A poolside scene with a colorful towel featuring pink flamingos and green leaves. A straw hat and sunglasses rest on the chair. A striped inflatable tube and a beach ball add a summery vibe. A drink with ice and pink flamingo stirrer sits on a green table.
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Easy Cinder Block DIY Outdoor Sunbed for Tanning

ByLisa

Today, we are making a DIY Outdoor Sunbed! After weeks of working on our new mini pool, we finally had a chance to enjoy it over the long holiday weekend! If you missed the big reveal, check out my DIY Stock Tank Pool. Nothing beats a warm sunny day poolside with a mojito in hand, but right away I realized something was missing. The minor miss on the pool actually had nothing to do with the stock tank pool itself, but rather the lack of a poolside lounger to lay out in. First world problems right? But my not 20 something year old body needed a softer spot to lay than the deck.

A vibrant backyard scene with a pool, striped towels, a flamingo float, and beach ball. Dive into this DIY outdoor sunbed setup with colorful accessories. Text reads: "DIY Outdoor Sunbed in 4 Easy Steps!."

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The Problem

As I laid uncomfortably on my pool deck and pretended I was on the beach in Mexico, I immediately wished I had a luxurious outdoor daybed you find at all the top resorts. My mind jumped into hyper speed as I schemed and recalled the abandoned twin size mattress collecting dust in our basement. I definitely did not feel like building anything after all the time we spent constructing the pool deck.

I wanted a simple, fast solution that would have me laying poolside by the weekend. But outdoor furniture is expensive and don’t even get me started on the cost of an outdoor cushion. Absolute extortion. I could make some DIY lounge chairs, but again, not the perfect time for a newbuilding plan. 

The Solution

My easy sunbed provides a comfy place to lounge in your outdoor space with minimal supplies, only four steps, and no power tools required! The entire piece can be assembled in an hour and you will have an outdoor bed for warm days to come all summer long! 

Here is what you will need.

  • Time: About 1 hour to assemble

DIY Outdoor Sunbed Supplies

Step 1: Lay Out the Cinder Blocks

Pick up some cinder blocks at Home Depot for the base of the bed. 

Next, Choose where you will put your sunbed and layout your cinder blocks. I placed the blocks long ways in four rows of two blocks each with the holes facing down. I found this placement to be the most sturdy. Since a mattress usually sits on a box spring or platform, you want the blocks to support as much of the mattress as possible.

A round above-ground pool graces the outdoor space, framed by a wooden fence and trees. Set on gravel with cinder blocks around it, this area features a cozy sunbed and a plant in a black pot on the left.

Step 2: Cover the Mattress

Cover your standard twin mattress with a zippered waterproof cover. The one I used is a full encasement. I do not recommend using one that will not cover the entire mattress. You want the mattress to be protected from bugs and water. The mattress I used is about 9 inches thick. I had no problems getting the zippered cover on and had room to spare.

A round black stock tank pool with a pink inflatable flamingo sits beside a low rectangular bench draped with a white sheet. The area, surrounded by a wooden fence and lush greenery, offers an ideal sunbed retreat.

Step 3: Add a Fitted Sheet

Add your fitted sheet. I used a regular fitted sheet on mine in a black and white stripped pattern. It reminded me of the cabana sunbeds you see at resorts, so I was sold! The zippered cover is basically plastic so I didn’t want to be laying on that. Yes the sheet will get dirty outside, but it can be washed when needed.

A backyard pool area features a black inflatable pool beside a chic sunbed adorned with a colorful flamingo towel. A straw hat, sunglasses, and magazine rest on the bed, while nearby a small table holds potted plants. Black and white striped umbrellas provide shade.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Pour yourself a drink or grab a cup of coffee and enjoy your new DIY Outdoor Sunbed!

A colorful outdoor scene features a striped sunbed with a watermelon-themed towel draped over it. A small teal DIY table holds a potted plant and a glass with a pink flamingo stirrer. In the background, you can see a pool with a beach ball floating on its surface.

Not to brag, but this might just be one of the BEST ideas I have ever had! This sunbed is so comfortable I could definitely fall asleep out here. Barry and I even laid out here and watched fireworks with the twinkle of our string lights in the background!

A small pool with a black and white striped cover sits beside a wooden fence. Nearby, a sunbed hosts a hat, a towel, and a drink on the side table. Green plants and pebbles frame the outdoor oasis, while a tree provides shade in the background.

Shop The Look

Stock Tank | Flamingo Towel | Black & White Towels | Flamingo Drink Holders | Shark Fin Chlorine Dispenser | Sunglasses | Fedora Hat | Step Lights | String Lights | Tall Planter | Wood Planter (similar) | Side Table

A backyard setup with a round above-ground pool, black and white striped cushions, and a table. A colorful towel, sunhat, and sunglasses rest on the table. Nearby, a small green side table holds a drink and a potted plant. Two plastic flamingos float in the pool beside the DIY sunbed arrangement.

If you enjoyed my DIY Outdoor Sunbed, please share it on Facebook or hover over an image and save to Pinterest! And if you don’t already follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook, I would love for us to be friends!

A small round pool with a wooden deck and an outdoor vibe is complemented by a black and white striped towel, sunglasses, and a drink nearby. A flamingo-shaped float bobs in the water. A sunbed rests beside potted plants, while a tree and fence provide a serene backdrop.

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Top image shows a round, black pool next to a striped sunbed with a colorful towel and beach ball. Bottom image features the outdoor pool with flamingo cup holders, surrounded by wooden deck and garden. Text reads "DIY Outdoor Sunbed" with website link.

This post, Easy Cinder Block DIY Outdoor Sunbed for Tanning, appeared first on Garrison Street Design Studio

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