2) Cedar - Need to differentiate between Eastern Red Cedar and Western Red Cedar - I am only familiar with the Eastern variety. The red heartwood is very rot-resistant. And very pretty. Might be difficult to source the size pieces you are spec'ing. But not impossible. Richard Newton at CedarUSA DOT com in Marengo, IN could provide some insight on availability and pricing.
He's talking Western. You'd have an awful time finding Eastern in a all-heart 10"x10" and even worse in a 12"x12"
