Is second-growth Cypress as good as old-growth?

No — old-growth Cypress has much higher concentrations of cypressene, the natural preservative oil. Second-growth Cypress has moderate decay resistance, similar to Cedar heartwood.

Which holds paint better?

Cypress holds paint slightly better than Cedar due to its tighter grain and lower oil content. Cedar's natural oils can sometimes interfere with paint adhesion.

Can I get Cypress siding outside the Southeast?

Yes, but expect higher shipping costs and longer lead times. Several national suppliers carry Cypress siding, though the price premium over Cedar increases with distance.

Exterior Siding

Cypress vs Cedar for Siding: 2026 Complete Comparison (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated August 7, 2026|Sources & methodology

Cypress and Cedar are both naturally decay-resistant softwoods that make excellent exterior siding, but they come from very different regions and offer distinct characteristics. Cypress is the southeastern US standard with exceptional rot resistance, while Cedar dominates the Pacific Northwest and nationwide markets. This comparison helps you choose between these two premium siding woods.

Cypress

Cedar

Key Takeaways

Cypress and Cedar are both naturally decay-resistant softwoods that make excellent exterior siding, but they come from very different regions and offer distinct characteristics.
Cypress is the southeastern US standard with exceptional rot resistance, while Cedar dominates the Pacific Northwest and nationwide markets.
This comparison helps you choose between these two premium siding woods.
In the southeastern US, Cypress is the better siding choice — its superior hardness and decay resistance are ideal for the hot, humid climate.
Elsewhere in the country, Cedar's wider availability and proven performance make it the practical choice.

Property	Cypress	Cedar
Decay Resistance	Excellent — old-growth superior	Very good — heartwood
Hardness (Janka)	510 lbf	350 lbf
Dimensional Stability	Excellent	Excellent
Avg Cost (Installed/Sq Ft)	$6–11	$6–12
Regional Availability	Southeast US primarily	Nationwide
Paint/Stain Holding	Excellent	Very good

Cypress

Pros

Superior decay resistance — especially old-growth Cypress. Harder than Cedar — better dent and impact resistance. Holds paint and stain exceptionally well. Historically proven in humid, wet climates.

Cons

Limited availability outside the southeastern US. Old-growth Cypress is scarce and expensive. Second-growth Cypress is less rot-resistant. Heavier than Cedar.

Cedar

Pros

Available nationwide with consistent supply. Lighter weight — easier to handle and install. Natural insulating properties. Beautiful natural color and aroma.

Cons

Softer — dents more easily from impacts. Does not hold paint as long as Cypress. Sapwood has poor decay resistance. Requires more frequent refinishing.

Best Use Cases

Choose Cypress if you are in the southeastern US, want maximum decay resistance in humid climates, or plan to paint your siding. Choose Cedar for nationwide availability, lighter weight, natural wood aesthetics, and when you prefer a stained or natural finish.

Verdict

In the southeastern US, Cypress is the better siding choice — its superior hardness and decay resistance are ideal for the hot, humid climate. Elsewhere in the country, Cedar's wider availability and proven performance make it the practical choice. Both are excellent natural siding materials that will last decades with proper maintenance.