How to Attach Legs to a Bench?

Use a tape measure and circular saw to measure and cut a pair of rectangular pieces from plywood to serve as the legs for your bench. For example, for a 12 x 36-inch bench, you can use two sheets of 3/4-inch thick plywood for the legs. Each sheet should be 11 by 17 1/4 inches wide.

Take each piece and line it up against the end of the frame for your bench seat. Use 2-inch screws and a drill to screw the tops of the legs to the bench frame.

Measure and mark with a pencil four right triangles, which will serve as braces for the legs, with sides equal to 8 inches on your plywood. Cut out the triangles with your circular saw.

Line up each brace with one corner aligned with the outside edge of the bench. Position the triangle so that it rests flush against one leg and the bench seat. Use a drill and 2-inch screws to secure the triangle into place. Repeat this technique with the other three triangle braces, so each brace is screwed in at each outside corner of your bench.

Use your tape measure and circular saw to cut a 2 by 4-inch wood stud. The stud should extend across your bench to form a lengthwise brace. Position it so it is centered between the bench leg. Drill in 2-inch screws, spaced 4 inches from the bottom of the legs. Secure the bench legs to the ends of your stud brace with 3-inch screws.