Summer is officially here in Northern California and with it our temperatures are soaring well over the 100 degree mark. Summers here are brutal, the end. But, if there is some shade to be had where you stake your claim, an outdoor daybed is a great way to get some r + r, without investing millions into cushions or having to buy hardware in bulk to build some of the other more traditional outdoor living space furniture pieces.

Each one of the plans listed here uses a standard sized twin mattress, which means that those horrid waterproof numbers from WalMart are suddenly looking a lot more interesting… especially when you take a peak at the price in comparison to foam or outdoor cushions in multiples. In fact a waterproof mattress pad that zips around your mattress along with an inexpensive mattress might get the job done quite well and let you finish these projects on much more of a budget than a sectional sofa or even a chaise lounge… hint, hint.

Pictured here in no particular order 1 // 2×2 Double Back Daybed – One of our most popular outdoor daybed builds to date. 2 // Large Belvedere Indoor Outdoor Sofa – Not traditionally a daybed, but with a seat that large it will easily accomodate a twin sized mattress, making it a great option for inexpensive outfitting and subsequent lounging. 3 // Chesapeake Daybed – The daybed sibling in one of our most popular collections of all time, and a great piece for your patio living area or even your living room, what a beauty. 4 // 2×2 Half Back Daybed – The sister piece to the first unit listed and one that can be combined with a second unit to create a fabulous lounge space with a massive amount of seating or room for multiple sleepers to recline and relax.