When it comes to selecting wood for outdoor projects like decking, fencing, or furniture, cedar and cypress often top the list. Both are softwoods renowned for their natural resistance to decay and insects, making them ideal for applications where durability is key.
However, they aren’t interchangeable—each has unique characteristics in terms of appearance, workability, and performance. In this post, we’ll discuss the main differences between cedar (focusing on Western Red Cedar, a common variety) and cypress (often Bald Cypress or Southern Cypress).
We’ll also explore why high-quality cypress has become increasingly difficult to source. Lastly we’ll include a comparison chart highlighting key attributes like hardness, durability, rot resistance, lifespan, and price.
Appearance and Aesthetic Appeal
One of the most noticeable differences lies in their color and grain. Cypress typically features a pale yellow to light brown hue with a straight grain that can include darker streaks or knots, giving it a rustic, natural look that weathers to a soft gray over time.
Western Red Cedar, on the other hand, has a warmer reddish-brown tone with a finer, more uniform grain and fewer knots, which contributes to its elegant appearance. Both woods age gracefully without treatment, but cedar’s reddish undertones often make it a favorite for visible structures like siding or pergolas.
Workability and Strength
In terms of ease of use, cedar has the edge. It’s lighter and softer, making it simpler to saw, plane, and shape without much resistance from knots. Cypress, while also a softwood, behaves more like a hardwood in strength—it’s denser and can be trickier to work with due to occasional knots and a tendency to splinter. This added density makes cypress slightly more stable and less prone to warping, but it might require sharper tools for intricate projects.
Natural Properties and Uses
Both woods contain natural oils that provide built-in protection against moisture, insects, and fungi, which is why they’re popular for exterior applications. Cedar is often praised for its aromatic scent, which repels moths and adds a pleasant fragrance to closets or indoor uses.
Cypress, sourced from swampy regions, excels in high-humidity environments and has been historically used for boats, shingles, and siding. However, the performance can vary: old-growth cypress is exceptionally durable, but modern plantation-grown versions may not match the resilience of cedar in all scenarios.
Why Cypress Has Become Harder to Source
High-quality cypress, particularly old-growth varieties, is getting tougher to find due to a combination of historical over harvesting and environmental factors. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, vast swamps in the southern U.S. were logged extensively for their rot-resistant wood, leading to the depletion of mature trees with tight growth rings that enhance durability.
Cypress trees grow slowly—often taking centuries to reach maturity in natural wetlands—which limits regeneration rates. Additionally, habitat loss from development and drainage has restricted supply, driving up demand for the remaining stocks.
Today, much of the available cypress comes from faster-grown plantations, which produce wood with wider rings and reduced rot resistance compared to old-growth. This scarcity has pushed prices higher and made sourcing large quantities or premium grades more challenging, especially for furniture-grade lumber.
Comparison Chart: Cedar vs. Cypress
To make the decision easier, here’s a side-by-side comparison based on key factors. Note that values can vary by specific variety, growth conditions, and region, but these represent general averages for Western Red Cedar and Bald Cypress. Hardness is measured on the Janka scale (higher numbers indicate harder wood). Durability and rot resistance are rated qualitatively (Low, Moderate, High). Lifespan refers to untreated outdoor use, and price is approximate per board foot as of 2025 (U.S. averages; actual costs fluctuate).
| Attribute | Cedar (Western Red) | Cypress (Bald) |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Janka) | 350 lbf | 510 lbf |
| Durability | Moderate to High | High |
| Rot Resistance | High | High (old-growth); Moderate (new-growth) |
| Lifespan (Untreated Outdoor) | 15-30 years | 15-25 years |
| Price (per Board Foot) | $5-10 | $8-15 |
Final Thoughts
Choosing between cedar and cypress ultimately depends on your project needs, budget, and location. If ease of workability and a classic reddish look are priorities, go with cedar—it’s widely available and performs reliably. For a denser, potentially more stable option in humid climates, cypress is worth considering, though you may need to hunt for quality old-growth stock. Always source from sustainable suppliers to help preserve these valuable resources. If you’re planning an outdoor build, factor in maintenance like sealing to extend the wood’s life regardless of your choice. What are your experiences with these woods? Share in the comments!