ANSWER: Colour & cost, usually determines choice of wood. Though, bear in mind that some woods are more durable than others. You may get the price you want but regret not investing in a tougher top when the battle scars start to appear. Aspects to consider in your selection are: what colour doors is the wood to go with is the room bright? These two questions both help define if the top should be a light, medium or a dark wood, Do you want the wood to be a passive element of the overall project or a focal point requiring lots of character?