Homestead Bench

Cut the two 2x8 top boards to 60" and every leg, cleat, and stretcher piece per the cut list, paying close attention to which pieces need parallel ends and which don't — a 10° angle that isn't oriented the same way on a matching pair won't close up cleanly.

Dry-fit one leg assembly before cutting the rest — it's much cheaper to fix a 2x4 than to redo the whole set.

Assemble each leg pair — one long angled piece with one short or mid angled piece — into a splayed leg assembly. Repeat for both ends of the bench.

Attach the 2x4 bottom stretcher (52") between the two leg assemblies. This is what keeps the bench from racking side to side once someone sits on one end.

Attach the 2x8 top boards to the leg assemblies using the three angled top cleats, positioning the screws so they're driven from the underside and inside faces only — nothing should be visible looking at the bench from a normal seated angle.

Sand every surface and edge, then finish with paint or stain suited to where the bench will live — indoors or out.