MOTM

As owner of a woodshop, my advise would be to stay away from solid 
wood except for trim.  If you use solid wood you have to worry about 
pieces which are joined together expanding and contracting at 
different rates, you have to worry about warpage as well.  I'd 
suggest using a high quality veneered plywood.  You can get cabinet 
grade plywood with cherry or mahogony veneer which will finish 
beautifully.  Buy a few strips of solid wood to use for exposed 
edges.  Use solid pieces if you are going to have curves or fancy 
moldings.  For finishing stain if desired first, then use 
polyurethane if you are going to brush it on or catalized lacquer if 
you are going to spray.  If you are going to apply your finish by 
hand and using polyurethane, thin it out first and brush it on using 
a nylon stocking (wear gloves.)  The combination of the thinning and 
the stocking will eliminate bubbles.  Apply several coats.  Wait 
until each coat drys but don't wait over 24 hours.  Remove 
imperfections with very fine steel wool or wet sandpaper.
Alternatively you could use an oil type finish.  This is easier to 
apply, but can dry out and isn't as resistant to scratching.