself or replace it with industrially produced lamellas.

For upholstery, it is recommended to choose velor, tapestry or jacquard. These fabrics are stain-resistant and easy to care for. The most popular fillers are batting, padding polyester and compressed felt. They are characterized by elasticity and high density. Sintepon is a cheap option, but it does not last long.

You should prepare in advance the tools necessary to assemble the product at home. First of all, this is a furniture stapler (for upholstery) and a screwdriver. The master will also need:

  • ruler;
  • wooden or metal square;
  • stationery knife-cutter;
  • miter box.

You should purchase wood glue and foam glue in advance and dilute it according to the instructions. You will also need consumables: self-tapping screws, wood screws, nails, staples. After this you can start working.

In Soviet times, foam rubber was most often used as a filler for upholstered furniture. It does not last long and may cause an allergic reaction. When reupholstering old sofas at home, foam rubber is usually additionally compacted with padding polyester.

Solid wood beam

Chipboard sheets

Fillers

Upholstery materials

Tools for work

Choice of transformation mechanism

You need to choose quality parts from good metal that can withstand heavy loads. Each mechanism has its own pros and cons. They are presented in the table below.

Name How it works Advantages and Disadvantages
Book Two frames with fixed spring blocks are responsible for the transformation, instead of which soft filler can be used. The backrest can be easily reclined and you can place a drawer underneath to store bedding. However, such a sofa is difficult to unfold if there is little space in the room.
Tango The principle of operation is similar to a book, but the back of a corner sofa (or a standard-shaped product) can be in three positions: horizontal, vertical and intermediate. The furniture is compact in size, there are no uneven spots on the sleeping surface when unfolded, but the backrest cannot be leaned against the wall.
Eurobook The seat rolls forward thanks to small rollers, the back hides in a special niche. The mechanism lasts a long time, the sleeping area takes up a large area, but the rollers can leave scratches on the linoleum.

Most often in homemade products a book mechanism is used. It is easier to make it from scrap materials. If spring blocks are made from high-quality raw materials, they will not wear out for a long time. A more modern modification of this model is DIY Eurobook sofas.

The French folding bed mechanism is very popular among lovers of transformable sofas. To unfold the berth, just pull the edge of the seat and the three sections of the product will straighten out. However for homemade furniture this option will not work, because such a mechanism quickly fails.

If the room in which the wooden sofa will be placed is spacious enough, you can use an accordion mechanism. This product takes up very little space when folded, but requires a lot of space to unfold. When the berth moves forward, it rests on the extending legs. The main advantage is that no physical effort is required to unfold it.

Accordion sofas last a long time, but moving legs can scratch the floor covering. They also have nowhere to build in a drawer for bedding, and the niche is located in the area backrest, but this is not entirely convenient.

Eurobook

French folding bed

Accordion

Manufacturing stages based on the model

The step-by-step guide to making sleeping and relaxing furniture may vary depending on the specific model. Most often, home craftsmen make classic books, corners and modular products from pallets. Each option has its own design features. The instructions for assembling sofas depend on them.

Sofa book

For work you will need timber and boards, foam rubber as a filler and fabric for upholstery. Also needed ready mechanism transformation. Consumables you will need are nuts, self-tapping screws, furniture bolts, and staples. Below are step-by-step instructions. Necessary:

  1. Assemble a linen box from boards measuring 1900 mm. Finished product reinforce with 2 slats.
  2. Make two frames - for the seat and back, attach slats to them to support the mattress.
  3. Cut out the armrests from fiberboard. Use boards 55 mm wide and 1 m long.
  4. Make a wooden frame for the armrests and assemble the parts into one whole.
  5. Drill holes in the bedding drawer.
  6. Assemble a sofa book from modules.

When installing the transformation mechanism, you need to ensure that in a horizontal position the distance between the back and the seat is about 10 mm. To strengthen the structure, you can additionally use a mesh of slats. The frame is covered with sheets of foam rubber. To smooth out sharp corners along the edge of the product, it is recommended to glue an additional strip of the specified material as an edging. If everything is done correctly, you should end up with a soft roller. The book sofa is compact and comfortable and has an interesting design.

