Adirondack Stool / End Table

Drill 3/4"-setting pocket holes in the ends of two aprons and join each to a pair of legs with 1-1/4" pocket screws and glue. Two identical leg sets, pocket holes facing where the inside of the stool will be.

Pocket-hole the remaining two aprons and connect the leg sets into a square frame, holes to the insides. Check the top is square — the slats will broadcast any parallelogram.

Mark 3-1/2" up from the bottom of each leg and attach the two 1x2 side supports at the marks, centered on the legs, with pocket screws and glue.

Run the stretcher between the two side supports with pocket holes and glue. This little H-brace is what lets the stool double as seating — don't skip it because the frame already feels stiff.

Lay the five top slats with even gaps — the overhang past the aprons should match all around — and fasten from below through the aprons, or glue and brad from above if you don't mind tiny visible holes. Gaps drain rain; this is still outdoor furniture.

Sand everything, round the top edges and corners well (shins find end tables), and finish to match the chairs it will live between.