On Wed, 13 Apr 2005 17:13:59 -0400, "Dica"
wrote:

what's the cheapest wood i could use for this?

Resinous softwoods like larch. The "red deal" softwoods will work too;
eastern red cedar, some grades of douglas fir.

If it's local, sweet chestnut is a good outdoor timber too. White oak
will work and can be affordable if you find the right sources (you're
not looking for furniture-grade). There are a few other US hardwoods
that are usable.

the basic rule for buying timber is that good wood from a cheap
supplier is still cheaper than rubbish from the expensive retail shop.
Find the right source to use !

It's a lot cheaper if you buy it sawn, not planed. If you can scrounge
access to a thickness planer, this can save you a lot of money.

I wouldn't use anything pressure-treated for furniture.