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There are so many choices out there today when you’re in the process of building a new home or re-modeling. Choosing a design, arriving at a workable plan and then selecting just the right components can be mind boggling. Deciding on exterior siding treatment is perhaps one of the most critical choices. Siding is the first thing guests see when driving up to your home, it is the first line of defense to the elements and your siding choice can increase or decrease the value of your home. Once your siding is installed, wouldn't it be wonderful to leave it in place and have it last  for generations? Cypress Siding can provide this luxury with beauty.

Historically, Cypress has been well known for its resistance to decay and insects. This is due to the unique characteristics of the wood itself. Cypress produces the naturally occurring preservative "cypressine" which gives it a head start against the harshest environmental conditions. It’s no wonder that so many colonial homes were constructed of this material. Even 100-200 year old buildings that have out-lived their usefulness are providing reclaimed Cypress usable for the next round or two. For example, I recently heard a fascinating account from a builder/restorer friend in Virginia. He was amazed to discover that during the restoration of George Washington’s grandfather’s home near Mt.Vernon, many of the original Cypress features, (including siding and shingles) were cleaned up and re-used. Now that’s longevity! In the early part of the twentieth century, Frank Lloyd Wright incorporated Cypress into many of his commercial and residential masterpieces. He recognized Cypress siding and trim as an obvious choice. The list of Cypress clad historic homes in the U.S. is a long one.

     Wood siding is still a popular and very aesthetic alternative in home construction. Cypress trees are still growing and harvested in a managed and responsible fashion. Availability is limited to the Southeast coastal region in the U.S., but the lumber can be shipped almost anywhere. Cypress adapts nicely to practically all geographical conditions as well as interior and exterior applications. And surprisingly, the cost is in the medium price range and often much less than Cedar, Redwood, etc. All and all, Cypress is worth a good long look.

Keith Buckley is a lumber broker that specializes in cypress, antique pine and poplar. To find out more about cypress visit: http://www.CypressSiding.com

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