54" Bench with Cross Bracing

Mark the 1x3 leg parts for their notches as shown and cut them out with a jigsaw. These notches let the leg pieces interlock into a built-up leg.

Attach the end aprons/stretchers (B) to the 1x3 leg pieces (A) as shown to form each end assembly.

Fasten the 1x2 leg pieces (C) to the rest of each leg, keeping the outside corner flush. This builds each leg up to full thickness from thin stock.

Cut the cross supports to fit. Use your square to lay out the angle cuts and mark the board before cutting — measure the actual span between the legs, since the overall long-point-to-long-point length depends on how your legs came together.

Fasten the long aprons and stretcher between the leg assemblies, then fasten the X cross supports in place. The cross-brace is what keeps the bench from racking side to side.

Fasten the 1x12 top to the bench. To hide the screws, predrill up through the aprons and drive into the underside of the top so nothing shows on the seat; otherwise screw from above and fill. Sand and finish.