DIY Modern Sofa or Loveseat
A tutorial by
.- 4 – Hairpin Legs, 3-Rod, 3/8" diameter, in desired height and finish (we used 8" and 10" to create a slight angle)
- 2 – Sheets of 3/4" plywood
- 2 – Cushions (you can make your own by covering 3"-thick foam with canvas or another material)
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Circular saw
- Speed square
- Trim board to guide cuts
- Clamps
- Wood glue
- Adhesive trowel
- Wood putty (matching the color of your plywood)
- Putty knife
- Chisel
- Orbital sander and sanding discs, or sanding block
- L brackets (we used 2" double-wide corner braces)
- Drill/driver and bits
- Screws (such as 1-1/4" and 3/4" wood screws, 2-1/2" finish screws)
- Washers
- Finish (we applied Varathane water-based polyurethane in crystal clear matte)
- Brush to apply finish
- Safety gear such as eye protection, a mask/respirator and gloves


Ben Uyeda
HomeMade Modern | @benjaminuyeda
Ben Uyeda stepped away from the award-winning architecture firm he co-founded, as well as an Ivy League teaching position, to develop media companies that deliver affordable designs to the masses. In the last four years, Ben’s design ideas have reached more than 50 million people and the free designs he gives away are being built on six different continents. Despite the populist and affordable nature of his work, Ben’s designs have been featured in an exhibition and workshop at the Vitra Furniture Museum in Germany.


Step 1:
Create the side panels

Step 2:
Glue the pieces together

Step 3:
Cut the seat and backrest

Step 4:
Reinforce the seat board

Step 5:
Fix any gaps or divots

Step 6:
Prepare the seat panels

Step 7:
Assemble the parts

Step 8:
Place the back panel

Step 9:
Finish the plywood

Step 10:
Attach the legs

Step 11:
Cover the cushions

Step 12:
Sew the covers

Step 13:
Add hooks
