Not only is the free shipping deal still on, but right now we have 10% off til May 31st. See the ad here:
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=748652#Post748652Yes, you can buy the wood with the countersunk bed-to-frame mounting holes alreay in it! The only holes you have to drill are the simple ones on the sides that go under your angle strips.
The black is the most durable. You can see some information about that on our wood testing article here:
http://www.mar-k.com/wood_finish_testing_ii.htmlHope that helps!!