Splinter: I echo Steve D. using cypress & SS... Been using SS & cypress with the deck chairs I have been making & don't regret it a bit. I have been using stepdowels on the seat slats and they have been holding up good for the past couple of years, but only time will tell how they do over all. They look good but labor intensive. Just got some brass screws & inserts but don't know how they will do. I keep experimenting.