Red Cedar just makes sense for most outdoor uses, since it is naturally beautiful, easily workable, resistant to rot and insect infestation and very stable. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) tends to be over twice as stable as most other types of commercially available softwood lumber. It stays straight and it lays flat. There are over 100 species of cedar in the Cupressaceae family, clearly Western Red Cedar is the best choice for outdoor living structures.