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Page 8 September 7, 2017 TORRANCE TRIBUNE
Cypress Siding: It’s What the Pros Choose
(BPT) - If current design trends are any
indication, wood siding is back. Design professionals
are recommending one species in
particular: cypress. What’s behind this revival
of cypress siding?
“Good looks, dependable performance and
affordability,” says Stephen Logue of the
Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association,
www.CypressInfo.org. “Cypress has a
unique appearance with its honey-like hues
and intriguing grain pattern. Its ability to
withstand the elements and nature has long
made it a favorite siding material in areas
of the country that experience constant heat,
high humidity and torrential rains.
Atlanta-based architect Daniel Martin says
he recommends cypress to clients based on his
firsthand experience with the unique wood.
“The performance is great,” Martin says.
“I’ve had cypress siding on my own home
for more than 20 years, and I’ve only had
to repaint it once in that time. One of the
main reasons I recommend cypress is because
it’s resistant to decay, as well as insects like
termites and bees. Carpenter bees love some
other species of wood, such as cedar. They’ll
bore in and lay their eggs, and then woodpeckers
come along and gouge out grooves to
get to the eggs, destroying the wood. That’s
not an issue with cypress.”
As Martin has learned, cypress comes by
its durability naturally, thanks to an oil that
is produced while the tree is growing. The
oil acts as a preservative, meaning cypress
wood doesn’t need to be pressure treated
with chemicals like some other wood siding
options.
David and Laurel Mullikin, a husband-and-
wife design/build duo
in Atlanta, say they use
cypress regularly in
outdoor applications.
“We’ve designed
some of our best
projects with cypress,”
Laurel says. “It’s one
of our favorite species
of wood to use. In
fact, we’re currently
designing our own
new home. We are
incorporating cypress
as the ceilings for our
porches, adding a lot of
aesthetic warmth to a
part of the house many
people overlook. And
we’re using cypress
siding and finishing
it with the Shou Sugi
Ban method, which
involves charring the
surface of the wood
and then sanding and
sealing it.
Whether installing
new cypress siding or refreshing existing
wood, the first step is to make sure its surface
is clean so that it can better absorb the
desired finish. Wash the wood with a mild
bleach-and-water solution, using a pressure
washer on a low setting. Let the solution
soak for 15 minutes before thoroughly rinsing.
Then, allow the wood to dry for about a
week. This also is a good time to repair any
nail holes and surface irregularities.
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Homeowners who prefer cypress’ natural
color can preserve the look by applying a
clear, water-repellant sealer to all sides and
edges of siding boards. It’s also suggested
to look for products with a UV inhibitor to
block out the sun’s fading rays. Sealers should
be reapplied every few years to rejuvenate
and protect the wood. If left untreated, over
time, cypress will weather to a dark gray.
To bring out the richness of cypress’ grain,
semi-transparent, oil-based stains work best.
These stains will penetrate the wood, prevent
water problems and allow the wood to
breathe. Stains typically need to be reapplied
every two years.
No matter your chosen finish, remember to
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best
results. For more information on cypress, or
to get inspired for your next home or renovation
project, visit www.CypressInfo.org •
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