Page 10 September 7, 2017 EL SEGUNDO HERALD
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-andwife
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 bleachand
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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