Step 3: Make the Legs

close up on bench legs
Illustration: Gregory Nemec
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Cut the two front legs with square ends. Use two carriage bolts to screw them to the inside of the seat supports, ¾ inch in from the front edge. Cut the two back legs with both ends angled, set at 15 degrees. Attach each to the outside of its seat support with carriage bolts, splayed back so that the angled ends are in a straight line with the front legs.
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    Tools List

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    • circular saw
      circular saw to create the angled legs and cut the slats, spacers, and crosspieces to length
    • jigsaw
      jigsaw to shape the bench seat and round the seat back
    • drill
      Drill/Driver

    Shopping List

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    1. 1x3 lumber to create the seat slats, leg spacer, and crosspieces. You'll need twelve 8-foot-long boards.

    2. 2x6 lumber to build a shaped seat and all four legs. You'll need two 8-foot-long boards.

    3. 2x4 lumber to support the back slats. You'll need one 8-foot-long board.

    4. 3/8-inch carriage bolts with a washer and nut to attach the legs. You'll need two bolts per leg.

    5. 1 5/8-inch large-head deck screws to attach the slats, crosspieces, and leg spacers.

    6. 120-grit sandpaper