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A simple backless bench with X-shaped legs, sized to slide under a matching X-leg outdoor table. It's a clean, sturdy design, and the whole thing is defined by one angle: 30°. Every leg piece is cut at 30° off square, some with parallel ends and some not, and building the X is a matter of layering those pieces so the crossing arms nest.
Because it's meant for outdoors, build it from a rot-resistant species — cedar or pressure-treated — and use exterior screws and waterproof glue. The joinery is light (1-1/4" fasteners and glue for the legs, 2-1/2" screws for the top), which is fine because the seat sits in compression on the legs.
Build each X leg by attaching the two long leg pieces first, using the smaller pieces to guide the angle, then filling in the shorter pieces to complete the X. Cap each leg with the angled top blocks, then land the 2x4/2x6 seat boards across the two legs. Leave a small gap between the seat boards so rain drains through — an outdoor bench that pools water rots and stays wet after every shower.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| 1x3, 8 ftX leg pieces. | 3 each |
| 2x2, 8 ftTop blocks. | 2 each |
| 2x4, 8 ftSeat boards. | 2 each |
| 2x6, 8 ftCenter seat board. | 1 each |
| Exterior screws, 1-1/4" and 2-1/2" | 40 each |
| Waterproof wood glue | 4 oz |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Long leg pieces1x3Both ends 30° off square, ends parallel. | 6 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 19 1/4" |
| Short leg pieces (A)1x3Long point to long point; both ends 30° off square, NOT parallel. | 6 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 9 1/4" |
| Short leg pieces (B)1x3Long point to long point; both ends 30° off square, NOT parallel. | 6 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 9 7/8" |
| Top blocks2x2Long point to long point; both ends 30° off square, NOT parallel. | 6 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 12 3/8" |
| Seat boards (2x4)2x4 | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 64" |
| Seat board (2x6)2x6 | 1 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 64" |
Buy 7 boards at 8 ft.
1 board
2 boards
1 board
3 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 →
Use the smaller leg pieces to guide the angles. Attach the two longer leg pieces of each X with 1-1/4" fasteners and waterproof glue. Getting these two set at the right angle establishes the X.
Fill in the spaces with the smaller leg pieces, using 1-1/4" fasteners and glue, to complete each X leg.
Attach the angled top blocks to the top of each X leg with 2-1/2" screws and glue. These give the seat boards a solid, level landing.
Land the 2x4 and 2x6 seat boards across the two legs and attach with 2-1/2" screws and glue. Leave a small gap between the boards so rain drains through — a solid outdoor seat holds water and rots. Sand any sharp edges and let cedar silver or apply an exterior finish.
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