Prometheus wrote in
:

snip
I'm kind of wondering about this particular project myself (the wife
wants some patio furniture for our new home) So, I figured I'd jump
in while there's an open thread, and add a couple of questions. So,
does red aromatic cedar have the same weather resistant properties as
the dull white/brown variety, and is moisture content of the wood as
important if it is jointed with deck screws instead of glue? (To
clarify, I intend to use traditional joinery, with screws in addition
to wood glue for that little extra bit of protection from the
elements)

Also, is it better to use a finish like shellac, or to just get
something like Thompsons water seal (or whatever other deck
weatherproofing product floats your boat)?


'Cedar' covers a multitude of vaguely related woods. You should check with
your local suppliers, and see what the deck and fence folks are using for
their higher end work, and look at the economics of that.

We just did a set of benches in locally harvested Western Red Cedar (a
backyard tree from a friend), and an arbor/pergola in redwood. I think the
next outdoor furniture project I do will be in ipe, or something similar.
That way, the joinery will be less like framing or fencing, and more like
furniture or cabinetry.

Patriarch