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To make building your outdoor daybed even easier, work out the length and width you want it to be and have the timber pre-cut at your local Bunnings*. Here's the cut list we used.
For the vertical timber
For the horizontal timber
Merbau posts
*Not available at all Bunnings stores.
Lay out the timber first to make it easier to understand how the end of your daybed will fit together. Also, work on the ground to make the assembly process easier. Start with 2 vertical cypress posts (125mm x 75mm x 625mm) and lay 2 horizontal cypress posts (125mm x 75mm x 750mm) onto them in a square shape, making sure they line up evenly.
Measure and mark the ends of the first piece of horizontal timber so that you can secure it to the vertical pieces. Use a cordless drill to make the holes and countersink these so that the screws are hidden.
Drill 1 end of the first horizontal piece into place over the 2 vertical pieces. Then repeat this process for the other end until it's firmly in place.
Lay the other 3 lengths of 625mm vertical timber beneath the fixed horizontal piece, between the other 2. These will be the vertical posts at the end of your daybed. Use the 90mm spacers to ensure these verticals are evenly spaced apart.
With the spacers in place, make sure the first piece of horizontal timber is flush with the end of the vertical timber. Pre-drill holes into the 750mm horizontal piece over the ends of the 625mm verticals and then screw together to secure.
Using the 90mm spacers, position the second 750mm horizontal at the other end of the verticals, making sure its flush with each end. Mark and drill pilot holes into the horizontal piece over each vertical and counter sink them. Then use your drill to screw that horizontal securely in place.
The central horizontal timber is the load bearer for the daybed. Use the spacer to make sure it's the same height (90mm) as the slats of wood you will use to sit on. Pre-drill the holes and countersink them. Then use the drill and screws to attach your timber securely to each piece of vertical timber.
Use a square to make sure that the end is square. If it's not, use a hammer to tap it into place. Pre-drill a hole. Countersink it and then use the drill to secure a second screw into each of the three pieces of horizontal timber.
To build the second end, just follow steps 2–9. Make sure you use the spacers so that it's identical to the first end that you've built. Use sandpaper to smooth both ends of the daybed.
You'll need someone to help you with this step. Stand 1 of the ends up and slide the Merbau posts into the 90mm gap (between the top and second horizontal). Have someone stand the other end up and insert the opposite ends of the posts into that as well, until the daybed is complete. Make sure all the Merbau ends are flush with the stand ends.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
