The type of log you select will most likely be the ones that are locally available. That’s unless you are willing to spend freight charges and source exotic timber grown in another state or country.
Slow growing trees like Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Eastern White Cedar and Cypress produce the best quality heartwood logs with intensely packed growth rings. These are premium timber that offer excellent decay and pest resistance naturally. When treated, these are like a no-brainer solution for logs.
Having said that, not everybody is looking to spend a bomb for a set of four bar stools. Timber from fast-growing trees like Yellow Pine are cheaper and are a good alternative. With proper wood treatment, these can match the durability and pest resistance of premium timber.