Assembling a laundry box from boards

We strengthen with slats

Assembling the frame for the seat and back

Slats for mattress support

Cutting out the armrests

Frame for armrests

Drilling holes in the laundry drawer

Assembling modules

Cover with foam rubber

Soften the armrests with foam rollers

DIY sofa book is ready

Angular

For work you will need timber and boards. You should also select plywood or chipboard in advance. The first option is more durable and reliable, the second is cheaper. The minimum recommended chipboard thickness is 16 mm; there is no point in taking thinner material. Stages of work:

  1. Draw a drawing. Calculate the length of both modules.
  2. Draw up a diagram showing the locations of the fasteners.
  3. Assemble and fasten with self-tapping screws a rectangular frame made of boards.
  4. Place cross bars in the center of the bottom and top sections.
  5. Sew up the bottom of the box with fiberboard.
  6. Use the described method to make the second half of the product, the corner insert of a square header.
  7. Fold and fasten the three resulting elements.
  8. Make a backrest from 6 modules, fasten all the parts to each other using a beam.
  9. Place the seat on the hinges attached to components backrests
  10. Stuff upholstered furniture with foam rubber at least 10 cm thick.
  11. Cover the frame with upholstery fabric.

For upholstery you will need a furniture stapler. It is recommended to start covering from the farthest corner of the upholstered furniture, gradually moving to the center. You need to nail the material to the back from the bottom up. When this part has already been processed, move on to the sides. Lastly, the seat is covered with fabric.

Mounting arrangement diagram

Assembling a frame from boards

Sew up the bottom of the fiberboard box

Installing cross bars

Assembling the back

Connecting the back and seat

Stuffing with foam rubber

Cover with batting

Assembling and covering the corner insert with batting

We trim the back

We nail the material to the sides

Cover with upholstery fabric

DIY corner sofa

Pallets are wooden pallets. They can be found at any hardware store. Craftsmen use pallets as modules in the manufacture of upholstered and cabinet furniture at home. To make original sofas for your dacha with your own hands, you will need one large pallet. To work you need:

  1. Cut the pallet into 2 fragments – large (seat) and small (back).
  2. Screw the legs to the seat using screws.
  3. Lock the backrest in the desired position. For this you will need wooden corners.
  4. Prime and varnish the surface of the furniture.
  5. Attach the plywood for the back to the crossbars using the loops.

If the product will be placed in a country house or on a balcony, a protective cover and decorative pillows It is best to sew it from leatherette. This material is easy to care for. Leatherette also tolerates well high humidity and has a long service life.

To make a product standard sizes, suitable for sleeping and relaxing, you will need 6-8 pallets. The manufacturing technology will be approximately the same. One of the pallets must be disassembled into boards and used to fasten the modules to each other. Before you start sleeping on such furniture, it is advisable to lay down an orthopedic mattress.

We cut the pallet into two fragments

Installing the backrest

Fixing the back

Prime the surface

We fasten the legs with screws

We sew a cover and fill it with upholstery

Ready-made sofa from pallets

To do soft sofa, it is recommended to choose functional models with drawers and filler good quality. Roll-out (retractable) options with rollers and guides are very popular. They are good because they don’t require any physical effort to unfold.

You should not save on fittings, because the life of the furniture depends on the reliability of the fasteners. It is better for novice joiners and carpenters to choose clear geometric models. They suit interiors in any style. They are also much easier to make clearly and neatly compared to furniture of complex shapes.

Tenon joints located at the ends of the boards increase the strength of the product and increase its service life. However, it is impossible to make them at home; this requires special equipment. For this reason, a novice carpenter should not set himself such a task.

Experts do not recommend connecting individual elements together using nails. Instead of them experienced craftsmen use screws or self-tapping screws. If nails are used, the fastenings gradually become loose.

Recommended wood species for making a sofa at home are spruce and pine. Before work, the boards are carefully sanded - the surface of the material should be smooth, without roughness. You should not cut boards indoors, as wood dust accumulated in the air is harmful to health and can cause allergies.

For padding the back you need to use thin foam rubber, for the seat - denser. You can glue several sheets together. It is necessary to pay attention to the tightness of the joint of soft parts with each other. Placed on top of foam rubber thin layer padding polyester to protect the filler from external influences. On furniture factories it is used to make sofas softer.

The frame must support the weight of several people. A children's sofa made of timber is calculated based on the weight of children (teenagers), an adult - depending on the build of older family members.

In order for wood or chipboard products to last a long time, all parts must be treated with a special furniture varnish (stain). If garden sofa intended for children's recreation, the coating should not contain aggressive and allergenic chemicals. U homemade sofas many advantages. They fit well into any space, look unusual, and are suitable for sleeping and relaxing. The main thing is to choose quality material to work and present clearly step by step sequence actions. Then making upholstered furniture with your own hands will become an interesting hobby.

Roll-out

Children's sofa in the interior

Sofa made of pallets treated with stain

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