: Wow Mike, gorgeous! I love the art work, right down to the wonderful inlay
: kiwi. What wood did you use?

We grew a Paulownia in our garden. Growth rings were 28mm apart. 1 1/8" or 2 14" increase in diameter every year. It was soon too big. Paulownia weighs about 320kg per cubic meter. Some strips were a bit furry after routing but all sanded well. The red on deck is Kaikawaka, or libocedrus bidwilli, and is endemic to NZ. It's very like cedar, but uniform grain without the hard soft of other cedars. there is also Rewarewa, or knightia excelsior in the wave pattern. Pretty, but hard and dense.

It would be great to see a full length shot
: of the deck to see how all the design elements work together.

If I can work out how to post a pic I will.

: I also love the pictures and the mood that they convey. Clearly a wonderful
: celebration of a very beautiful achievement indeed. Congratulations!