Rocky Top Cypress Log homes

Kurt Cullmann

Non-cypress construction

Why Cypress?

Why Tidewater Red Cypress?

What did Noah’s Ark and the first doors of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome have in common? Legend has it that both were made of the durable wood we know as cypress. In fact, it’s said that the doors of the original St. Peter’s were more than 1,100 years old when the building was torn down and reconstructed in the 1500s. When it comes to recommending a product based on its strength and good looks, cypress is hard to beat.  

People who work with cypress on a regular basis say the wood’s natural durability is a plus for exterior applications.  Because cypress generates cypressene, its own preservative oil, its heartwood is naturally resistant to insects, decay, chemical corrosion and other damaging elements.  For this reason, the wood has long been a favorite choice for long-wearing outdoor applications such as fence posts, telephone poles, pilings, docks and railroad ties.

Cypress also is an exceptionally stable wood, which makes it highly resistant to splitting and warping.  Dimensional stability also enables the wood to readily accept paints and stains, although many people select cypress siding for the natural appeal of its honey-like hues, which can be maintained with a clear sealer or permitted to weather to a dark grey.

Cypress is also well-suited for interior applications, as architects, designers and homeowners throughout the country are discovering.  The wood’s versatility makes it ideal for interior paneling and mill work, as well as cabinets, decorative beams, built-in furniture, railing and more.  When used for indoors, cypress typically displays a predominantly yellow tone, with reddish, chocolate or olive hues.

This beautiful wood, grown only in the deep Southeastern coastal wetlands and along the Gulf of Mexico is the true species, Tax odium Distichum. Designed with natural self-defense against termites and decay, this wood contains the best characteristics possible for log home construction. There are no man-made elements added or needed!

* Tidewater Red Cypress contains a high concentration of natural "Cypressene". Put there by Mother Nature, it's a chemical nontoxic to people and pets, but absolutely toxic to termites.

* The heartwood, milled logs we produce also contain a natural oil that's highly antiseptic in preventing the growth of fungi, which causes rot and decay. Accordingly, the USDA has classified our heartwood as "very high in decay resistance, even under conditions favorable to decay."

* Tidewater Red Cypress grows with a very tight, dense grain pattern making it far less susceptible to warping and twisting common in other wood species. Absolute minimal shrinkage and settling.  And there is no need for screw jacks or slip joints as with most other wood types.

We at B.K. Cypress Log Homes, Inc. are so convinced of it's superior performance and suitability that we offer a 60-Year Limited Warranty in writing against rot, decay and termite infestation!

For more information about the Tidewater Red Cypress products we sell please see http://www.bkcypress.com/research/materials