I use boards. We have a great woodworking shop called Wood World that carries a huge supply of different hardwoods. Y'all probably have similar places, but man, I'm like a kid in a candy store over there. Always a huge selection of white oak, hickory, maple, ash, and tons of exotics. All I've ever used is boards. My handles are 7 inches at the color change. The shelves are dead center and the handle is 2.5" above and 4.5" below so your hand has about 4.25" to the main board.