CYPRESS FYI
Builders, architects and homeowners increasinly are selecting cypress for a host
of interior and exterior applications, including siding, flooring, paneling, molding
and window trim.
Cypress' physical characteristics, workability and color consistency combine to
distinguish it from another popular softwood: western red cedar. The availability
of cypress in the eastern half of the United States makes it especially attractive
to customers.
Cypress is an ideal choice for quality home builders and remodelers who are searching
for lumber products that look great, hold paint well and stand up to the toughest
weather. Southern cypress is a quality wood product that has withstood the test
of time. For generations, cypress' unique qualities have been well known throughout
the southeast region of the United States.
Because of its high tolerance of the elements, cypress has developed the reputation
of being the ideal product in coastal areas. Another reason for its popularity is
that the lumber is painted easily. In paint retention lab tests, cypress has shown
to have higher paint retention than other woods, making it an economical choice.
Unpainted, the wood will last for hundreds for years. The wood has few knots and
does not normally check or warp. Cypress is generally sold in random lengths of
6-16 feet and widths of 4-12 inches. At the job site that means fewer cuts and
fewer joints.
Long valued for its beauty, durability and versatility, cypress is ideal for a
variety of decorative and utilitarian applications, including interior paneling,
decorative millwork, flooring, exterior siding, post, beams, decks, fencing, porch
decking, greenhouses and landscaping.
Compare for yourself!
SOURCE: Wood Handbook - USDA Agriculture Handbook, 72
|
CYPRESS |
WESTERN
RED CEDAR |
Specific Gravity (>12% Moisture Content) |
.46 |
.32 |
Density (lbs.ft) |
31.4 |
22.4 |
Static Bending - Dry Lumber
Modulus of Rupture (lbs/in) |
10,600 |
7,500 |
Modulus of Elasticity (million psi) |
1.44 |
1.11 |
Work in Maximum Load (in-lbs/ft) |
8.2 |
5.8 |
Impact Bending-Dry Lumber
Height of drop causing complete failure (in) |
24 |
17 |
Compression Parallel to Grain - Dry Lumber
Maximum crushing strength (lbs/in) |
6360 |
4560 |
Compression Perpendicular to Grain - Dry Lumber
Fiber stress at proportional limit (lbs/in) |
730 |
460 |
Tension Perpendicular to Grain - Dry Lumber
Maximum tensile strength (lbs/in) |
270 |
220 |
Shear Parallel to Grain - Dry Lumber
Maximum shearing strength (lbs/in) |
1000 |
990 |
Side Hardness (lbs) |
510 |
350 |
Flame Spread Rating |
145-150 |
70 |
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