To be honest with you this was my first try. I know I am probably the hardest critic but I think it turned out ok for my first try. I used 1/2 plywood for most of it and solid oak trim. I stained with a redoak stain to get a little red in it, then finished with 3 coats of verithane. I haven' got my total cost but it wasn't much maybe 400.00 if you have no mistakes, I had a few on th trim and had to buy extra pieces. For my den, at my house the results were fine, for your's maybe not. I might be willing to help if you are in my area. I did have a good time doing it, many hours of relaxing woodwork... maybe 2 hours of Man I wish I had paid someone else to do this...
As a result of building this I think building with wood would be fine but for me would have costed more as the frame was donated.... I would use 3/4 ply next time. The hinges that I wanted to use would not fit in the 1/2", that was a problem. !/2 was 20.00 cheaper so it would not be much of an extra cost... Everything purchased at home depot....
On to plumbing........
Seehag