Here are the physical, mechanical and design properties of cypress and how they compare to Western Red Cedar, which is used in many of the same applications.

Cypress

West. Red Cedar

Specific Gravity

.46

.32

Density (lbs/ft cubed)

31.4

22.4

Static Bending-Dry Lumber
Modulus of rupture (lbs/in squared)

10,600

7,500

Modulus of elasticity (millions lbs/in squared)

1.44

1.11

Work to maximum load (in-lbs/ft cubed)

8.2

5.8

Impact Bending-Dry Lumber
Height of drop causing failure (in)

24

17

Compression parallel to grain-Dry Lumber
Maximum crushing strength (lbs/in squared)

6,360

4,560

Compression perpendicular to grain-Dry Lumber
Fiber stress at proportional limit (lbs/in squared)

730

460

Tension perpendicular to the grain-Dry Lumber
Maximum tensile strength (lbs/in squared)

270

220

Shear parallel to grain-Dry Lumber
Maximum shearing strength (lbs/in squared)

1000

990

Side Hardness (lbs)

510

350

Flame Spread Rating

145-150

70