I used redwood. It does great and keeps it's color pretty good.
Cedar is a little softer and easier to work with.

: Hi all! I'm new (to the forum, kayaks, the whole nine yards).
: I've finally settled on a Night Heron, ordered the plans, started gathering
: tools and preparing my work area, etc. Anyway, on to my questions.

: I understand that redwood is a bit heavier than cedar. I've studied the
: mechanical properties in the chart in Nick's book and elsewhere... but I'm
: having a hard time determining whether the differences are really that
: great from a practical standpoint.

: Here's the thing: I have two great 2x12x16' redwood heartwood boards. They've
: been here for years, and I've just been saving them for a
: "worthy" project. I think they'd make a beautiful boat, with a
: few lighter accents, but I don't think I've seen a full redwood kayak (on
: the internet... I've never seen a wood kayak at all in the "real
: world"), and I don't know if it's a good idea technically. Too heavy?
: Hard to work with? Stop worrying, start ripping?

: Sorry to jump right in asking for info. I promise to contribute as I can,
: even if it's just pictures of progress/blunders.

: And, thank you.

: I DID run across something interesting yesterday while searching for lumber
: prices/values, if anyone's near Pittsburgh (I'm not, and don't know the
: seller). Link below, I hope...