In the end I decided to go with Red oak for all of the hewn pieces in the barn. They are coming from Hocshtetler Mills in Ohio. They will dry out some on the way out, but I believe overall it will be a better choice. The rest of the frame: studding, rafters, etc will be rough sawn Douglas Fir.
I will be a lot better hewer after 15,000 board feet of it!
Collin
