Cedar is too soft for any area that will see a lot of use and edges really bad about splintering when the get caught. I have used it on stands in the past but really low on ideal species in my book. I wouldn't use cedar for areas that would be prone to say get hit by a vacuum, chairs, etc.. you can basically dent cedar just by looking at it. I would also seal it, it won't look good in the long run if you don't. Inside with water drops and occasional accidents, dust, trying to wipe it off and yuck.
I like natural finish also but more into cherry or walnut. Veneered ply easy way to skin a 2x4 tank stand. I don't find plank construction as being appealing but that is definitely a personal preference.
If using that thick of wood for the canopy 1x2 will be fine for framing. I use 1x2 and skinned with 1/4 veneer ply to keep weight down.
![](https://www.aquariumadvice.com/attachments/photobucket/img_2819181_0_1566a3fcc1cdf9c422c5740473254d93.jpg)
I used cedar on the top for this stand and needs to have the edges worked over really good with a plane and sandpaper every so often if used in high traffic areas.
![](https://www.aquariumadvice.com/attachments/photobucket/img_2819181_1_19d918360d211384d05a22a4c23c5c40.jpg)
I like natural finish also but more into cherry or walnut. Veneered ply easy way to skin a 2x4 tank stand. I don't find plank construction as being appealing but that is definitely a personal preference.
If using that thick of wood for the canopy 1x2 will be fine for framing. I use 1x2 and skinned with 1/4 veneer ply to keep weight down.
![](https://www.aquariumadvice.com/attachments/photobucket/img_2819181_0_1566a3fcc1cdf9c422c5740473254d93.jpg)
I used cedar on the top for this stand and needs to have the edges worked over really good with a plane and sandpaper every so often if used in high traffic areas.
![](https://www.aquariumadvice.com/attachments/photobucket/img_2819181_1_19d918360d211384d05a22a4c23c5c40.jpg)