Figured Maple Entry Bench

Browsing through my local lumber supplier I found this beautiful 2" thick figured maple in the regular maple stacks.  I created a simple design for this bench to emphasize the natural beauty of the wood. The grain flows up the side, across the top and down the other side as if the board has been folded to create the shape.  I sanded the piece to a very fine grit and finished it with a hard-drying oil, which really shows off the figure.

I can make benches or tables like this with nearly any species of hardwood. The dimensions can be modified to fit your needs, decorative details can be added, and the finish can be varied to give a softer or rustic look.