Bench with Shelf and Scrap Wood Top

Cut the shaped leg profile out of the 1x12s with a jigsaw as shown in the diagram. Cut both identical — trace the first onto the second — so the bench sits level.

Attach the bottom shelf between the two shaped legs to join them into a base. Keep it square.

Attach the side aprons (45° ends, not parallel) to the leg panels. These tie the base together and set the seat width.

Nail the nine top slats across the aprons with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue, spacing them with a small consistent gap. Mixing lengths of scrap is fine — the slats hide the joints. Fill, sand, and finish.