For many years I used Tulip wood, which is a local name for Poplar, that is cut off my property. I made all the finish parts, which would be the toe rails, seats, thwarts and deck caps out of it. It is a rich mixture of colors, clear wood. The trees themselves grow huge for in RI and are very clear wood. I offered it as an option up until a couple years ago. So I built a 72″ American dark stain with the tulip wood parts. I am very pleased with it.