Apple wood is a favorite for the makers of rustic furniture, so I decided it would be an appropriate material for an orchard bench. Since our Roxbury Russet was susceptible to scab, and we never really liked the taste of it, this old tree became the prime candidate. I integrated its trunk and branch with a living Blenheim apple tree, similar to the way I made a rhododendron bench from living and non-living components. Besides giving structural support, the Blenheim also provides shade for the bench (and apples.)

I tried leaning the Roxbury Russet into the Blenheim at various angles and orientations until a good structure appeared. I was looking for support for the seat and back and would capitalize on the interesting features of the trees. First trial piece was a 5/4 cedar 1x6 to join the back and seat. I added a block under one end to make it level, and positioned it so the back pieces would have the proper angle to both the seat and the ground. (See Sizing and Measurements.)

I then set six pieces of 1x6 cedar fencing, cut long, on this base and tacked them in place. After adjusting the angles and spacing, I marked off the rounded top edge. I removed the pieces, cut them in the garage, and tacked them back in place.

Using the seat back as a guide, I positioned another 5/4 cedar 1x6 so the front edge was 16 inches from the back of the seat, and making the seat 110 degrees from the back. I needed also block to level the front support. Seat boards were also marked in place and cut in the garage.

After all the pieces were temporarily in place, I marked the final trimming for the two support boards, disassembled everything to cut them, and then reassembled the bench.