Terrace Daybed

Dimensions

Cut list

Tools you'll need

• ✓

  Tape measure (5 m or longer)

  Used for measuring each material.

• ✓

  Pencil and carpenter's square

  For marking lines and confirming right angles.

• ✓

  Saw

  Use home center cutting service recommended.

• ✓

  Electric driver

  Impact driver improves work efficiency.

• ✓

  Sandpaper

  Prepare #120 and #240 grit.

• ✓

  Level

  Essential for confirming levelness during assembly.

• ✓

  Clamps (2 or more)

  Used for temporary fixing during joining.

• ✓

  Brush and paint tray

  Used for applying wood preservative.

Materials

Build steps

1. 1

   Final Check of Materials and Tools

   ≈ 20 min

   Prepare five 2x6 lumber top boards (38×140×2000mm), four 2x4 lumber legs (38×89×362mm), two 2x4 lumber apron boards (38×89×2000mm), two 2x4 lumber backrest boards (38×89×2000mm), two 2x4 lumber backrest posts (38×89×700mm), and sixty 65mm coarse-thread screws. Tools include electric driver, saw, tape measure, carpenter's square, #120/#240 sandpaper, level, two F-type clamps, brush, and paint tray. Stainless steel screws are recommended for outdoor installation.

   Measure

   W 2000 mm

   MeasureSTEP 1 / 21

   Tip

   • The terrace daybed is large (2000mm width × 900mm depth). Using home center cutting service makes transport easier.
   • Five top boards side by side are 140×5 + 4×5mm gaps = 725mm width. With 900mm depth, there is 175mm overhang front and back by design.

   Watch out

   • 2000mm long lumber often doesn't fit in regular cars. Confirm vehicle size before purchase.
   • For outdoor use, always select stainless steel screws; iron screws rust within a year.
2. 2

   Securing Workspace

   ≈ 15 min

   A flat workspace roughly 2500mm×1500mm is needed. Due to size, outdoor work is recommended. Lay a blue tarp and use three sawhorses spaced to support the 2000mm long materials at three points.

   Inspect

   No wobble ✓

   InspectSTEP 2 / 21

   Tip

   • Working in tight spaces makes movement difficult; use garden or garage space.
   • Three saw horses supporting the long materials prevents sagging at the center.

   Watch out

   • Outdoors, materials can move from wind. Use weights or work with two people to stabilize.
3. 3

   Marking All Materials

   ≈ 25 min

   Mark all cut lines and pilot hole positions on materials. Since lengths vary greatly (top boards 2000mm, legs 362mm, backrest posts 700mm), mark the back of each with identifications such as 'Top A-E', 'Leg LF/LB/RF/RB', and 'Back Post L/R'.

   Mark a line

   Use a try square

   MarkSTEP 3 / 21

   Tip

   • Group materials during marking to avoid confusion later.
   • Use 2B pencil for marking, tracing main lines thicker to confirm.

   Watch out

   • Decide front edge of five top boards before marking to avoid less aesthetic wood grain facing inward.
   • Legs 362mm and backrest posts 700mm differ greatly; mixing lengths leads to rework.
4. 4

   Cutting All Materials

   ≈ 45 min

   Cut five top boards to 2000mm, four legs to 362mm, two apron boards to 2000mm, two backrest boards to 2000mm, and two backrest posts to 700mm. Using home center cutting service saves significant time. If cutting yourself, clamp same-length pieces together and cut simultaneously.

   Cut

   Use the in-store cut service

   CutSTEP 4 / 21

   Tip

   • Sixteen cuts total are time-consuming; home center cutting at 30-50 yen per cut costs around 1500 yen but reduces cutting time from half-day to 30 minutes.
   • Clamp four legs together for one cut; backrest posts two together similarly.

   Watch out

   • Cutting 2000mm lumber alone is dangerous. Always support both ends.
   • Legs and backrest posts differ by nearly twice in length; strict distinction is essential.
5. 5

   Sanding All Materials (#120 to #240)

   ≈ 60 min

   Sand all materials first with #120 grit, then finish with #240 grit. Large surface areas take time. Top boards require especially thorough sanding on seating and lying surfaces. Sand both sides and round edges of backrest boards carefully.

   Sand

   #120

   SandSTEP 5 / 21

   Tip

   • Electric sander reduces sanding of top boards from 2 hours to 30 minutes.
   • Round all edges where hands might touch with 2-3mm radius.

   Watch out

   • Large dust amounts occur; work outdoors with dust mask.
   • Hands must verify no splinters remain, especially on surfaces that might be leaned on.
6. 6

   Preparing Pilot Holes

   ≈ 25 min

   Drill 3mm diameter pilot holes at all joint points: legs-apron (2 screws x4 joints=8), top-apron (4 screws x5 boards=20), backrest post-rear legs (3 screws x2=6), backrest-backrest post (2 screws x4=8), total 42 holes.

