The couch left behind by the previous tenants in my new apartment was in less than peak condition. It’s pleather cushions were peeling and shedding. Instead of buying a couch from Ikea for $600 to $800, my roommates and I decided to build one from pine 2x4s for a fraction of the cost.

Equipment

• electric drill
• electric saw
• orbital sander
• bucket vacuum
• staple gun

Materials

• 12 pine 2x4s
• box of 3″ self-sinking screws
• $100 faux suede from Mood
• staple gun staples

preparing the cut with rafter triangle and clamp

I apologize for the armpit shot.

My roommate Ben constructing the seat

after much hard work, Ben rests on the finished frame

s mom graciously stitched together.

My roommates Ben and Gary and the fruits of our labors.