Thanks for the replies and welcome :). It helps a lot. I am still thinking about what wood to use but am leaning towards oak. This is going to be my first woodworking project so we will see how it goes.
I had a curiosity sort of question. My wife and myself decided to get rid of our dining room because we never use it. Now comes the question what to do with it. I was going to build a bar in the room but was afraid that would be to specific if we ever go to sell the house. I do not want to...