Materials Materials should be selected, installed and maintained for durability, strength, riding predictability, aesthetics and environmental acceptability. Select durable wood that is naturally resistant to moisture, decay, sun, heat, cold and insects. Some examples include redwood, cedar, white oak, cypress, locust and manzanita. There are also several environmentally friendly commercially treated woods that are extremely durable and weather resistant. Don't use wooden pallets, scrap lumber, plywood, soft woods such as pine, or other inappropriate materials that will quickly deteriorate or become unstable. Don't use dead trees, logs or stumps unless they are sufficient size or type of wood to withstand deterioration. Certain types of weather-resistant dead wood can be used if properly prepared by removing bark to prevent decay and following all construction guidelines. Do not use living trees in any way. Rough-sawn or hand-prepared wood will blend into primitive locations better than commercial lumber from http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/wood_guidelines.html
