I made this simple bench for my wood monger in exchange for some logs. I used the last of the 8/4 cherry I had including some with defects but there was no other option. I had to add a piece of Sapele to reach the 19-1/4" required width for the finger joints to come symmetrical with the 1-3/4" thickness. The cherry will darken over time, but I think the Sapele adds a nice contrast. I built an oak table with a Sapele accent for the same guy a year or so ago, so there's some consistency in his furnishings.
The bench is 48 x 19 x 15 x 1-3/4". It's finished with a coat of Sealcoat shellac followed by Target Coating satin EM-8000CV + CL. That stuff sprays like a dream. I used the Sealcoat to tint the color towards red, away from the rather yellow tone that EM-8000 has on its own.
John