On Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:13:40 -0700 (PDT), Limp Arbor
wrote:

My buddy wants to build some planters and benches for his deck. He
has Norm's plans:
http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct.php?0003

So we stop today at a random lumber yard to get a price on Cedar.
Price for 'A' grade (only pin sized knots) minimum 8' length
2x4 $3.73 LF
5/4x4 $2.28 LF


Theres Boards and Beams sawmill and Downes and Reader, supplier of
hard and soft woods.

http://www.woodboardsandbeams.com

http://www.downesandreader.com/updates/products/

For plain ol' benches and planters you could use white oak.
For that matter you could use any species of wood so long as you
maintain it by painting as needed.