Planman1954

I would suggest that you check out any local bandsawmill operator. They are popping up everywhere, and are a great source for cheap lumber. What may be scrap to the operator is valuable to a woodworker.

Simply get the lumber and sticker it in your shed or garage for a few months to get the moisture content under control. I use local walnut and cypress for furniture here in Louisiana. Both are easy to work with. Although red and white oak is also plentiful here, I'm not a big fan since it's harder to work.