On Tue, 12 Jun 2007 10:56:48 -0700, 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.

Thanks,

George


Do not use red oak or fir. Good choices include:

PT lumber, inexpensive
teak, expensive
cedar
cypress, fairly inexpensive
white oak
redwood

Any of these woods are strong enough. Use clear or wood with small
knots. Avoid end-grain on the stones. Fasten pads where the wood will
touch the stones.