EP. 28 diy mid century modern sofa

Today on Modern Builds, we're making a mid-century modern sofa. This was the first time for me to use dowels as well as half lap joints. Big learning experience.

MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES:

7 2x6's

4 12" legs: http://amzn.to/1TIBhNN

Leg Hardware: http://amzn.to/1TIBvV3

Watco Dark Walnut Danish Oil: http://amzn.to/23kNwWQ

Wood Glue: http://amzn.to/1pRuFAC

Mahogany Dowel: http://amzn.to/1TIBHDU

The cushions and upholstery are from a local upholstery shop. I paid about $200 for it.

STEP ONE: MAKE THE PLATFORM

The frame is built to fit the cushions with the dimensions shown below. It's made from all 2x6's.

After running the 2x6's through the table saw once to knock the rounded edge off, I set my fence to 5.25" and ripped them to their final width.

I used a biscuit joiner before glueing up the platform to add extra strength and to help the boards line up straighter.

I used wood filler to fix any blemishes in the wood I wanted to hide. Any I wanted to accentuate, I used epoxy. Then I used a belt sander to flatten everything. Finally, I used a circular saw to square everything up.

STEP TWO: MAKE THE BACK SUPPORT

The horizontal support is made of a new 2x6. The rest of the pieces that make up the back are made from left over pieces from the platform.

To attach the horizontal support to the vertical posts, I used half-lap joints.

I used dowels to attach the back support to the platform.

I added two dowels to the support plate on the platform to add extra strength.

STEP THREE: ADD THE SLATS

I cut the legs to about 10" to shorten them and to take off the metal bottom. For extra stability, I used longer and more aggressive screws in the plate.

STEP FOUR: PUT THE FINISH ON IT

I used a Danish oil from Watco with a built in dark walnut stain.

That's all there is to it! I hope you enjoyed it and go out and make your own. If you do, don't forget to tag me in a picture of it!

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