Trivets and wood

[hayu]

What type of wood would be best for making trivets and can you stain them

[Rapid Roger]

It doesn't matter.
In case you don't know my attitude....."I'll do anything twice".
What kind of wood do you have now? Use that first.
Should you stain it? Would you like to stain it? OK then, stain it.
Are they to be used? Are they just decorative?
You will never LEARN anything for sure if you don't just try it TWICE! If it doesn't work then don't do it again.
Your imagination is the best tool in your shop and you just need the nerve to try anything. You don't need the approval of me or anyone else.
I know you just want advice on what to do...Well, that is MY advice.

A man once told me that I could never make old plywood look good.....

[herrwood]

As stated above any wood you like is ok a soft wood will cut easier but will need a conditioner/sealer to keep the stain color more even . A hard wood will be harder to  cut (just cut a little slower and more blade changes) but will stain more evenly.
 For stains I have been using the gel stains and find they are easier to work with.

[hayu]

Thanks