The Cypress tree grows mainly along the southern coastlines and inland areas. The tree produces an oil called cypressine which acts as a natural preservative within the wood. This inherent characteristic of the Southern Cypress makes it durable and extremely resistant to harsh weather conditions, insects and fungus.
Since Cypress wood lacks sap and doesn't bleed, it takes well to sealers, stains and paints. Its color varies in shades of light to dark honey. If left outdoors unfinished in its natural state, the appearance of the wood will become a light pewter color over time.
The lumber is lightweight, scarce of knots, medium textured, and dimensionally stable with a closed straight grain. It is easy to cut, saw, nail, and resists splitting, warping, checking, splintering and cracking. Cypress wood compliments any interior or exterior architectural style from Rustic, Traditional to Modern.
Cypress siding has been commonly used for years on coastal and resort homes. It was also used by colonial builders for their homes, barns, cotton gins, warehouses, boatbuilding and docks. Cypress wood has even been reused from 100 year old structures. Other beneficial uses today include: porches, bridges, shingles, shutters and greenhouse construction.
