What causes pecky cypress to look like?
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”.
What happened to the old paint on my cypress planks?
While recently pressure washing it, the old paint blew right off, leaving bare wood exposed, and it looks like it might have just been nailed up. And then there’s cypress planks like these, which are in the back bedroom on one wall.
What causes pocketing and striations in wood?
It is said that the pocketing and striations occur while the tree is alive; and once it is cut down, the fungus can no long survive or cause any more of these formations in the wood. Now, this is a closeup of the wood on the bar.
Why is pecky cypress so expensive?
Some cypress wood, like pecky cypress wood, is extremely valuable because it is created by a fungus. The fungus creates a pattern of pockets pleasing to the eye and sought after by artisan woodworkers. This type of wood is also quite rare, adding to the value.
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. The airborne fungi sets up after a tree has been damaged.
Does cypress wood need to be sealed?
Cypress readily accepts paints and stains. However, many homeowners and design professionals select cypress for the appeal of its honey-like hues, which can be maintained with a clear sealer or permitted to weather to a dark gray.
Can you still get pecky cypress?
This fungus only grows while the tree is alive, but what's even more interesting is that the fungus typically doesn't start to germinate inside the Cypress tree until it's around 125 years old! This explains why finding a Pecky Cypress log is so rare today.
Is pecky cypress a hardwood?
From age 60 to 70 years, a baldcypress-hardwood.
Does cypress wood rot?
Cypress is a popular choice among woodworkers for outdoor furniture projects. Due to the natural oils in the wood, it's among the most resistant to water damage and rot of the domestic American species.
Should you oil cypress wood?
Cypress wood is ideal for outdoor furniture due to its resistance to moisture and insects. If you leave the furniture unfinished, over time it will take on a gray hue, but you can protect the orange and red hues of the original cypress with finishing oil.
Should you treat cypress wood?
Cypress has a natural preservative oil known as cypressene which gives the heartwood resistance to insects and decay. With a suitable surface treatment, cypress generally has a superior durability, holding paint well and resisting weather.
How do you seal cypress?
For greatest weather resistance and durability, apply an epoxy sealer to cypress wood before the varnish. Use a foam roller to apply up to three coats. Apply each coat while the previous one is still wet or sand lightly between coats if the epoxy has hardened.
What does pecky mean?
Definition of pecky 1 : marked by lenticular or finger-shaped pockets of decay caused by fungi pecky cypress. 2 : containing discolored or shriveled grains pecky rice.
What does sinker cypress look like?
Sinker Cypress is also known for its beautiful grain variations, from honeyed browns to grays to olive greens, depending on where it came to rest in the river bottom. If the log landed in a sandy area, lighter tones developed, and a muddier river bottom results in a darker, more olive green tone.
Will cypress mildew?
Exterior cypress presents discoloration, mildew and stains, that are not typically associated with interior applications.