Is cypress more rot resistant than cedar?

Yes, cypress has superior rot resistance thanks to its natural cypressene oil. Old-growth cypress is legendary for durability, though modern second-growth cypress still outperforms cedar.

Why is cypress hard to find outside the Southeast?

Cypress trees grow primarily in the southeastern United States. Shipping costs make it more expensive in other regions, and many lumber yards outside the South don't stock it regularly.

Can cypress be used for decking?

Yes, cypress makes excellent decking material. Its natural rot resistance, hardness, and stability make it ideal for deck boards, especially in humid climates.

Is cypress more rot resistant than cedar?

Yes, cypress has superior rot resistance thanks to its natural cypressene oil. Old-growth cypress is legendary for durability, though modern second-growth cypress still outperforms cedar.

Why is cypress hard to find outside the Southeast?

Cypress trees grow primarily in the southeastern United States. Shipping costs make it more expensive in other regions, and many lumber yards outside the South don't stock it regularly.

Can cypress be used for decking?

Yes, cypress makes excellent decking material. Its natural rot resistance, hardness, and stability make it ideal for deck boards, especially in humid climates.

building materials

Cedar vs Cypress Wood: Outdoor Building Comparison (2026)

Reviewed by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 1, 2026

Cedar and cypress are both naturally rot-resistant softwoods popular for outdoor building projects. Cedar is the more widely known choice, but cypress offers comparable performance with some distinct advantages. This comparison covers everything from durability to cost to help you choose the right wood for your outdoor project.

Cedar

Cypress

Key Takeaways

Cedar and cypress are both naturally rot-resistant softwoods popular for outdoor building projects.
Cedar is the more widely known choice, but cypress offers comparable performance with some distinct advantages.
This comparison covers everything from durability to cost to help you choose the right wood for your outdoor project.
Cypress outperforms cedar in durability, hardness, and rot resistance.
Cedar wins on availability and workability.

Property	Cedar	Cypress
	$3-$7	$3-$6
	Very good	Excellent
	350 lbf	510 lbf
	Good	Excellent - cypressene oil
	Good	Very good
	Nationwide	Primarily Southeast US
	Straight, fine	Straight, medium

Cedar

Pros

Widely available nationwide, Lightweight and easy to work, Pleasant aromatic scent, Established reputation for outdoor use

Cons

Softer than cypress, Less rot resistant than old-growth, Sapwood has poor durability, Grays quickly without finish

Cypress

Pros

Superior rot and insect resistance, Harder than cedar, Contains natural preservative cypressene, Excellent dimensional stability

Cons

Limited regional availability, Heavier to work with, Old-growth cypress is scarce, Less known brand recognition

Best Use Cases

Choose cedar for projects where availability and workability matter most, especially outside the Southeast. Choose cypress for superior durability in humid, wet, or insect-prone environments, especially in the Gulf Coast region.

Verdict

Cypress outperforms cedar in durability, hardness, and rot resistance. Cedar wins on availability and workability. In the Southeast, cypress is often the better value; elsewhere, cedar's wider availability makes it the practical choice.