res?g1ggularity across the c,buntry

THE popularity ol'cypress remains I on the upswing as the cypress industry supplies the growing nationwide demand for their product. Cypress is fast building its reputation as one of the most versatile wood species. In both new and traditional markets, cypress is in unprecedented demand: in commercial and residential settings, for exterior and interior, decorative and structural applications.

New Markets, New Applications

John Stevenson, v.p. of sales for Thompson Hardwoods, Hazelhurst, Ga., says, "We're getting calls from California, Arizona, Utah, even the Northeast. People in other parls of the country are beginning to recognize what a great product it is."

Skip Doty, A.P. Hubbard Lumber Co., Greensboro, N.C., also sees cypress expanding beyond its traditional niche as siding and paneling.

"We're selling a lot of cypress for commercial applications, such as decks, outdoor furniture and play- ground equipment," he explains. "People are really moving away from treated lumber and. because of its durability, cypress offers a unique alternative that is not only beautiful, but competitive, too."

Don Buck, market development manager, Roy O. Martin Lumber Co., Alexandria, La., adds that the continuing boom in the U.S housing market translates into a greater appetite for cypress. "Our biggest cypress markets are in Texas and Louisiana, but we're shipping products throughout the Gulf Coast, the Carolinas and Virginia," Buck points out. "I'm probably getting l0 calls a week from new customers who want to buy cypress, and the biggest request is for pattern stock for the housing market."

Design Values Expand Cypress Applications Market C)pportunities

While cypress remains a favorite for paneling and siding, Phil West, Coastal Lumber Co., Weldon, N.C., says the wood is also gaining ground as a structural product.

Last year, the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association published the firstever set of engineering design values for cypress, providing established standards for such critical measurements as Extreme Fiber in Bending, Tension Parallel to Grain, Horizontal Shear and

Modulus of Elasticity, among others.

These values are now part of the National Design Specification for Wood Construction. which is universally accepted as reference by all BOCA

(Building

Officials & Compliance Administrator) codes.

While cypress often competes with cedar and redwood, West says these design values are helping to establish the wood as a viable alternative to other structural products.

"Now you can specify cypress like any other wood species," he explains. "The universal building code approval answers a lot of questions that architects and builders get from code inspectors. In fact, we're especially pleased because the values demonstrate that cypress is a lot stronger structurally than some of its main competitors."

SCMA president Joseph Haggerty, Jr., Williams Lumber Co., Rocky Mount, N.C., says the association's Web site offers a wealth of information about cypress. "We direct many of our customers to the Web site for information," he says. "Along with the design values, there are valuable guidelines for siding installation and tips other uses for cypress beyond siding and paneling. It's also a great place to find a supplier."

In addition to hosting its Web site, the SCMA also publishes Cypress: Versatile, Distinctive, Code-Approved. The l2-page booklet contains the new cypress design values, as well as detailed siding installation guidelines, and information on cypress grades and rvorking propeties.

The brochure is available by visiting www.cypressinfo.org or calling (87'1) 601-1262.