: Can you use clear pine for strips?

Absolutely, yes.

: How about shorter pieces which are edge
: glued either with or without finger joints.

: The finger joints may look a bit funky. Those types of joints are also unnecessary. Ordinary butt joints are all that are needed. Some people like to work with 5 foot strip lengths. Just try to stagger the joints so they don't line up. It will be stronger and the joint lines will not be so obvious.

: . . .Is it as flexible as the red cedar? It is a bit heavier. for that reason some people use 3/16th inch strips instead of 1/4 inch strips. The difference in strength is negligible, you save 25% in the weight of the wood, an you get a bit more flexibility than with the thicker strips.

The pine usually finishes up to be very light in color. For some contrast you might throw in a few strips of redwood or cedar, whichever is most available near you. Since the strips would be for accent, you'ld only need one or two boards -- and that shouldn't be too expensive or hard to find. Both cedar and redwood are commonly used for home construction, fences and/or decks, so any lumber dealer should have some, or be able to point you to some.

Hope this helps.

PGJ