Cypress Wood Guide 2026
Taxodium distichum
Typically described as durable Southern softwood
Catalog Price Reference
Unverified catalog note: Pecky cypress commands premium. Rot-resistant; popular in Southern states.
Unverified catalog reference, not a current offer. Supplier price source, quotation date and exact grade/milling basis are not recorded in these pricing fields. A page update is not price verification; freight and tax remain unknown until quoted. Enter a dated quote and build a specification.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 32 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Softwood
- Origin: United States
- Catalog price ranges are unverified references, not available offers
- Common uses include Exterior siding, Decking, Beams
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Medium
Workability: Easy to work; holds fasteners well.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Takes stains and paint well.
Color change: Yellowish brown grays outdoors.
Insect resistance: Old-growth heartwood resistant; young growth less so
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Cypress. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Nominal widths 4–12 in. | 8–16 ft | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Nominal widths 4–12 in. | 8–16 ft | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Nominal widths 4–12 in. | 8–16 ft | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Nominal widths 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- 8–16 ft
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Nominal widths 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- 8–16 ft
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Nominal widths 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- 8–16 ft
Decking & exterior profiles
1x6, 5/4x6, 2x6; bevel and T&G siding; 1x6 fence boards
Availability notes: Common in the Southeast US; less available elsewhere.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Yellowish to reddish brown
Grain: Straight; even texture
Common Uses
- Exterior siding
- Decking
- Beams
- Boat planking
- Millwork
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Bald Cypress;Swamp Cypress
Availability: Supplier confirmation required; this reference is not live inventory.
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 510 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Durable
- Sourced from United States
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Compare dated quotes on the same grade, dimensions and milling basis
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Cypress is unavailable or over budget.
- Western Red Cedar350 lbf Janka
- Redwood420 lbf Janka
- Pressure Treated Pine
Related Species
Alaska Yellow Cedar
Alaska Yellow Cedar is among the most durable softwoods in the world, with natural decay resistance
View speciesAromatic Red Cedar
Aromatic Red Cedar is beloved for its distinctive spicy fragrance and natural moth-repelling propert
View speciesAtlantic White Cedar
Atlantic White Cedar is a lightweight, aromatic softwood native to the swamps and bogs of the Easter
View speciesCompare This Wood
Baldcypress vs Western Redcedar
Neither species is a universal dock winner. Compare products that meet the same component and exposure specification, then compare delivered offers and maintenance requirements. Do not infer a guaranteed service life from a species name or use a hardness number as a substitute for structural capacity. This page provides a procurement checklist, not a dock design.
View comparisonCypress vs Cedar
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.
View comparisonCypress vs Pressure-Treated Pine
In the Southeast, cypress is often the better long-term investment despite higher upfront cost. Outside the Southeast, pressure-treated pine's availability and lower cost make it the practical default.
View comparisonWestern Red Cedar vs Baldcypress
There is no universal durability winner. Western redcedar heartwood is naturally decay-resistant, while baldcypress performance depends importantly on growth conditions and the wood supplied. Do not assume young-growth cypress outperforms cedar. Verify the actual grade, heartwood mix and exposure requirements, then compare equivalent delivered products and maintenance scope.
View comparison