   Drill a hole

   下穴 φ3.5mm

   DrillSTEP 6 / 21

   Tip

   • Mark pilot hole positions with masking tape for clear depth and location.
   • Due to quantity, drilling pilots and screwing simultaneously enhances efficiency.

   Watch out

   • Use masking tape to mark depth and prevent over-drill.
   • Long materials may sag when drilling; support on sawhorses during work.
7. 7

   Joining Rear Legs and Backrest Posts

   ≈ 30 min

   Connect rear legs (362mm) and backrest posts (700mm). Overlap leg top and post bottom, incline backrest slightly backward at 95-100°, and drive three 65mm coarse-thread screws. Make two sets.

   Build the frame

   Check for square

   AssembleSTEP 7 / 21

   Tip

   • 95° backrest angle is more relaxed; 100° more upright. For terrace relaxation, 95° is preferable.
   • 200mm overlap length with 3 screws gives sufficient strength.

   Watch out

   • Unequal angles left and right cause backrest boards to be non-parallel; use templates to standardize angles.
   • 700mm posts are dedicated to backrest; do not confuse with 362mm legs.
8. 8

   Temporary Assembly and Fix 1 Side Frame

   ≈ 20 min

   Form a U-shaped frame with one front leg (362mm), rear leg + post assembly, and one apron board (2000mm). Temporarily fix with F-clamps, confirm right angle with square, then fix leg-apron joints with 2 screws each end (total 4 screws).

   Build the frame

   Check for square

   AssembleSTEP 8 / 21

   Tip

   • 2000mm apron boards make frames long and prone to misalignment. Position legs 200mm inside from ends for stability.
   • Use clamps at apron ends and middle points.

   Watch out

   • Apron may sag in middle; support center when screwing.
9. 9

   Assemble Opposite Frame

   ≈ 30 min

   Use first frame as template to assemble opposite side with same size and angle. Align leg orientation and backrest post angles to make symmetric. Place frames side-by-side to verify matching.

   Build the frame

   Check for square

   AssembleSTEP 9 / 21

   Tip

   • Left-right asymmetry is noticeable when lying down; aim for matching within 1mm.
   • Different backrest post angles warp backrest boards.

   Watch out
10. 10

    Connect Left and Right Frames

    ≈ 20 min

    Stand two frames parallel 900mm apart and connect with second apron board (2000mm). Verify squareness by measuring diagonals, then secure with four 65mm coarse-thread screws at joints (2 screws per joint x2).

    Measure

    W 2000 mm

    MeasureSTEP 10 / 21

    Tip

    • 900mm depth suits lying comfortably; frame spacing affects seating and lying ease.

    Watch out

    • Diagonal difference over 5mm indicates distortion; adjust.
    • Connecting 2000mm materials alone is difficult; two people recommended.
11. 11

    Attach Backrest Boards

    ≈ 25 min

    Place two 2000mm backrest boards between backrest posts. Position first board 150mm below post top, second 400mm below top. Temporarily clamp, then drive two 65mm screws per joint through pilot holes on each side.

    Build the frame

    Check for square

    AssembleSTEP 11 / 21

    Tip

    • 150mm spacing supports the back well; gaps over 200mm make posture unstable.
    • Confirm boards are level before fixing; tilted boards look bad.

    Watch out

    • Too high backrest boards can hit head; 150mm below post top suits persons 170cm tall.
12. 12

    Arrange and Position Top Boards

    ≈ 20 min

    Arrange five 2000mm top boards on frame. Leave about 5mm gaps between boards (140×5 + 5×4 = 720mm). With 900mm depth, allow 90mm overhang front and back. Align front edges evenly; rear edges close to backrest posts but leave ~3mm clearance for adjustment.

    Lay the top board

    5mm 間隔

    Top boardSTEP 12 / 21

    Tip

    • Use four 5mm spacers (e.g. stacked coins or scraps) to keep uniform gaps.
    • Align wood grain direction uniformly for better appearance.

    Watch out

    • Uneven gaps affect aesthetics; maintain uniform 5mm spacing.
    • Tight contact at backrest posts leaves no adjustment room; leave ~3mm clearance.
13. 13

    Fix Top Boards

    ≈ 30 min

    For each top board, drive four 65mm coarse-thread screws through 2 screws each at front and rear apron boards (total 20 screws). Position screws at least 20mm inward from edges, aligning with apron center lines. Screw heads flush or slightly countersunk (~0.5mm).

    Drive screws

    コーススレッド 51mm

    ScrewSTEP 13 / 21

    Tip

    • Screw starting from center board, then sides reduces distortion.
    • Avoid screws in center of board to prevent discomfort when lying; only fix over aprons.

    Watch out

    • Screw heads protruding from top board can cause skin injury when lying; keep flush.
    • Screwing within 20mm from board edges causes splitting.
14. 14

    Check Overall Strength and Distortion

    ≈ 20 min

    Test assembled daybed by having two people sit and recline. Use level to confirm horizontalness of legs and top boards; adjust if distorted.

