Reply by Gregn

Using Aromatic Cedar for the top will require glass or plastic to protect the top as cedar is pretty soft and will dent and ding easily. For your design I would suggest re sawing the cedar into a veneer and gluing to a MDF substrate top. By gluing to a substrate and sealing the top with a good quality finish you will limit the amount of wood movement due to seasonal weather changes.

-- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg