How Much Does Cypress Lumber Cost?
Cypress lumber, the wood that comes from the cypress tree, is known for its scalelike leaves and woody cones. But did you also know that aside from its appearance, cypress is also valued for its wood?
Its wood is also known for its aesthetic appeal as well as its durability.
Cypress wood is popularly used for trim, cabinets, countertops, flooring, paneling and even siding.
How much does cypress lumber cost?
On average, the cost of rough sawn cypress lumber can be around $2 to $6 per board foot at your local lumberyard/retailer.
Pecky cypress wood, which is caused by the fungus that occurs with older cypress trees, can cost close to $4 per linear foot.
The costs will depend on the size, type and where it’s purchased from. Refer to our table below to see the average prices commonly charged:
| Size | Board Foot Estimate for Rough Sawn Cypress Wood |
|---|---|
| 1" X 4" | $2 |
| 1" X 8" | $2 |
| 1" X 12" | $2.50 |
| 2" X 4" | $2 |
| 2" X 8" | $2 |
| 2" X 12" | $2.50 |
| 3" X 6" | $2 |
| 4" X 4" | $2 |
| 6" X 6" | $2 |
| 8" X 8" | $2.50 |
Woodworkerssource.com, for example, charges around $6 to $9 per foot, according to their official pricing sheet.
Cypress Wood and Lumber, located in Lousiana, charges $2.35 per board for cypress No.2 or $4.60 per square foot for six-inch wide cypress beveled siding, according to their official website.
What are the extra costs?
Air dried or kiln dried cypress wood can cost 20 to 60 percent more than the estimates mentioned prior.
Local lumber yards can deliver your purchase for a small fee, usually no more than $50 to $100; however, the fee may be waived if you meet a minimum spending requirement.
Because this lumber comes in pre-cut sizes, just like any other lumber pieces found, you may need to have the lumber cut to your specifications. Some hardware stores may provide this service for free while others may charge a small fee.
Tips to know
Cypress lumber, at a local lumber yard/retailer, usually ranges up to 48 inches in width and lengths of 7 to 16 feet, with the average lengths being 12, 14 and 16.
The cypress is considered any of the various evergreen trees or shrubs of the genus Cupressus, which is native to North America.
Due to the slower growth, the rings of the wood tend to be closer together. This decreased shrinkage allows the board to be more energy efficient since it provides more insulation.
This type of lumber is ideal for outdoor use, such as siding, outdoor furniture or decking.
It’s a great insect repellant and requires very little maintenance. Compared to most types of wood, it is very easy to paint and stain.
This type of tree is often found in the swampy areas of the Eastern coast. Known as a water-loving tree, the average tree can reach up to 150 feet tall. Common names can include yellow cypress, tidewater cypress, white cypress, gulf cypress, black cypress and more.
Some types of cypress will have more knots than others. If you are using cypress lumber for a project that requires support and stability, then you should choose the purest cypress available.
Cypress has a natural preservative oil known as “cypressene,” which offers a moderate resistance to insects and decay.
Cypress is a very versatile, coming in a variety of shades, colors, and purities, meaning it can match almost any style or color scheme.
When shopping for cypress wood, you may see the term, “sinker.” According to the Woodworking Network, this simply means a bacterial infection occurred in the living tree, which, eventually increasing the water content, preventing the logs from floating, hence the name “sinker.” Sinker logs are commonly found in older trees and were often the largest log from the tree.
How can I save money?
By purchasing in bulk, the costs per board foot can go down.
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