Steady steps for cypress decking

f ONC a favored species for siding. IJsouthern cyprcss has gradually been making inroads into the decking market.

"We sell a good bit of cypress decking," said Doug Brock, Sunshine State Partners, Hostbrd, Fl "It has been a focus of ours for a couple of years. When well maintained, cypress can compete with any decking. It looks good and competes in price. We cut a good bit of 6", and it has been a good product fbr us."

The mill supplies raw rou-rh cypress to remanuf'acturers, which then turn it into finishcd siding, decking, paneling, millwork and flooring.

"Some of our customers treat it. and some don'1." Brock said. "l think the secret to all wood products is proper care.

Last year, Custom Lumber Manufacturing, Dothan, Al., experimented with offering decking pressure treated with an organic prcservative that maintained the wclod's natural color. but found buyers unwilling to pay fbr thc extra service.

Yet untreated cypress decking remains in demand. particularly in the Northeast and the Carolinas. "We are selling morc and more cyprcss deckin-e. and it is performing quite well," said Chuck Harris. "A good sealer or stain is used to keep water fiom penetrating. and thc pricc is good comparcd to other decking materials. We are of-fering it in the standard 5/"4x6" and in a 2"x6" product."

Cypress lumber specialist Donald

Elder, Opelousas. La., has been selling cypress decking for more than 30 years, 5/4 and ti/4. "Production has probably increased at least marginally during the past two years," Elder said. "Like all lumber items, priccs had drooped down a lot. and this has actually incrcased interest in the product. The mills that have installed the equipment to process their cypress lumber beyond just rough boards to thc finished product are making money on this species, probably the one species that the hardwood mills are making any moncy on."

Gates Custom Milling. Gatesville. N.C., manufactures cypress decking in both 5/4 and 8/4 thickness. in #2 and select -urades.

"Cypress decking comes at a competitive price point. As the economy continues to bc tight. wc have seen an increased desire fbr #2 grade material," said Nancy Tuck. She admittcd. though, that "cypress does not currently represent a large percentage of the decking market."

With upheaval in the market. the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association sees an opening. Its website, www.cypressinfb.ors. now features cypress decking nearly as prominently as it spotlights siding.

"The SCMA believes there is a grcat opportunity for growth with decking," explains SCMA's Ian Faight. "Many homeowners are looking for decking materials that are natural. durable, and do not include preservatives. Cypress is naturally rot and dccay resistant, and weathers extrernely well. Since cypress is not a pressurc treated wood. fmany] people pref'er it."

Just give cypress decking time. said Custom Lumber's Harris. ''As more of it is used, it will gain acceptance in the fleld with consumers."