Alaskan yellow cedar is a close relative of the Port Orford Cedat and Atlantic White cedar. Most of the Alaskan yellow cedar goes to Japan, where it is used as a close substitute for Hinoki, its closest japanese variety. This wood has been prized in Japan for thousands of years for building shrines and temples, baths, and the homes of the wealthy. It is very resistant to rot, easy to work. I am also looking into building a home, and Alaskan yellow cedar was one of my first choices, as I plan to build a Japanese style timber frame home. Unfortunately, the sources I found all wanted a lot more than I am looking to spend. If you can get it for a reasonable price, I would seriously consider it....How lucky you are!