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What is pecky cypress

Author

Emily Baldwin

Updated on April 14, 2026

water-resistance and is known as pecky, or peggy, cypress in the lumber trade when it contains small, attactive holes caused by a fungus. The tree is grown as an ornamental for its colourful fall foliage and can be cultivated far north of its native range.

Is pecky cypress expensive?

Yes, it is valuable. It is one of those woods that is either loved or hated. People in the market will pay premiums for pecky because of its inaccessibility.

What is pecky cypress used for?

Our customers use Pecky Sinker Cypress for paneling, ceilings, beams, cabinets, and other furniture. Use it in combination with our other Sinker Cypress or Sinker Pine lumber for a look that’s truly unique!

Can you still get pecky cypress?

Some examples of our favorite grade of Cypress, Pecky Cypress. It has been estimated that less than 10% of cypress trees will have this characteristic, and only a portion of those trees can be cut to recover pecky grade lumber- the ultimate in exclusivity.

Is pecky cypress rare?

Pecky cypress is rare in that it only occurs in less than 10% of cypress trees and only in older trees. The beautiful and yet unique design in the wood is actually caused by a fungus, polyporus amarus. … Once the tree is cut, the fungus dies and the pecky can not continue to grow.

Why is it called pecky cypress?

bald cypress water-resistance and is known as pecky, or peggy, cypress in the lumber trade when it contains small, attactive holes caused by a fungus. The tree is grown as an ornamental for its colourful fall foliage and can be cultivated far north of its native range.

Do termites eat pecky cypress?

Carpenters use cypress for furniture, siding, and building trim, and they value the wood not only for its beauty, but also for the length of its boards. Cypress trees have two qualities that make them repellent to termites. … Additionally, termites generally do not like the smell and taste of cypress trees.

Where can I find pecky cypress?

Variety nutans, commonly called pondcypress, cypress, or black-cypress, grows in shallow ponds and wet areas westward only to southeastern Louisiana. It does not usually grow in river or stream swamps.

What does pecky mean?

pekē The definition of pecky is logs or wood with holes or spots which are caused by decay. An example of pecky is a cypress log filled with holes when you saw into it. adjective.

Can you paint pecky cypress?

There will be NO PAINT applied to these boards. So, this is what we call “pecky” cypress. This effect is produced by nature and has widely been misunderstood. This eating away of the wood, giving it a three-dimensional look–is caused by a fungus called “polyporus amarus”.

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Will Cypress mildew?

Exterior cypress presents discoloration, mildew and stains, that are not typically associated with interior applications.

How is pecky cypress created?

A unique lumber with exceptional color and unique pocketing. The pockets in this type of lumber are not made by any type of animal, they are actually formed by a natural fungus called Polyporus Amarus. This fungus enters older Cypress trees through branch loss or other effects that destroy the bark of the tree.

What is pecky cedar?

Pecky Cedar is the result of a fungal infection that invaded the tree through some injury at the bark level. It slowly causes decay in the heartwood of the standing tree in the form of vertical stripes. The tree continues to grow because the cambium is not affected. The tree rarely falls because of the infection.

What states have cypress trees?

Cypress trees grow mainly along North America’s southern coastlines where they have easy access to swampy, wet soil and full sunlight. However, some types prosper along the eastern portion of the United States, ranging from Delaware to Florida.

What does sinker cypress look like?

The rich color of Sinker Cypress ranges from a deep honeycomb gold to a dark olive green depending on the water regions from which the logs are found. … Historians estimate that anywhere from 10% to 20% of the logged virgin growth Bald Cypress trees sank in route to the sawmills on the rivers.

Do termites hate Cypress?

Cypress wood is naturally resistant to decay and to termites due to its natural durability.

Are Cypress bugs resistant?

Cedar Or Cypress Mulch Chip or bark mulch is made from cypress or cedar trees and is very helpful for repelling bugs. Both cypress and cedar contain natural chemicals and oils like thujone that deter insects.

Do carpenter ants eat Cypress?

Problems. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood. They burrow through it to establish nests. Cedar mulch located near trees or wooden structures provides a suitable habitat for carpenter ants to nest and expand their colony.

Does cypress wood mold?

Cypress is generally a mold/decay resistant wood if left natural.

How do you clean cypress wood walls?

Apply a mild solution of bleach and water using a pressure washer (low setting). Let the solution soak for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Allow the cypress to dry for at least a week. When it is dry, you may re-stain.

Can you whitewash Cypress?

Whitewashing is an appropriate choice if you want to lighten a cypress wood surface and still see its patterns of grain. Besides creating beautiful, weathered finish, whitewash is economical and safe for the environment. Protect the floors with thick drop cloths. Whitewash stains can be difficult to remove.

What does feeling perky mean?

perky Add to list Share. If you are a perky person, you are upbeat, lively and positive. A perky friend would be the one who’s always up for games and activities and constantly declaring, “Hey guys, this is fun!”

What pecking means?

intransitive verb. 1a : to strike, pierce, or pick up something with or as if with the bill. b : carp, nag. 2 : to eat reluctantly and in small bites peck at food. peck.

What does Packy mean in England?

Paki (slur), British slang word for a Pakistani person.

Why is cypress wood so expensive?

Today, old growth Cypress is very difficult to find, and it is almost always wood that has been Reclaimed. It is also expensive due to the local demand for antique Cypress millwork in fine homes across the Gulf Coast.

What is a sinker cypress log worth?

Commercial retail prices range from two to five dollars per board foot. By the time high-quality sinker cypress wood reaches a California show room, it can range from eight to fourteen dollars per board foot.

What is sinker wood?

SINKER MAHOGANY WOOD. We call it “Sinker Belizean Mahogany”. The wood is Genuine Mahogany, Swietenia macrophylla, from Belize, basically the same texture and color as the sought after Honduras Mahogany, but it is unique because it has been submerged in the rivers of Belize for 75 to 150 years!

Is Cypress better than cedar?

Old-growth cypress is rated as being very durable — more durable than cedar — but it’s hard to find and expensive. Younger cypress is rated as moderately durable. Cedar has a pleasant, aromatic scent while being worked, while freshly cut cypress has a somewhat sour odor.

What is cypress wood?

Cypress Wood Lumber is a hardwood species commonly used for Exterior construction, docks, boatbuilding, interior trim, and veneer. Cypress wood is popular choice in construction applications where decay resistance is needed. Color tends to be a light, yellowish brown. Sapwood is nearly white.

What is the best stain for Cypress?

Choose a stain that suits the use you have planned for your cypress. If you plan to use it outdoors, select an oil-based stain; opaque stains last the longest. For indoor cypress, use a polyurethane varnish.

How do you refinish cypress wood?

  1. Clean and Sand the Wood.
  2. Clean and sand the wood as needed to prepare the cypress wood for a varnish or wood sealer. …
  3. Use a Varnish or Oil Finish.
  4. Apply the varnish or oil finish. …
  5. Reapply as Needed.
  6. Reapply on a regular basis, as needed. …
  7. Apply an Epoxy Sealer.