Cypress

Cypress is a classic North American wood prized for its warm yellow to light brown heartwood, straight grain, and fine to medium texture, offering both beauty and natural durability. Native to the southeastern United States, Cypress is celebrated for its resistance to decay and insects, making it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor woodworking projects.

Its straight grain and uniform texture allow Cypress to machine, turn, and sand cleanly, producing a polished surface that highlights its natural color and subtle figure. Perfect for pen blanks, knife handles, turned objects, inlays, small furniture accents, and specialty crafts, Cypress combines workability, stability, and aesthetic appeal.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Taxodium distichum

Family: Cupressaceae

Origin: Southeastern USA (Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Mississippi)

Common & Trade Names

Cypress, Bald Cypress, Southern Cypress, Taxodium, Red Cypress

Key Characteristics

Heartwood: yellow to light brown, can darken with age

Sapwood: pale, clearly defined

Grain: straight, sometimes with shallow ripple figure

Texture: fine to medium

Moderate density; stable and durable

Natural luster, smooth finish

Workability

Machines, sands, and turns easily with sharp tools

Accepts stains, oils, and finishes well

Glues and polishes reliably

Ideal for precision and decorative projects

Health & Safety Note

Cypress wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Use proper dust extraction, respirator, and eye protection when machining or sanding.

Cypress wood, Taxodium distichum, Bald Cypress, North American hardwood, pen blank wood, knife handle wood, turning wood, decorative hardwood, artisan craft wood