Beade Board on Ceiling - Stain

[mwg]

I am looking to install T&G bead board on the kitchen ceiling as part of our kitchen remodel and I have some questions about staining the boards prior to installation. I have never stained any interior items - in fact most of my remodeling in my home has been removing or painting over stained items.. what do you guys/gals recommend for staining the ceiling? should I use and oil based stained? add a polyurethane over the stain? Or go with a water-based poly stain?

Thanks,
Mike