White Oak and Cedar

White Oak:

• good results with hand and machine tools

• Has moderately high shrinkage values

• an react with iron (particularly when wet) and cause staining and discoloration

• Responds well to steam-bending

• Glues, stains, and finishes well

For more information on White Oak: http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/white-oak/

Cedar:

• some finishing methods are ideally suited to cedar, but paint is not one of them

•  tend to have a lot of expansion and contraction depending on the season

• nails and screws tend to work themselves out over time due to the seasonal movement of the wood. Stainless steel bolts, with nuts and washers would be a better choice

For more information on cedar: http://woodworking.about.com/od/typesofwood/p/Woodworking-With-Cedar.htm