lighter color of wood will take the contrast stain process much better too. for this type of project, pine is the best choice.
a nine inch board is very convenient for a three inch wide placement of the tea lights. this makes good use of the available space, and it also spreads out the candles nicely.
make three marks across the grain like you see in the picture on the left. the middle mark is in the center of the board, 4-1/2 inches from each side.
then, measure out three inches to the left and the right and make two more marks.
now, find the center of the lines and place three additional marks, 