Beginner Farm Table Bench

Screw each pair of legs to an end apron and a stretcher with 2-3/4" screws and glue. The trick for the 3/4" offset: lay a piece of 1x scrap or 3/4" plywood under the apron as a spacer while you drive — the apron ends up exactly 3/4" down from the leg tops without measuring anything.

Congratulations, you just made your first jig.

Screw the 66" aprons to the tops of the leg sets, into that 3/4" recess. The bench frame now stands on its own — set it on the flattest floor you have and check for rock before the glue grabs.

Find the center of the span and screw the little 4-1/2" block between the aprons. Small part, two jobs: it stops the aprons spreading apart over time, and it gives the seat boards something to be screwed to at mid-span so they never develop a bounce.

Center the two 2x6 seat boards — about 1" of overhang past the ends, 1/4" past the sides — and screw them to the legs, aprons, and middle support.

Ease the top edges with sandpaper (this seat meets the backs of knees), finish to match your table, and slide it under. First project, done, and someone will sit on it tonight.