Birch is pretty soft and doesn't take stain all that well in the hands of the less skilled. Oak is harder, but it's also not very much in style right now. For those choosing oak, it's usually a more modern darker stain, like espresso, or a craftsman look with quartersawn and red/brown dark color. If you are considering your choices in the light of resale, this may help you. If your choices are for your own aesthetic only, then what a stranger on the internet says will be of no interest to you anyway.

Do you like your Earthscapes tile? I am thinking of putting it in my kitchen and can't find any reviews on it. A search pulled up your post. Would love to hear from you and see pics if possible.