White Pine

Uses: Furniture (Indoor), Plywood, Veneer, Construction Lumber.
Sources: U.S. & Canada
Characteristics: Tight pores, tight grain
Workability: Cuts easy, not prone to burning
Finishing: Stain may blotch, apply a prestain
Price: Inexpensive

Western Red Cedar

Uses: Furniture (outdoor), Siding
Sources: U.S. & Canada
Characteristics: Variable Grain, Coarse Texture
Workability: Cuts easy, splinters
Finishing: Takes stain good, but not oils
Price: Inexpensive, cheaper where available

Aromatic Cedar

Uses: Furniture (outdoor), Closets (repels Moths)
Sources: Eastern U.S. & Canada
Characteristics: Straight grain,
Workability: Cuts easy,
Finishing: Very clean finish and good stain absorber
Price: Inexpensive

Redwood

Uses: Furniture (Outdoor), Decks, siding, Fences
Sources: West coast U.S.
Characteristics: Straight grain, fine
Workability: Cuts easy, sands very well
Finishing: Very clean finish and good stain absorber
Price: Can be expensive

Cypress

Uses: Siding, Boats, trim, paneling
Sources: South East U.S.
Characteristics: Straight Grain, even pattern
Workability: Cuts easy, sands very well
Finishing: Very clean finish and good stain absorber
Price: Inexpensive, cheaper where available