2. Question: What is the best kind of wood to use?

Answer:  Recycled lumber is the eco-friendly cost effective choice. Reclaimed lumber such as redwood and cedar are an excellent wood choice as they are often already light and dry. If you are going for a light board you will want to use soft woods like redwood, cedar, pine, paulownia, or balsa.  If you don't care about weight, go for exotic hardwoods.  We have used mahogany, ebony, oak and others.  The hardwoods are beautiful and strong but heavy.