Step 4: Reinforce the Bench

close up on spacers for front and sides of bench
Illustration: Gregory Nemec
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Size two spacers to fit snugly between each front leg and angled back support. Attach them to the seat supports with 15⁄8-inch screws. Screw a 1x3 to the edge of the front legs to connect the two seat supports. Screw two 1x3s across the top and bottom of the back supports.
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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