If you're looking to create a cozy and stylish garden set from scratch, this is the perfect tutorial to follow!
Hi there! I’m Erick, and in today’s tutorial, I’ll guide you through designing and creating a beautiful garden set from scratch. With the right materials and a bit of planning, we’ll transform a simple outdoor space into a cozy, stylish retreat that’s perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or just enjoying a quiet moment in nature. Let’s get started!
Creating your own garden lounge gives you full control over the layout, style, and comfort of your space. Whether you want something modern, rustic, or minimalist, a DIY lounge lets you tailor every detail to your taste. Plus, building it yourself adds personal value—and it's way more rewarding than buying a generic setup.
First, take a good look at your garden or backyard space. Is it sunny or shaded? Wide or narrow? Think about how you’ll use the lounge: for reading, hosting friends, or napping in a hammock? These decisions will shape the layout and furniture.
Here’s what you might need:
Sketch a layout that includes seating (a bench, chair set, or even a pallet sofa), a coffee table or side table, and maybe a small platform or rug base.
Decide whether you'll use decking, pavers, or simply level ground. Make sure it’s stable and drains well—this will be the foundation of your lounge.
Using durable outdoor wood, build benches or pallet-style sofas. Use thick legs and back supports for strength. Add reinforcements to avoid wobbling, and don’t forget to sand everything smooth.
A low wooden table works great. Use wide planks for the surface and sturdy legs. You can even add storage underneath for cushions or blankets.
Top your seating with outdoor cushions, pillows, or mattress foam. Choose weatherproof fabrics in colors that match your vibe—earthy, bright, or boho.
Place potted plants around the perimeter. Hang some string lights or install a solar lantern. Add shade with a pergola, umbrella, or DIY fabric canopy.
Apply a protective sealant or outdoor paint to all wood surfaces. This not only makes the furniture last longer but also enhances the look.
Once everything’s in place, take a seat and enjoy! If anything feels off—like uneven legs or cushions slipping—adjust it. One of the best parts of DIY is that you can tweak everything until it’s just right.
Designing your own garden lounge is more than a weekend project—it’s creating a space for memories. Whether you’re reading a book with your feet up or hosting a sunset hangout, this space will reflect your style, effort, and creativity.
Happy building, and see you in the next Crafty Amigo project!
Is this a downloadable app?
No! It all works on the browser. It works on your phone as well as your computer!
Is it free?
Yes the app is 100% free.
Can I save my design?
Yes! You can save your design in your account.
Can I share my design?
Yes! You'll have a unique URL for every design you save which you can send to anyone! They can then see or clone the design. They cannot edit your design. You can also delete it whenever you'd like.
What materials do you support?
Crafty currently have 1000 parts across aluminum 8020, steel, wood, HVAC and PVC! Let us know if we're missing a part.
Where did the idea for this app come from?
I spent a year building an off grid farm and knew nothing about construction / plumbing / electrical work…
I saw that most people had to go the hardware store multiple times and many times they weren’t able to finish their work that day because the vendor didn’t have the part. So I thought if you can design your project beforehand, it will allow us to check for compatibility while you’re designing and then be able to send you all the parts! Much easier!
Can I connect PVC to wood, t-slot / aluminum 8020?
Yes. There are transition parts that allow you to connect PVC to wood or wood to aluminum 8020. If there is interest, we will start adding parts like motors and electrical components as well.
The idea for Crafty is to be a place where you can design your entire project with all of its components so when you want to get to building, all you need to do is order!
Do you have everything in stock?
No, not everything. We currently have about half of the parts and our goal is to little by little add more.
For the parts we don't have, we will give you a link for the provider that you can buy it from. Hopefully as the app gets more traction, we will start to carry more and more items so we can ship you everything in one set.
How do you deal with long and heavy parts (like 2x4s)?
When you have parts longer than 36" or of a certain kind (like lumber beyond a certain WxH), we just give you the dimension / exact length for you to go buy that at your local store. It doesn't make much sense to ship a 2x4 :)
Are you going to add more parts?
Yes. This current set of parts that you see on the app is our initial set. We just finished this version in late April 2023 so we’re listening to the feedback we get and will evolve the app to be the best that it can be for all of you!
Why not just use CAD?
You can! If you have all the parts downloaded already and are an expert in CAD software. Also, I would hope that your CAD software gives you a clean output of all the parts / their exact measurements.
What CAD software won't do is allow you to share the design online and allow others to see your design and specs.
Do you have tips I can follow for different materials?
Sure! Here are some basic concepts.
How to Use 80/20 Aluminum
How to Cut PVC Pipe
Can I Connect PVC Pipe with Metal Threads?
How to Connect PVC Pipe without Glue
Do you have any tutorials on how to use the app?
Yes please visit our YouTube Channel and learn about:
Crafty Amigo Tutorial: Design Your Woodworking Project!
Crafty Amigo Tutorial: How to design your DIY PVC Project!
Do you remember the first time you made something for yourself?
It’s such an empowering feeling.
Whether you're 8 or 80... have no experience building anything or you’re a veteran diyer...
Live in a tiny apartment or have a garage full of tools...
Anyone should be able to imagine → design → make things the way they think it should be done!