Check out my build:
Or, the VPF topic here: https://www.vpforums.org/index.php?showtopic=43812&hl=
I mostly used MDF and plywood but veneered the entire thing in Zebrawood. I think that is a really good compromise: ease of building with sheet goods but the look of whatever species of wood you can imagine. Pretty cost effective too.
oakwoodveneer.com and several other vendors have great selections of real and reconstituted wood veneer.
All I can say is that my wife is letting me put it in the living room