Redwood

[garys]

Redwood is readily available at any lumber yard. It is still popular for decks.

[pathrunner]

The big issue with using redwood for anything related to food is that moisture has a tendency to sweat through. Aside from the toxicity issue, you will end up with caking, and an unwanted aftertaste in salt or any dried herb. Salt even more so as Salt absorbs moisture.

[CWD]

Well after a lot of thought about what I was going to make from some of the redwood. The first project was a planter box, for a small palm tree my oldest daughter found growing along side a cannel bank. we asked the property owner about the tree, we were told he get a few volunteer trees every couple of years along the cannel, and we could have them if we wanted them. So my daughter and I built a 24" x 24" planter box. she now has her own tree out side of her bedroom window.
I have cut a few of the 4 x 4 into turning blanks I will be turning some candle sticks. as for the rest of it so far I have no plans. Thank you all for your input.