Finally got everything painted/stained/sealed. I'll get the plumbing done tonight, and maybe even get water in to test seals.
The piece I made to go on top of the stand turned out amazing. My uncle was money in the shop helping me build it and spot on w/ his finishing suggestions - prestain, stain (3x), polyurethane(2x), wax(2x). The existing stand I probably should have just gone w/ the white Killz all over. The piece of wood I used to test the stains was Poplar from the top piece, not pine from the stand. Plus, that wood is so dry I think it just drank every bit in. So, much darker than I wanted, and the edges where the white/stain meet aren't as clean as they could be. Meh - that part will rarely be seen, but it annoys my anal/OCD side. Definitely looks much better in the house.