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Pros & Cons of Cypress Logs

I've looked back in the B&M forum through Aug '08 and have not seen any discussion at all regarding cypress logs for a log home. My wife and I plan to select and build a log home in NE North Carolina, just below the Tidewater area of Virginia, beginning in 2011. We already have the land, and while we will be building above the flood plain, the sandiness of the soil will be an issue, and termites are definitely in the area. I've been told by one company that there is no need for the extra bug and rot resistence of cypress because of all the new treatments available. Another company says in their advertising that cypress is the most durable in this environment.

Do any of the manufacturers, builders, or owners in this forum have experience with cypress both in the building phase and over the long term as far as maintenance and upkeep are concerned? What are the things we must make sure of during the building process, and is cypress more or less expensive to maintain?

We look forward to building our log retirement home, and we want it to last.

I look forward to your responses. Bob T.

Tags: cypress

Replies are closed for this discussion.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bill Mathews on October 28, 2010 at 8:28pm

Hello Robert,

Pros & Cons of Cypress Logs, "This is my favorite question" and can't wait to hear the answers you will be given in this forum. You can start by checking out this site http://www.loghomemyths.com and as the answers roll in,
I'll produce the independent facts for your review.

Feel free to call me anytime.
Bill Mathews
866-922-7754
386-697-1357

Permalink Reply by Bill Mathews on November 2, 2010 at 10:26pm

Check out this ongoing discussion carpenter/boring bee/ woodpecker damage and then search the archives to find much more. The is not a problem that we see in Cypress.

Bill Mathews

Permalink Reply by Bill Mathews on October 30, 2010 at 6:31pm

Heavy dense wood, minimal to no shrinkage.

No need to use shrinkage type hardware, ie: screw jacks, tension systems, window and doors slider brackets, ability to bolt cabinets directly to wall. This means almost no ongoing monthly or yearly maintenance for you the homeowner

Chemical free, no allergy issues for your family

Naturally Pest and Decay Resistance

No tars or resins like pines and cedar, therefore making it the lowest burn rate factor of all log home wood.

The oldest wood structures in the U.S.A are made of cypress

A wood that does not require stain and or chemicals.

The Best Log Home Wood Money Can Buy For The Cost Of Pine

This are just a few and there are many more. Visit http://www.loghomemyths.com
Feel free to contact me direct anytime.

Bill Mathews
866-922-7754
386-697-1357

Permalink Reply by Robert Tayloe on October 31, 2010 at 10:37pm

Bill, so far it seems no one wants to take you on regarding your comments about cypress. I really appreciate your input. I hope to stop by the display home near St. Augustine soon and find out more. Bob Tayloe

Permalink Reply by Bill Mathews on November 1, 2010 at 7:48am

Bob.

Yes, facts are hard to dispute. A well keep secret in the industry.
Let me know that particular model is shown by appointment only. Look forward to your visit.

Bill Mathews
866-922-7754
386-697-1357

Permalink Reply by David Ramey on December 1, 2010 at 4:02pm

http://insects.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/l1826.html

That home was made out of wood that no longer exists in quantity anymore, old growth cypress. I never did get an answer as to what size, length, if you use all heartwood, etc.

Contrary to popular belief carpenter bees go after just about anything, even cypress, if it's not all heartwood. I just don't see a 6x12 16' long or more AND it being cheaper than pine.

Permalink Reply by Rebecca on November 2, 2010 at 12:37pm

It is very interesting that your website www.loghomemyths.com also touts the company you own. How do you verify that 99% of log home manufacturers use pine? How many log home manufacturers are currently operating in the US? North America? Worldwide? for every 500 companies only 5 use species OTHER than Pine? Interesting.... I would like to see the verification.

Permalink Reply by Bill Mathews on November 2, 2010 at 10:19pm

Hello Rebecca,

What Is really interesting..... is that you read my entire web page on problems associated by boring bees/ carpenter bee's and the only issue you would challenge is the 99%. I'll take that as a huge compliment. And as you are probably aware the tough economic times of the last two years have taken many good log home companies out of business and left many hanging by a thread. Even the Log Home Council is not sure of the total count to date.
But just for you I have changed the 99% to (Approximately 92% of all log home manufactures based in the US use types of Pine; White Pine, Yellow Pine, Douglas Fir, Standing Dead Engleman Spruce, and the list goes on.) As far as your interest in the verification, it sounds like a great project for you. Can't wait till you share your finding with all of us!

Thanks for your response,
Bill Mathews
866-922-7754
386-697-1357

Permalink Reply by David Ramey on November 16, 2010 at 12:25pm

Not many are doing anything in the US and yes I don't know what the numbers are but most log home builders use eastern white pine.

Permalink Reply by Bill Mathews on November 2, 2010 at 9:35pm

Even before technology, they knew that cypress was the wood eternal and the best wood choice.