Footboard Bench

Nail two 11-1/4" 1x2s to the face of each 1x12, one at the top and one at the bottom end. These become the two sides of the bench.

Drill pocket holes in the back of each 1x12 side panel.

Attach two 17" corner posts to the sides of each 1x12 using screws through the pocket holes, keeping the posts flush with the 1x2 trim.

Attach a 32-3/4" 2x2 brace to each corner to create the frame of the bench, using pocket holes on each end of the boards.

Attach the center 2x2 brace between the top two long braces. Also attach two 11-1/4" 1x2 trim pieces evenly spaced between the center brace and either end of the bench.

Attach two 11-1/4" 1x2 pieces to the inside bottom of the 1x12 sides to support the base boards.

Attach the five 32-3/4" 1x3 base boards and one 32-3/4" 1x2 to the base of the bench, with the 1x2 at the front.

Attach the six 37" 1x3 top boards, starting from the back and working to the front. Keep the back board flush with the back of the bench so the front edge overhangs slightly, forming a lip.

For an optional back, use leftover thin wood strips (about 1-1/2" x 1/4"), spacing them evenly with a small finish nail to hold the gap as each strip is fastened. Sand and finish the whole bench.