Cottage Bench with Storage Cubbies

Mark the back 1x3 boards for slat placement and drill a 3/4" pocket hole in each end of every slat. With glue applied, one 1-1/4" pocket hole screw per end is enough. For the optional arched top, measure in 9" from each end of the top back board and down 1", draw a line between the marks, cut with a jigsaw, and round the arch over with a sander.

Attach the back panel to the back legs with two 3/4" pocket holes per end and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Attach the bottom 2x2 the same way.

Set your pocket-hole jig to the 3/4" setting. Drill four pocket holes along both long edges of the seat and cubby bottom for the front and back frames (step 6) — keep these facing down so they're hidden once finished. Drill two pocket holes on each end of the bottom piece and on the top ends of the side pieces. Attach the sides to the seat, the bottom to the sides, then position the center divider and attach it with brad nails and glue.

Measure and cut the 1x2 end trim pieces to fit, then attach with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

Set the pocket-hole jig to the 1-1/2" setting and join the 2x2 front legs and rails with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws and glue. Nail and glue the 1x2 front trim to the top.

Attach the front leg assembly and the back panel assembly to the middle storage section through the predrilled pocket holes. Add extra screws anywhere it feels like it needs more hold.