Thanks for the reply timberwrestler. Why would you use only heartwood? Is it because it is more rot resistant? Does the fact that the deck will be covered make any difference? I like your about idea about using nails as opposed to screws. I have heard that green lumber will shrink very little over the length, but most of the shrinkage will occur across the width, do you think that is accurate? Sorry for the barrage of questions, Thanks again for your reply.