Is Cypress Siding Right for Your Home?

Cypress makes an ideal siding material because, like redwood and cedar, it naturally resists rot. Even without finishing or protecting it from the elements, it can last for many years. The siding features a warm reddish-amber color and is popular for its natural look. However, sunlight will cause that color to fade over time without proper protection. This is one of the main reasons homeowners maintain cypress siding so carefully after installation.

The Benefits of Cypress Siding

Durability

Cypress siding is one of the most durable types of wood siding sold today. It’s inherently rot and insect-resistant, and it stands up to weathering quite well compared to pine or cedar siding, since Pinewood doesn’t weather well at all and cedar tends to develop defects over time that cypress doesn’t suffer from.

Longevity

Cypress is a durable wood that can last for many years with proper care. Like any wood, it needs to be painted or stained to stay in good shape, but it can last for hundreds of years. Many old barns and homes still have usable cypress siding, even if the buildings themselves are falling apart. Some of these structures are hundreds of years old, and the siding is ready for a second life in a new home. This is the durability and protection you can expect from quality cypress siding.

The Downsides of Cypress Siding

There are plenty of benefits to going with cypress siding, but there are some downsides as well. It’s better to know both sides of the store before you decide on this siding option for your home.

Cost

Cypress siding isn’t significantly more expensive than other wood siding options, but it is quite expensive when compared to something like vinyl. You’ll spend quite a bit more money buying cypress to put on your home. This can be a real issue for people looking to protect their homes without spending a lot of money. Cypress will surely be more eye-catching, but it’s simply too expensive for people on a budget to rely on.

High Maintenance Requirements

To keep cypress siding in good shape, you have to be willing to do some regular maintenance. You’ll have to keep applying sealant to the wood to prevent warping. If you fail to follow standard maintenance policies, you could find yourself paying to replace sections of the siding that simply don’t look as good as they used to.

Suffers from Fading

Over time, cypress siding will fade and can experience some discoloration. This isn’t a huge issue because you will likely stain or paint the wood, but it can cause some sections of your siding to have an uneven look. Not all the wood is going to fade and discolor at the same rate. This is something that you should be aware of, but most homeowners decide that they don’t mind the look too much.

Different Siding Styles

Depending on the final look that you want and the level of weather resistance that you are interested in, you have several cypress siding options to pick from.

Beaded Bevel

Beaded bevel siding has more of an angular look to it because the pieces feature sharp angles at both ends. They are designed to overlap one another and create an attractive, yet slightly uneven look overall. If you want a siding style that stands out a bit more and still has those horizontal seams, the beaded bevel is a good option.

Channeled

Channeled siding has a more weather-tight seal than other options because the pieces are cut with very real grooves so that they almost slide right together with one another. When looking at the siding from the side it almost looks like little chairs sitting on top of one another securely. If you want a nice thick siding style that stands up well to weather and wind, channeled is a good option. It’s also easier to install because the channel design helps hold up the pieces as you go.

Board and Batten

Board and batten cypress siding offers a unique look with vertical seams that stand out among horizontal ones. This style creates a classy appearance and many homeowners use it at the top of their homes to add variety, pairing it with horizontal siding on the rest of the house.

Board and batten siding works by installing wide cypress boards vertically with small gaps between them. These boards go over thin horizontal wood pieces called furring strips. Once the boards are in place, thin battens are added between them and nailed into the furring strips. The battens do not fasten to the boards, allowing them to expand and contract without issue.

Buying Cypress Siding

When buying cypress siding, it’s important to choose the right grade and style. Look for #2 grade or higher, as these options are the most durable. You’ll also need to decide between Selects and Historic Siding. Select siding is mostly knot-free, featuring straight, clean pieces that create a uniform look. Historic siding, on the other hand, is stronger and made from more heartwood, but it includes more knots and imperfections. If you prefer wood siding with natural defects for added character, historic grade is a great choice. Make sure to see both options before making your decision.

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Maintaining the Siding

Many people protect cypress siding with a varnish or oil coat that lets the natural wood show through. No matter how you decide to preserve your cypress siding you’ll have to do regular maintenance on it to keep it in top shape.

Oil Preservation

When cypress siding is preserved with an oil coat it should be applied heavily using a garden sprayer. This coating will likely have to be reapplied on a yearly basis to keep the wood from being affected by the weather and from fading.

Varnish Protection

Varnishes are a bit more durable than oil coatings and they will provide effective protection to the siding for two or even three years. Just check on your siding regularly to see if it is taking on a chalky appearance. As soon as the siding begins to look chalky it must be sanded down and a new layer of varnish must be applied.

Painting

Painting cypress siding is the least popular method for preserving it, but some homeowners choose to paint for a fresh look. If painted, the siding needs to be scraped and sanded down to the base every six to ten years, followed by a new coat of paint. As soon as you notice peeling or blistering, it’s time to repaint to protect the siding.

Cypress siding is an excellent option for long-term home protection. It’s durable and performs well with minimal maintenance. However, it’s not for everyone. Only homeowners with a budget for quality wood siding should consider cypress. If you can afford it, cypress can last for the lifetime of your home.