Exactly, first see what colour stain you like best on your type of wood, or matches existing furniture in the room. Then, try it on scrap wood you have left over, try letting the stain sit for different time intervals before wipping off the excess. Decide which one you like the best.
I also like using oil based but I hear that the water based stains are pretty good now. I use a gel or rub on stain, they don’t run like liquids do and I use a rag to apply and remove the excess. More control when applying I find ?
I also used envirotex on the bar top works great. When finishing the rest I like to apply atleast 2 -3 coats. Using ultra fine steel wool between coats and a tac clothe will give you a very smoothe finish. Be sure not to use water based products here. Not sure is the steel wool residual left on if any would maybe start to form rust spots then ? Take your time and apply thin coats, runs will not be something you want.