secure with screws, and cut off the ends of the dowel roads flush with the side of the boards.
screw on the end boards to finish the bench seat.
drill pocket holes in the legs and braces.
paint the underside of the bench and all the leg/brace pieces before attaching the legs.
assemble the braces and legs from the middle out.
screw legs securely from both sides.
now it’s time for a second coat of paint on top of the bench – lightly sand the first coat before painting again. 