Depends on what kind of look you want. Bed Wood Parts has a lot of varieties of wood to choose, but exotics get pricey - Bed Wood and Parts I'd buy the stainless strips and bolts, and find a local woodworker to custom cut boards for you, using locally available hardwoods. Auto clear coat makes a fine finish for the wood, once you have it sanded and stained like you want it. Be sure to finish all sides of the wood equally, or the beauty will be short lived.