Kids Lounge Bench

The finished seat height is 12", so place the seat support 11-1/4" off the ground (accounting for the seat slat thickness). Add an extra 1x2 across the back of the middle support for the backrest to lean against — it makes assembly easier and gives the back something solid to bear on.

Put the back-support 1x2 on the inside of the armrests rather than at the very back. This sits the seat back up a little straighter and looks better than mounting it flush to the rear.

Place the top support about 2" down from the top. On a bench this size you can skip a separate middle support — it holds up fine without one.

Nail the seat slats and back slats in place with glue and brads, keeping even gaps. Build up the seat and back as the settee shape comes together.

Add the side 1x2s after the back is on and in place — they tend to overlap, so fitting them last lets you trim them to fit cleanly. Sand every edge and slat smooth (kids will be climbing on this), fill nail holes, and finish or paint in a child-safe coating.