Hardwood for an 8 string Lap Steel

[Steelplayer825]

I am new to this forum and I am wanting to build an 8 string C6th Lap Steel. I love the sound that it produces in Hawaiian Music. My question is this: I would like to get a blonde color hardwood (Poplar or something similar) for the body and Mahogany for the fretboard. I am having a hard time deciding whether to make it 22 1/2" or 24" scale. I need to know roughly how much it will cost for the wood that will be used for the body and say 1/2" for the fretboard. I am thinking about a section of wood 30" length by 5-6" or so for the width and 1 - 1 1/2" in depth. Any information would be greatly appreciated