I am going to try for the same dark effect you want.
There are several different ways to achieve that effect.
Some people advocate the use of black shoe polish, India ink, lampblack, and black aniline dye. I have never tried those methods. I have successfully used three other methods but never on red oak. I will also be getting my red oak bed wood from Mar-K and plan to test each.
1. Thinned black paint top coated with varnish.
2. Minwax ebony stain topcoated with varnish.
3. A "stain" (actually a chemical reaction) made by soaking fine steel wool in vinegar for a week or two. Some will suggest throwing in some rusty nails too but I don't do that. The red oak may have enough natural tannins to react with the mixture as is but the effect can be intensified by first treating the wood with a mixture of strong tea.
I am holding the most hope for #3. With the right combination of pre-treating with tea (adding tannins to the wood) and the iron solution you make up with the steel wool and vinegar you should be able to create the effect you want. Unlike the other methods, the result is not seen immediately (hence practice pieces) but takes up to a few hours to fully develop.
I was planning to make my own wood bed using white oak or ash but with the other parts I will be ordering from Mar-K buying the wood puts me into the free shipping category. The wood is about the same price as the shipping so it is essentially free bed wood. At least that is how I am viewing it.
Post some pictures and let us know what you ultimately choose.
Chuck
