I just finished my second stained BB box and I can tell you that they look MUCH better in person as pics don't do them justice.
Obviously not for everybody, but I like the stained look. And I was contemplating doing a colored stain, but there was like 10 people in the paint mixing line at HD, so I went with a light Pine color.
I also think the screws countersunk but showing adds to the "look" of a stained box. Rustic, man made, whatever you want to call it. I'm also into antique furniture/woodwork, so it's a look I like.
Green box looks PIMP. Nice job!!!
I personally find it funny how so many hate on the grain of the wood and especially the end grain as that's what makes it unique. Same guys all run ugly *** POS gray carpet boxes. Talk about FUGLY!!!!