I love cherry but expensive! Looked at maple but seems to be blotchy when stained darker. Ash & Oak seem to have heavy grain. Not crazy about what I have heard about Alder. I like simple but not to fancy and not to rustic. I can't figure out what wood to use and it is making me crazy!

Look at birch. Has fairly calm graining.

Chuck

Thanks!

Hope it works for u and good luck

Chuck

Quarter sawn OK is beautiful especially when stained ann ebony color but you can take the splotchy out of maple when staining it dark by toning the wood before you stain it