    Check level

    Level ✓

    LevelSTEP 14 / 21

    Tip

    • With two people (approx. 160kg), accept up to 3mm sagging.
    • Backrest flexibility under 5mm is comfortable; if more, tighten backrest post screws.

    Watch out

    • Long frames tend to sag at center; adding a support leg underneath center (optional) solves this.
    • Painting on unlevel frame prevents later adjustment.
15. 15

    Clean Before Painting

    ≈ 15 min

    Vacuum and wipe the entire daybed to remove wood dust and oils thoroughly. Repair visible screw head indentations with wood filler and sand smooth with #240.

    Inspect

    No wobble ✓

    InspectSTEP 15 / 21

    Tip

    • Lighting at angles highlights dust and imperfections for thorough cleaning.

    Watch out

    • Remaining dust causes rough paint finish; vacuum and wipe carefully.
16. 16

    Apply First Coat of Wood Preservative

    ≈ 60 min

    Apply outdoor wood preservative (e.g. Xyladecor, Osmo Color) over entire surface using a 75mm wide large brush. Apply thinly along wood grain for first coat. Use 700-1000ml paint for large area.

    Paint

    Watco oil / varnish

    PaintSTEP 16 / 21

    Tip

    • 75mm brush covers long materials in 3-4 strokes; 50mm brush doubles the work time.
    • Best applied mid-morning to early afternoon; avoid evening due to humidity slowing drying.

    Watch out

    • Direct sunlight causes surface to dry while interior remains semi-wet; paint in shade or cloudy weather.
    • Large surfaces risk missed spots; inspect from opposite side after finishing.
17. 17

    Apply Second Coat of Wood Preservative

    ≈ 60 min

    After 24-hour drying, apply a second coat, deepening color and enhancing waterproof and preservative effect. Apply evenly, especially on top boards (resting surfaces). Do not touch until fully dried (another 24-48 hours).

    Paint

    Watco oil / varnish

    PaintSTEP 17 / 21

    Tip

    • Second coat requires about 70% of first coat's amount; overcoating causes blotchiness.
    • Extended drying avoided if rain is forecast; plan weather accordingly.

    Watch out

    • Avoid painting if rain is expected; wet paint runs.
    • Applying only one coat reduces preservative effect to below 50%; always apply two coats.
18. 18

    Complete Drying and Setup Preparation

    ≈ 15 min

    Wait 48 hours for full drying. Before placing on terrace or garden, lay bricks or concrete blocks at location to prevent legs from direct contact with soil.

    Inspect

    No wobble ✓

    InspectSTEP 18 / 21

    Tip

    • Placing bricks under legs reduces ground contact and slows decay by 2-3 times.
    • For outdoor use, consider ground slope (~1%) to avoid water pooling.

    Watch out

    • Placing directly on grass or soil causes leg decay within 1-2 years; bricks are essential.
19. 19

    Placement and Level Check

    ≈ 30 min

    Move daybed to installation location (two-person task due to size). Use level to check horizontal in all directions. Adjust leg pads if ground slopes; shave leg bottoms if wobble occurs.

    Check level

    Level ✓

    LevelSTEP 19 / 21

    Tip

    • Handling large 2000×900×400mm item alone risks back injury; use two people.
    • Perfect leveling not essential outdoors; slight slope (1-2mm) for water runoff is acceptable.

    Watch out

    • For significant slope, adjust with bricks before shaving legs.
20. 20

    Prepare Cushions and Mats

    ≈ 15 min

    Prepare cushions, outdoor mats, and towels sized for 2000×900mm. Many ready-made outdoor mats available matching these dimensions. Choose water-resistant and quick-drying types for outdoor comfort.

    Fix to the wall

    Anchor to studs

    InstallSTEP 20 / 21

    Tip

    • 2000×900mm is close to semi-single bed size (970×1950), making semi-single items mostly usable.
    • Use waterproof covers outdoors for rain protection.

    Watch out

    • Using highly absorbent cushions outdoors causes mold; select quick-drying types.
21. 21

    Completion and Maintenance

    ≈ 15 min

    Terrace daybed is complete. Recoating once a year extends lifespan over 10 years. In winter, cover or move indoors (garage, etc.) to avoid paint deterioration. Check screw heads annually for rust.

    Done!

    Done — nice work!

    DoneSTEP 21 / 21

    Tip

    • Record maintenance on back of legs with pencil (e.g., '2026/04/21 Xyladecor Walnut').
    • Even stainless screws may degrade in heavy rain exposure after about 10 years; replace early if rust appears.

    Watch out

    • Neglecting maintenance outdoors causes paint peeling and decay within 3 years.
    • Always have two people move large 2000mm pieces to prevent back injuries.

Warnings

• ⚠️When used outdoors, wood preservative coating is essential (recoating recommended once a year).
• ⚠️Use stainless steel screws (iron screws will rust).
• ⚠️Drill pilot holes before screwing to prevent wood splitting.

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