The ability for it to breakdown in pieces makes it a little easier to move. Its still a bit heavy, the design could use some tweaking to make it a little more lightweight. I wanted to make sure it would last quite awhile. Kind of like that coffee table. The upholstery is from Knoll and does have recycled content, and the mdf is of course nothing but sawdust, so I was trying to keep 'green' in mind as best I could at the time. I did detailed drawings that even laid out all the cuts to reduce the material and waste. That worked out very well.
The seat straps are elastic. The frame is hardwood. I got all the foam precut, and then had an upholstery place glue it down and finish the upholstery. Turned out pretty well and is comfortable considering the shape. Its very deep, deep sofas are more comfy and makes it good to kick your feet up and relax. Sits four easily, or even two people laying side by side with the depth. Hope you enjoy, many people have seen it or sat on it, seems to be a crowd pleaser. If you can't find anything you like or can afford, make it yourself!
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I'm stunned and amazed - This is a very ambitious and well executed job for an amateur.
view bepsf's profile
I would love this in my place.
view TrishM's profile
You could make it lighter by replacing the solid sides and back with a few rails, as in conventional upholstered frames. To upholster open frame arms, you stretch burlap or other inexpensive, sturdy fabric over the frame and staple. Then cover with a thin layer of foam or batting, then your finish fabric.
This will also make it more forgiving to heads, knees, or other body parts that may happen to lean on it.
Nice job on weaving the elastic webbing! A lot of people just do a solid base for the seat cushions when building DIY furniture and it's never as comfortable as webbing or springs, even with thick foam cushions.
view spanky's profile
WOW! Love it!!!
My only question would be the cost of the project. We just made our own sofa (a mimicry of kim's komfy kouch on desire to inspire), and it worked out beautifully. However, it DID encroach on that barrier where we might have well just bought something. But of course, if it's an issue of getting what you really want & wanting to DIY, then this just rocks! :D
view CozyLittleCave's profile
That sofa is just awesome! I've worked with MDF before, and that has to be ungodly heavy, even in sections. Just to clarify, though, MDF isn't exactly 'green': the sawdust they use isn't from mill remnants, they turn whole trees into sawdust to make MDF (though I assume they're lower-grade trees that probably wouldn't have made very good lumber anyway). Also, formaldehyde is used in the production of MDF, and some people say the dust is toxic. I'm definitely not an expert, and I don't know how toxic it actually is, but the UT School of Architecture's wood shop doesn't let you cut MDF because of the dust. Otherwise, really great project!
view safarikate's profile
you can get formaldehyde free mdf these days. but you can't just buy at your local home depot, you need to go to a good wood purveyor and ask for it. it will be more expensive (and probably only available in 48x48 sheets) but it is better than polluting, i guess. Also, for other green furniture building, use 6/4-or thicker- alder or poplar for the frame, but make sure it's kiln dried and straight.
commenter spanky is right in that you will want to stretch burlap over open arm sides (and the back) and you might consider using jute webbing for other places (the tops of the arms, the back, etc). also, you should put burlap over the webbing on the seat because over time the seat foam will wear down and - think cellulite on 70s lawn chair - ok don't think that - but you get it.
@safarikate - lots of wood shops give the leftover scraps and collection dust to local composters. also, mdf dust is very fine and gets into everything.
project looked like fun, and i bet you have leftover fabric for accent pillows on the barcelonas, too.
view miguelaron's profile
it's cool but not exactly DIY. He used an upholster to cover it in high grade fabrics. It far more an expensive custom designed sofa than a DIY project. Still wonderful but not the same.
view TheoJ's profile
Why bother doing a post on a DIY project if you're not going to disclose the cost of the project? Isn't that the whole point of DIY- to save money?
view hejiranyc's profile
It looks great, and I agree that if there is something you really want, sometimes DIY is the way to go. But I have to disagree that deep sofas are more comfortable. Maybe for two people to lay on, sure, but not for sitting. Deep seating makes you slouch in a way that is terrible for your posture, spine and health. Yes, they look great, but sofas are for sitting on, not just looking at. We took the time to find the right sofa, and are glad we did. It's modern, leather, looks good, and the depth is just right.
view BruceS63's profile
I actually LOVE that concrete slab for a coffee table!
view bitdot's profile
"But I have to disagree that deep sofas are more comfortable. "
It depends - Some folks sit upright on a sofa with their feet on the floor like they're having tea, and others stretch out lengthwise or curl up with their feet on the sofa...
...different sofas for different folks.
view bepsf's profile
"Isn't that the whole point of DIY- to save money?"
Sometimes, the point of a DIY is to make something that's exactly what you want and that works/fits perfectly with your space. Especially if you enjoy creating things, saving money may not enter into the equation at all.
view Isa's profile
I love how it looks, but really wonder how comfortable it is.
view claire87's profile