Cypress Or Fir For Siding

Cypress here in the southeast this wood is very abundant.

Cypress or fir for siding.

Cypress is a wood of choice for exterior applications where longevity and good looks really count. In fact cypress is often salvaged from old homes that are being demolished and can be used on a new home without any worry of the durability of the wood siding. A very affordable locally grown wood that is typically the wood of choice for exterior work. Cypress is similar to cedar and redwood in that it is resistant to rot and will naturally repel insects but the wood itself still needs to be treated to ensure that it will last for a long time and to help protect it especially as it ages.

Cypress is a hardwood and highly desired as a siding application. It is very affordable has great workability and accepts stain and paint very well. As with cedar shingle siding wood clapboards can be stained rather than painted. Cypress is usually less expensive but it depends on where you live.

Weight averages about 32lbs per cu. This made it the preferred wood in early america for use as water reservoirs. Construction workers and builders typically prefer cypress for structural beams decking fencing or anywhere high levels of moisture might compromise lumber. Some boards can have scattered pockets of darker wood that have been attacked by fungi which is sometimes called pecky cypress.

However because of it s weather resistant quality a majority of cypress is used for exterior decking siding fencing and structural members such as beams and posts. Interior trim is an example as are stained cypress cabinets. Color tends to be a light yellowish brown. 512 278 9998 fax.

Raw unfinished wood surfaces have a greasy feel. Cypress like cedar and redwood is rot resistant and insect repellant. Sapwood is nearly white. Cypress can be used anywhere other types of wood are used.

If you live in the northwest where cedar is readily available cypress may be more expensive. With periodic care wood siding will outlast vinyl and other pretenders. Redwood redwood is to the western us what cypress is to the southeast. It has a straight grain and medium to coarse texture.