My cabinet builder and myself actually went to the lumber place and hand selected the red oak lumber to use for my bed. He then took it to his cabinet shop and sized it, recessed the areas for the metal strips and drum sanded the wood to a very smooth finish. He also did side boards and bed stakes. Everything was done at the same time so it matched. After that, I fitted everything and put it together raw to be sure of the fit. I then stained it and coated all of the lumber on all sides with marine spar varnish, sanded lightly between coats.
It was allot of work, but it still looks good after ten years. It's one of those deals that if you do it right first time, it's done!
Joe
