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tharpe3

What to do with cypress siding

11 years ago
We have purchased a real project here. Beautiful inside, but outside OMG. Forty year old cypress siding. I'll give it a good powerwash, but then what?? There is a new red roof. Stain or paint? What color(s)? Desperately need advice. Thanks.

Comments (17)

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    I would wait until it has been power washed it looks to be in pretty rough shape but that could be just years of moss, dirt whatever. if in good shape after the wash I think I would stain it but in a natural stain and then add some pops of color where they are now and new front door a very interesting house shape.have fun.

    tharpe3 thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    HI -- I think it is way too late for stain so... paint would be better if the siding is in good shape . This will show after it has been cleaned . If it looks good after cleaning , then maybe leave it natural wood and just clear seal it and add color trims . If you go with painting , then do a great color because the house is a bit of a novelty in looks . I think if this was my place I would paint main body navy blue with yellow and red or lime green or orange trims and accents . Lots of examples ( search Houzz /Google ) of these color combos now for modern houses . It is fun and very attractive . This house exterior is part modern and part traditional .... go with the modern look because that is what stands out . If the siding needs to be re-placed then consider James Hardie siding and panels. Good Luck ! !

  • 11 years ago
    Thanks, everyone. I know that some boards will need to be replaced and I'm told they will have to be pine, not cypress.
  • 11 years ago

    HI -- Please be careful power washing because pine is a soft wood .

    tharpe3 thanked lefty47
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    If you decide you are going to paint or use solid hide stain, then I would use cedar siding in same size and profile as you have. I would not go to pine. We have had to do that and it worked fine. We have not been able to get any cypress in the last year - I assume that is the issue where you are as well.

  • 11 years ago

    Love the picture you posted; not sure how I could create a two-toned effect? Make the main house facade one color and the sunroom another?

  • 11 years ago

    Gray will look good with roof.

  • 11 years ago

    Any more photos?


  • 11 years ago

    Where is the house located?

    Cypress trees grow in water, so their wood is extremely durable in the elements. The wood is also very expensive and difficult to get. Do everything in your power to save and care for this siding. I bet when you wash it you'll find that it us in great shape. Don't let anyone who doesn't know about cypress tell you to replace it. Any other product is not as good as cypress.

    tharpe3 thanked emilyam819
  • 11 years ago

    I agree that a gray stained wood would look nice. The photo previously posted by Deborah Butler has gray stucco and a natural wood.

    bay house · More Info

  • PRO
    11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    It's hard to tell in the photo, but it appears there is a bump out on the front. We can only see the one side shown in the photo. The natural colored wood in the photo I posted wouldn't fight with a red roof if that is what you stay with. You could use the gray on the bump out or on other features of the house like porch or trim. Or you could reverse and use primarily gray with some natural wood tones in trim areas. You could also use the wood tone mostly and introduce some rock accents that bring in gray and tan.

  • 11 years ago

    Yes, the bumpout is a porch that got closed in. We will try to save as many of the cypress boards as possible. There are several that are split and we will caulk them to save.


  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Hi! Did you get your Cypress wood painted successfully? We are in the same situation with our exterior and wondered about your process. Did you paint or stain? I hear semi-transparent oil stain is the only way..Thank you!! Ellen

  • 8 years ago

    We used a heavy SW stain. After three years it hasn’t shown any wear.

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Thank you so so much for responding!! When you say heavy stain, is that the oil base semi-transparent put on thicker? Or a solid stain? I am being told that it must be oil based semi-transparent for cypress, especially older cypress like ours..that a solid stain will peel off..What color did you decide on? Would you remember the type of stain? Would love to see an 'after'..Did you have someone stain it for you? We've had a really hard time getting accurate information even from painters..We have a quote to stain it and it is $$$$...Sorry for all the questions but very grateful!! You are our cypress OB1!! :) Ellen

  • 2 months ago

    I spent years on a ship at sea caring for teak decks - a mixture of oxalic acid and water after a gentle power wash will bleach it right back to nearly its original color. Then you can put the appropriate protective oil on it that allows the UV to penetrate but protects from water and mildew and that will allow it to silver up beautifully.