How does cypress compare with pine and cedar?
Cypress grows slowly, so the rings are much closer than in most wood species. These close rings tend to make cypress more energy efficient, and decreased shrinkage makes it more durable and stable. In its natural state, the wood is a pale honey color and unsealed, weathers to an even gray on the surface (natural color can easily be restored if desired.) Pine grows quickly, which results in wider growth rings, and a more porous surface. This means treatment is required to prevent rot and insect attack. This porous wood stains through the face and with treatment becomes somewhat darker. Untreated material will stain deep toward the core leaving permanent marks and becoming subject to mold and rot. For this reason, natural weathering is not recommended. Wet pine is well known to move (shrink and warp or cup) substantially as it dries. Cedar is a darker wood with heavy odor (check for allergic sensitivity). A lightweight and porous wood, it weathers and absorbs treatment resulting in darke
