Just finished cutting this. I added a little fabric to the backing board because I did not want to go with just black. I will put some poly on it but that is about all I am going to do to if at this point. The pattern was made from a line drawing I found online and modified for scrolling. I think the wood is Ash, but I am not positive, but it is very hard and I chewed through at least 2 dozen blades making it.