Sturdy Outdoor Side Table Stool

Sand all the boards at 120, stain them, and let them dry — before any cutting. On a project this size, pre-finishing turns the finish work into ten flat minutes, and the only brushwork after assembly is dabbing the cut ends.

Cut the parts, then join each pair of legs with two 14" side aprons: lay a 1/2" piece of scrap against the leg face and rest the apron on it while you drive the 2-3/4" screws — the apron lands inset exactly 1/2", every joint identical, no measuring.

Build the two sets and stand them side by side to confirm they match.

Connect the leg sets with the three 13" pieces — two as aprons up top, one as a low stretcher — same spacer, same screws. Then lay the three picket tops with even gaps and screw down with the 1-3/4" screws.

Touch up the cut ends with stain, and put it next to the best chair on the porch, where it will immediately hold a drink.