The DIY Cabana: Step-by-Step Instructions for Building the Ultimate Outdoor Lounge
All you need are pipes, curtains, and some minimal construction skills. (Cabana boy not included.)
Thomas J. Story
With our checklist of tools and materials, some PVC pipe, and a little elbow grease, you can transform your outdoor space into an instant retreat―all for about $300. This backyard lounge serves as both a casual spot for year-round entertaining and a private refuge with resort style.
Time: Approximately 2 days, including drying time for paint. (Note: Assembling the frame requires two people, so enlist a partner on the second day of the project.)
Checklists
Frame
- Eight 10-foot 1½-inch schedule-40 PVC pipes
- 10 feet of 2-inch-diameter ABS pipe
- Four 1½-inch schedule-40 L-shaped pipe fittings
- Four 1½-inch T-shaped pipe fittings
- Masking tape
- Matte-silver spray paint
- Twenty ¾-inch self-tapping metal screws
Curtains
- 10 yards of 54-inch-wide outdoor fabric
- 36 feet of #2 double-loop chain (to weigh down fabric on windy days)
- 2 rolls of heavy-duty fusible sewing tape (we like Stitch Witchery)
Tools
- Post-hole digger
- Shovel
- Hacksaw
- Tape measure
- Pencil (for marking measurements)
- 2-foot level
- Iron (for heating/pressing sewing tape)
- Sewing machine (optional)
- Scissors
- Electric drill with bits
- Heavy-duty wire cutters
- 2 ladders (one for each builder)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Build the frame
We made our frame 7 by 10 feet, but size your lounge to fit your space. Using the hacksaw, cut two lengths of PVC pipe into two 7-foot-long pieces (for the width of the frame’s top). Leave two pipes 10 feet long for the length (for the width of the frame’s top). Assemble the rectangular top of the frame, inserting a T-shaped fitting at each corner.
Next, cut four 1 ½-inch lengths from leftover PVC pipe to serve as connectors between the L and T joints. Slip one of the 1 ½-inch PVC lengths into an end of each L fitting, and fit it into the open end of each T (see photo). Aim it down toward the ground.
Tip: For a snug fit, use fine- to medium-grit sandpaper to sand ends of cut pipes; remove dust, then wiggle fittings over the ends.
Step 2: Dig foundation holes
Mark and cut four 16-inch lengths from the ABS pipe. (The lengths will function both as sleeves for the cabana legs and depth guides for the holes.) Wrap a piece of masking tape around each pipe sleeve, 12 inches from bottom end.
Using post-hole digger, dig one 12-inch-deep hole for the right front leg, and place a pipe sleeve in the center (see photo). Check that it is completely vertical, using level, then backfill to hold upright.
Tip: To soften extra-hard ground (like clay soil), start digging the hole, then fill it with water. Let soak overnight and start digging again.
Step 3: Add the legs
The assembled top will help you determine where to position the remaining holes. Cut four remaining PVC pipes into 8-foot legs. Slip short lengths of leftover PVC pipe into each L fitting, lift the frame, and slide the right front leg into the pipe sleeve already in the ground (see photo). Carefully mark where the other three holes should go, then repeat repeat instructions from steps 2 and 3.
Spray-paint the frame’s top and legs. Let dry overnight, then disassemble the top to hang curtains.
Tip: Slip legs into pipe sleeves to hold them upright for painting.
Step 4: Dress it up
If you’re making your own curtains (we made ours from a Sunbrella fabric), you’ll need to create a “sleeve” at the top of each panel to slip over the frame. Simply fold the fabric over (making sure the resulting pocket will accommodate the frame’s diameter and allow for the curtain to be pulled across the frame), then secure the sleeve by using an iron and fusible tape or a sewing machine. Then make a shallower sleeve at the bottom for chains, again securing with fusible tape or a sewing machine. (If using ready-made curtains, you’ll only need to add the chain sleeves.)
With the help of a partner, hang curtains on each section of the frame’s top, then reassemble the top (see photo): Slip legs into the pipe sleeves and attach the top of the frame to L fittings. Using an electric drill, secure each joint with screws.
Tip: Use ready-made curtains with tabs. We love the ones from ikea.com; you’ll need 8 sets.
Relax
You’re finished! TIme to invite a few friends over, mix up a margarita, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
