BUILD THE BASE
1. Cut the leg halves (A), cleats (B) and trestle (D) to length. Sandwich one leg half between two cleats so the cleats are flush with the top and the outside edge of the leg half. Then join the parts by driving four 1 1/2" deck screws through each cleat and into the leg half. Assemble two more cleats with a leg half in the same fashion.

2. Stand the two assemblies on their sides, with the open ends of the cleats pointing upward. Arrange the assemblies so they are roughly 4' apart. Set the trestle onto the inner edges of the leg halves, pressed flush against the bottoms of the cleats. Adjust the position of the assemblies so the trestle overhangs the leg half by 1 1/2" at each end. Fasten the trestle to each leg half with glue and 2 1/2" deck screws (photo A).

Make sure the trestle is positioned correctly against the cleats, and attach it to the leg.

Attach the remaining leg half to the cleats on both ends to complete the leg assembly.

3. Attach another pair of cleats to each leg half directly below the first pair, positioned so each cleat is snug against the bottom of the trestle.

4. Slide the other leg half between the cleats, keeping the top edge flush with the upper cleats. Join the leg halves with the cleats using glue and 2 1/2" deck screws (photo B).

5. Cut the braces (C) to length. Fasten one brace to the inner top cleat on each leg assembly, so the tops are flush (photo C).

Attach the outer brace for the seat slats directly to the inside faces of the cleats.

MAKE THE APRONS
1. Cut the aprons (E) to length.

2. Lay out the arch onto one apron, starting 3" from each end. The peak of the arch, located over the midpoint of the apron, should be 1 1/2" up from the bottom edge.

3. Draw a smooth, even arch by driving a casing nail at the peak of the arch and one at each of the starting points. Slip a flexible ruler behind the nails at the starting points and in front of the nail at the peak to create a smooth arch. Then, trace along the inside of the ruler to make a cutting line (photo D).

Use a flexible ruler pinned between casing nails to trace a smooth arch onto the aprons.

4. Cut along the line with a jig saw and sand the cut smooth.

5. Trace the profile of the arch onto the other apron and make and sand the cut.

6. Cut the slats (F) to length. Attach a slat to the top, inside edge of each apron with glue and deck screws (photo E).

Attach a 2 × 2 slat to the top, inside edge of each apron, using 2 1/2" deck screws and glue.

INSTALL THE APRONS AND SLATS
1. Apply glue at each end on the bottom sides of the attached slats. Flip the leg and trestle assembly and position it flush with the aprons so that it rests on the glue on the bottoms of the two slats. The aprons should extend 1 1/2" beyond the legs at each end of the bench. Drive 2 1/2" deck screws through the braces and into both slats.

2. Position the middle brace (C) between the aprons, centered end to end on the project. Fasten it to the two side slats with deck screws.

3. Position the six remaining slats on the braces, using 1/2"-thick spacers to create equal gaps between them. Attach the slats with glue and drive 2 1/2" deck screws up through the braces and into each slat (photo F).

Attach the seat slats with glue and 2 1/2" deck screws. Insert 1/2"-thick spacers to set gaps between the slats.

APPLY FINISHING TOUCHES
Sand the slats smooth with progressively finer sandpaper. Wipe away the sanding residue with a rag dipped in mineral spirits. Let the bench dry. Apply a finish of your choice a clear wood sealer protects the cedar without altering the color.