building a cabana: the ultimate guide

We’re celebrating spring because we’re more than ready. We thought that since it’s around that time when people really start to plan all things outside projects, it would be great to share a round-up post of sorts to have it all in one place—building a Cabana: The Ultimate Guide!

Once upon a time in the fall of 2020, we were thrilled to finish up our little backyard cabana. It was fondly named the “Covid Cabana”, because it’s definitely something we poured our love into, during the pandemic. When the world stood still, we took our tiny yard to one acre with a larger fence, enlarged our entertaining area, and then moved on to the pièce de résistance: the cabana. So that name just kinda stuck. {I really feel like we need a commemorative plaque or something.} It really just helped us keep our sanity and make our home even more of an escape for our family.

We love that we were able to take it on, and since now is the time people really start to plan their upcoming outdoor projects, we thought it would be great to share our favorite project ever, {is it though? it may rival the handmade hideaway… more on that below too} just in time for spring!

1. Building a Cabana : The Reveal + All the Details

We have the full reveal here, where we shared all the eye candy and our labor of love.

Here is what we started with, in the before. This house was a total fixer upper, and the pool was no exception. I don’t think we had any idea what we were actually taking on, from the yard to the entire house. And it’s still a work in progress.

And we took it from this… to this! We have truly loved this space for endless entertaining, parties, gatherings, and just Saturday morning coffee with a quiet spot to write, if we’re being honest. We love this retreat, and think it’s just the perfect outdoor spot for our family.

2. Building a Cabana : The Foundation

Here we have all the details for building the foundation! This is where we tackled cornerstones, stakes, footers and more. Oh, and if anyone’s wondering, digging footers is a great way to get a workout when all the gyms have closed down because of the pandemic. {Hopefully, that never happens again.} But nothing compared to how tight my back was after laying the pavers for our dining spot.

3. Building a Cabana : The Framing and Walls!

In this post on all things framing and walls, we tackled all things establishing walls with a square edge, rafters, even mistakes… and more. I was all “Hulk Smash” lifting things and feeling like a real warrior. Maybe this is because I had nothing else to do? Either way, the project was fun.

4. Building a Cabana : Siding, Roof, Electrical + Painting

Here we covered the stuff that really makes it feel like it’s all coming together. And yes, it has power! Enter: Jamin’s favorite spot for Saturday morning football in the fall.

So this is the part where we had our fifteen year old up on the roof, learning how to do all the things, whilst I painted the ceiling below. And more. We’re always here for stripes.

5. Building a Cabana : Tile, Bar, Shelving, Screens, Trim and Stairs! {Oh My!}

I’m not sure how many true crime podcasts I cleared in this stage, but we were definitely taking it in increments of time, high-fiving each other to finish. This is the part where we were officially over it, if we’re honest- don’t we all hit this stage with projects? We were ready to rest. In our cabana. Which we built for rest. The irony.

6. Building a Cabana : How to Cover Porch Swing Chains

Because we thought we’d include some of the finer details, here. Such a super simple project that you can use for just about any swing!

7. Building a Cabana : DIY Pool Storage

We didn’t get around to all of the things before winter hit, so we thought it would be great to include this one here. There’s a reason we included a closet, and it was a GAME CHANGER for storage around the pool. While we still have more plans up our sleeves in the future, this is still a great fix.

7. Building a Cabana : Changes We Love

And here are a few changes we’ve made over time, which make it even better. From plugs, to labels for organization, speakers and more! Just a few simple changes to up the ante.

So if you try it, we’d love to hear!

Looking for something a little smaller scale? Check out our ultimate treehouse guide, here. There are a lot of versions + they’re all so fun to boot.
Have an inspired day.