Georgepag wrote:
I'm building a garden swing (the kind with two facing seats hanging
from a frame with a platform connecting them) and was planning to use
Redwood. I'm from the Northeast and Redwood is impossible to get
here. One lumber yard suggested that dimensional cedar would be a
good substitute but is cedar strong enough for such a structure? If
not, what other species should I consider. I could use white or red
oak but I was hoping to get away without having to mill my own
dimensional lumber. How about Fir? This will be outside but not in
contact with the soil. The feet will sit on concrete path stones.

Fir would be a good choice structurally, but is prone to splinters.

Cedar is too soft/limber in my opinion for the purpose, which would
require larger structural parts to compensate than would really have a
nice appearance.

Oak, of course, is plenty strong but working with it is more difficult
owing to it being much harder. That's not too much an issue if you have
all the tools you need, but w/ hand tools only might be problematical if
you're not an experienced woodworker. And, of course, if were to choose
oak, for an exterior project you'll want to be sure to use white, not
red, oak for weather resistance.

I'd suggest looking at cypress if you can find it locally.

--