lumber source for cedar canoe

[Reggie Lamothe]

Well, the second half of summer has been a rainy disappointment. My boat hasn't left the dock in three weeks and i'm starting to think about my fall projects. I have wanted to try my hand at a cedar plank canoe. I'm wondering what the best source for lumber might be. Cedar isn't uncommon in New England but what I see at saw mills when they have it is red cedar mostly in fence post sizes. I'd think red is to knotty, and milling down posts seems like a lot of extra work. Any relevant thoughts?

[Zachary Hoyt]

I built two from aspen trees I cut down and milled into boards. Aspen is slightly heavier but not much, and if you can find it it's usually pretty cheap. Western red cedar is the norm, but it's expensive.
Zach

[Jim Morgan]

For inquiries like this, it is helpful if you post your location. Try Liberty Cedar in West Kingston, RI.