Looking for some color opinions

[kilteddragon]

Hi all, I am redoing the wood seating around my fireplace and would like a few opinions about possible stain options/colors.  I added some granite slabs in front of the doors and will be using oak boards for the seating areas.  What do others think might look best as for staining...none? Light? Medium?  Also, would polyurethane be good for a final finish?  Thoughts please.

[attachment=12142][attachment=12143][attachment=12144]

[Cooler]

I am concerned about your clearances.  It looks like the wood is too close to the fireplace opening.  My color choice would be more granite.  If you want wood for contrast then a 3" wood lip mitered around the granite.  Perhaps trim the granite about 2½ to make room for the wood.

https://love.firerock.us/blog/clearance-...easy-guide