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The Parsons silhouette is defined by legs that run flush with the top's edges rather than being inset under an apron — clean square corners, no visible framing. Here that's achieved by building the top panel first from joined 1x12 boards, then attaching 2x2 legs directly beneath it, and finally building independent side frames that wrap the assembly and hide every pocket hole on their underside.
The side frames are the one part worth building off the table rather than in place: assemble each one flat on the bench, square, glued, with pocket holes facing down, then attach the finished frames to the shelf assembly. That sequence keeps the visible faces clean and the joinery invisible — the whole Parsons look depends on not seeing how it's held together.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Pine, 1x12, 8 ft | 1 each |
| 3 each |
| Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" | 1 box |
| Pocket hole screws, 2-1/2" | 1 box |
| Wood glue | 3 oz |
| Sandpaper, medium grit | 3 sheet |
| Finishing supplies | 1 each |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Top panel boardsPine | 4 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 22 1/2" |
| Under-top 2x2 supportsPineMeasure and cut to fit your actual glued-up panel width. | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 22 1/2" |
| LegsPine | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 17" |
Buy 3 boards at 8 ft.
2 boards
1 board
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Attach the four 1x12 boards edge to edge to form the shelf/top panel.
Drill a 1-1/2" pocket hole on each end of the 2x2 supports. Attach them to the underside of the panel with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
Build the leg side frames independently, joined with 1-1/2" pocket hole screws and glue — one pocket hole per joint is enough if you're also gluing. Keep every pocket hole on the underside where it won't show.
Attach the assembled leg frames to the top panel: 1-1/4" pocket hole screws for the 3/4" holes, 2-1/2" pocket hole screws for the 1-1/2" holes.
Sand all surfaces smooth, then finish.
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