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A dining bench on three decorative X-braced legs built from beveled 2x2 crosspieces — exact cut lists given for both a 63" and a 96" length, since only the top and stretcher change between the two.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leg center posts | 3 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 11 1/4" | 2x4, 3 ft | ☐ |
| X pieces, short Long point to long point, both ends cut at 45° off square, ends not parallel. | 12 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 6" | 2x2, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Leg cap trim, short | 6 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 13 1/2" | 1x2, 8 ft | ☐ |
| X pieces, long Long point to long point, both ends cut at 45° off square, ends not parallel. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 16 1/2" | 2x2, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Leg cap trim, long | 6 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 2 1/2" | 1x2, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Stretcher trim, 63" bench | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 26 1/4" | 1x3, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Seat boards, 63" bench | 3 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 63" | 2x6, 6 ft (63" bench) or 8 ft (96" bench) | ☐ |
| Stretcher trim, 96" bench Puts the bench legs just outside the table legs so the bench can slide in. | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 34 1/2" | 1x3, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Seat boards, 96" bench | 3 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 96" | 2x6, 6 ft (63" bench) or 8 ft (96" bench) | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 2x6, 6 ft (63" bench) or 8 ft (96" bench) | 3 each | ☐ |
| 2x4, 3 ft | 1 each | ☐ |
| 2x2, 8 ft | 3 each | ☐ |
| 1x2, 8 ft | 2 each | ☐ |
| 1x3, 8 ft | 1 each | ☐ |
| Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" | 40 each | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 4 oz | ☐ |
| Primer and paint, or stain and poly | 1 set | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Miter Saw, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 2x4, 3 ft, 2x2, 8 ft, 1x2, 8 ft, Wood glue
Build one X-braced leg completely first, from the short and long X pieces, leg cap trim, and center post. Use it as a pattern to build the other two.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 1x3, 8 ft, Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4", Wood glue
Attach the stretcher trim to the legs with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: 2x6, 6 ft (63" bench) or 8 ft (96" bench)
Attach the seat boards to the tops of the legs.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: Wood glue
Add a bottom decorative support centered between the legs. For the longer bench, consider adding cross braces from the center support to each leg for extra rigidity.
Tools: Random Orbit Sander. Materials: Primer and paint, or stain and poly
Sand all surfaces and apply primer and paint, or stain and poly.