About Cypress Lumber

Sought for its natural ability to withstand moisture and temperature variations, cypress is common in the installation of exterior siding in coastal regions. The cypress tree (Taxodium distichum) is indigenous to many areas of the United States and is predominantly found near swampy regions and wetlands. It was one of the first woods used by early settlers to construct houses and barns.

Features

The cypress tree produces cypressine, a sap-type oil that preserves the wood and naturally repels insects and mold. When dried, cypress lumber is relatively lightweight and weathers to a soft gray color after exposure to the outdoor elements. The wood grain is even and tight and there are very few knots; of those few, most are smaller than 2 inches in diameter.

Properties

Cypress shrinks during the drying process and should undergo adequate air drying or (preferably) kiln drying before use. If kiln-dried, cypress will retain some of its blonde color tones but, unless it is sealed, the color will change within a few weeks of exposure to air.

Considerations

Second-growth wood does not possess the same integrity as the wood milled from the main tree. The cypress tree sends out thick shoots beneath the surface of adjacent water sources, and these trunk-like shoots resemble small cypress trees. Called "cypress knees," the wood from this second growth is more porous and does not possess cypressine in determinable quantities.

Uses

Cypress is popular where resistance to moisture and fungus is imperative. Waterfront docks and shipping ports use cypress where beams are partially submerged. Small boats and skiffs constructed from cypress lumber outlast other lumber products, and even caskets are regularly fashioned from cypress. Cypress is desirable for building outdoor decks and fences.

Refinement

Cypress not only serves the construction trades, it provides a smooth, hard grain, desirable in the manufacture of knife handles and other household items. Cypress is easy to cut without splintering and makes beautiful inlaid wood products. Due to the high cypressine oil content, cypress may resist the application of glue if it is not thoroughly dried.

Application

Respirators are recommended for those who cut and mill cypress. The cypressine oil is present in the fine dust produced by power saws and milling machinery and care should be taken not to inhale the dust. In addition, some workers experience localized skin irritation from direct exposure to cypress sawdust.

Resources

• Order large quantities of cypress lumber directly.