How does cypress wood compare with pine and cedar wood?
Cypress grows slowly, so the rings are much closer (making cypress wood dense) than in most wood species. These close rings make cypress wood more energy efficient, and the density of cypress wood decreases shrinkage, which makes it more durable and stable. In its natural state, the cypress wood is a pale, honey color and, if left unprotected without a stain sealant, it will weather to a gray or charcoal color on the surface (natural color can easily be restored if desired). Pine trees grow much quicker than cypress trees (mature pine tree takes 30 – 40 years but a mature cypress tree takes 80 – 200 years). As you might imagine the quicker growing pine tree results in wider growth rings and a less stable, more porous surface. This means pine wood is more susceptible to shrinkage and normally requires a borate treatment to prevent rot and insect attack. This porous wood material stains through the face and with treatment, it becomes somewhat darker. Untreated pine material will stain de
