Clue:
The have to use a hardwood, and they were trying to save momey

Common deciduous European and North American hardwoods include the oaks (Quercus spp.), beech (Fagus spp.), ash (Fraxinus spp.), maple (Acer spp.) and cherry (Prunus spp.).

Oak is a good bet,
If there is an old lumberyard in the area ask them
Ask the paint store if all hardwoods get the same finish

remember that wood darkens with age so you might have to go
a little darker with the new wood to compensate for the old.
i should be just leaving the stain on a little longer or buying a little darker stain. i would suggest to use a test piece to gage the results.
i am not going to guess on the wood. any one that works with would
could look at it and tell you.. got a friend?

oak most often.