LONG a favored species for siding, southern cypress has gradually been making inroads into the decking market.

"We sell a good bit of cypress decking," said Doug Brock, Sunshine State Partners, Hosford, Fl. "It has been a focus of ours for a couple of years. When well maintained, cypress can compete with any decking. It looks good and competes in price. We cut a good bit of 6", and it has been a good product for us."

The mill supplies raw rough cypress to remanufacturers, which then turn it into finished siding, decking, paneling, millwork and flooring.

"Some of our customers treat it, and some don't," Brock said. "I think the secret to all wood products is proper care."

Last year, Custom Lumber Manu-facturing, Dothan, Al., experimented with offering decking pressure treated with an organic preservative that maintained the wood's natural color, but found buyers unwilling to pay for the extra service.

Yet untreated cypress decking remains in demand, particularly in the Northeast and the Carolinas. "We are selling more and more cypress decking, and it is performing quite well," said Chuck Harris. "A good sealer or stain is used to keep water from penetrating, and the price is good compared to other decking materials. We are offering it in the standard 5/"4x6" and in a 2"x6" product."

Cypress lumber specialist Donald Elder, Opelousas, La., has been selling cypress decking for more than 30 years, 5/4 and 8/4. "Production has probably increased at least marginally during the past two years," Elder said. "Like all lumber items, prices had drooped down a lot, and this has actually increased interest in the product. The mills that have installed the equipment to process their cypress lumber beyond just rough boards to the finished product are making money on this species, probably the one species that the hardwood mills are making any money on."

Gates Custom Milling, Gatesville, N.C., manufactures cypress decking in both 5/4 and 8/4 thickness, in #2 and select grades. 

"Cypress decking comes at a competitive price point. As the economy continues to be tight, we have seen an increased desire for #2 grade material," said Nancy Tuck. She admitted, though, that "cypress does not currently represent a large percentage of the decking market."

With upheaval in the market, the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association sees an opening. Its website, www.cypressinfo.org, now features cypress decking nearly as prominently as it spotlights siding.

"The SCMA believes there is a great opportunity for growth with decking," explains SCMA's Ian Faight. "Many homeowners are looking for decking materials that are natural, durable, and do not include preservatives. Cypress is naturally rot and decay resistant, and weathers extremely well. Since cypress is not a pressure treated wood, [many] people prefer it."

Just give cypress decking time, said Custom Lumber's Harris. "As more of it is used, it will gain acceptance in the field with consumers."