ATM Best wood for Dob mount

["Andy Mail" <amail@scimar.com>]

I am getting ready to build my Dobsonian mount.  I have read several posts recommending one type of wood over another.  I priced some candidates at Lane Vance Hardwood in San Marcos, CA and find that:

5' x 5' x 3/4" Baltic Birch is $33

4' x 8' x 3/4" Marine Grade Douglas Fir is $72 (!!)

4' x 8' x 1/2" Appleply is $52

 

I would suspect that the Douglas Fir is the best candidate in terms of overall weather proofness, however it sure isn't very pretty.  I don't know how suitable it is for building a mount.  Appleply only goes to 1/2" thickness, which seems a bit thin but is pretty.  Gosh, I just don't know what to do - any suggestions?

Best regards,

Andy Mail