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Five identical X panels are the backbone of this build, and "identical" is the operative word — build all ten X halves first, then stack them on top of each other before assembling a single one, and square up any mismatch while the pieces are still loose. A quarter-inch difference between panels is invisible on its own but obvious once five of them stand in a row.
The back assembly is genuinely the long pole here — laying out every joint, checking square, and pocket-holing 1-1/2" stock together takes patience, but it's the step the source plan explicitly flags as worth slowing down for, and that's good advice: a back that's out of square telegraphs into every board attached to it afterward.
One small comfort trick worth keeping: set the back cleat very slightly lower than the front cleat so the seat slats recline a few degrees rather than sitting dead level. It's a small angle, but it's the difference between a bench and a sofa you actually want to sit in.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Pine, 1x2, 8 ftX panels. | 7 each |
| Pine, 2x2, 8 ftX ends, back centers, cleats. | 7 each |
| Pine, 2x3, 8 ft | 3 each |
| Pine, 2x6, 8 ftSide and front/back aprons. | 2 each |
| Pine, 1x3, 8 ftSeat slats. | 4 each |
| Unfinished wood curtain rod finialsDecorative detail on the X ends. | 4 each |
| Pocket hole screws, assorted | 1 box |
| Wood glue | 8 oz |
| Exterior wood finish | 1 each |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Large X piecesPine 1x2Both ends cut at 30° off square, ends parallel. | 10 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 20 13/16" |
| Small X piecesPine 1x2Both ends cut at 30° off square, ends not parallel, longest point measurement. | 20 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 10 3/8" |
| X endsPine 2x2 | 10 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 12 1/8" |
| X tops/bottomsPine 2x3 | 7 | 1 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 23" |
| Side top trimPine 1x2 | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 23" |
| LegsPine 2x2 | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 33 1/2" |
| Side apronsPine 2x6 | 2 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 23" |
| Front/back apronsPine 2x6 | 2 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 72" |
| Back centersPine 2x2 | 2 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 17 1/4" |
| Back topPine 2x3 | 1 | 1 1/2" × 2 1/2" × 72" |
| Back top trimPine 1x2 | 1 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 72" |
| CleatsPine 2x2Set the back cleat slightly lower than the front for a reclined seat. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 72" |
| Seat slatsPine 1x3Cut to fit; add more if your cushions are soft. | 16 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 23" |
Buy 21 boards at 8 ft.
3 boards
3 boards
Nail the shorter angled 1x2 pieces to the longer 1x2 pieces to form ten identical X halves. Test-fit that a 1x2 slots correctly into the middle of each before moving on.
Combine the ten halves into five complete Xs. Stack all five on top of each other and check they match before proceeding — this is the checkpoint that catches a mismatched panel while it's still cheap to fix.
Attach the 2x2 X ends to all five X panels, using either pocket holes (set for 3/4" stock, 1-1/4" screws — it's fine if the pocket hangs slightly over the board edge) or 2-1/2" screws or nails and glue.
On two of the five X panels, attach 2x3 tops and bottoms with pocket holes, then attach the legs to these two ends. Finish each end by adding the 2x6 apron, either with pocket holes or 2-1/2" screws countersunk from the outside. Set both completed ends aside.
Lay out all the back pieces and mark the joints. Drill pocket holes set for 1-1/2" stock and assemble with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws, checking for square as you go. This is the longest single step in the build — take the time to get it right, since everything else registers off it.
Attach the finished back to the two end assemblies with 2-1/2" screws and glue, adjusting for square as you go.
Attach the front apron to complete the frame. Add the seat cleats, setting the back cleat slightly lower than the front — a small recline makes a real difference in comfort.
Lay and screw down the seat slats, adding more than the base cut list calls for if your cushions are on the softer side. Sand everything, attach the curtain-rod finials to the X ends for the finishing decorative touch, and apply an exterior finish.
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5 boards
4 boards
6 boards
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →