Cypress Siding: A Timeless Choice for Southern Homes

Few building materials capture the spirit of Southern architecture like cypress siding. With its golden hue, distinctive grain, and incredible resistance to rot and decay, cypress has been the wood of choice for builders across Mississippi for generations. From plantation homes and farmhouses to modern cottages and lake retreats, it delivers a look that’s both historic and fresh.



At Three Notch Sawmill in Collins, MS, we specialize in milling premium cypress siding for contractors, homeowners, and architects throughout South Mississippi and beyond. Every board is custom-cut to your exact specifications, ensuring your home gets a product that’s not only beautiful but built to last.

Why Cypress Is Ideal for Mississippi Homes

Mississippi’s hot, humid climate poses challenges for any building material. Excessive moisture, insects, and temperature swings can wreak havoc on poorly chosen siding. That’s why cypress — a wood native to the Southeast — continues to outperform man-made and chemically treated alternatives.

The Secret: Cypressene.

Cypress naturally contains a preservative oil called cypressene, which helps prevent rot, fungal growth, and insect damage. Unlike pressure-treated lumber, which relies on added chemicals, cypress’s resistance is built right in.

Key Benefits of Cypress Siding



• Natural Durability: Withstands decades of moisture and sun exposure without deteriorating.
• Minimal Maintenance: Requires little upkeep compared to other woods.
• Dimensional Stability: Resists warping, swelling, or shrinking — even in high humidity.
• Timeless Beauty: Distinct golden-brown tones and flowing grain patterns enhance curb appeal.
• Eco-Friendly: Sourced sustainably, with no chemical preservatives.

Because of these traits, cypress has earned its reputation as the premier exterior wood for the Deep South.

Types of Cypress Siding We Mill

At Three Notch Sawmill, we provide a wide range of siding styles, each designed to suit different architectural aesthetics — from classic Southern cottages to modern builds. Every piece is milled in-house, allowing you to choose the exact finish, thickness, and texture you need.

1. Chiplap Siding

A popular choice for modern farmhouses and lake homes, chiplap offers a clean, horizontal profile with subtle shadow lines that emphasize the grain. When stained or clear-coated, it provides a sleek yet natural finish that complements both rustic and contemporary designs.

2. Bevel (Clapboard) Siding

This traditional cut has been used for over a century in Southern homes. The boards are tapered, overlapping to shed water efficiently while maintaining a refined, classic look. Bevel siding pairs beautifully with white trim and brick foundations for that true Southern charm.

3. Board-and-Batten Siding

A vertical style favored in barns, cabins, and modern-rustic homes. Wide boards are alternated with narrow battens that cover the seams. This look is bold, textured, and deeply rooted in traditional American craftsmanship.

4. Tongue-and-Groove Siding



Each board interlocks with the next, forming a seamless joint that resists moisture and creates a smooth, continuous surface. Perfect for both interior and exterior walls, porches, and soffits, tongue-and-groove adds elegance to any structure.

Each of these siding types can be ordered rough-sawn for a natural, textured finish or planed smooth for a polished, modern feel.

Cypress Siding vs. Other Materials

Homeowners often compare cypress with vinyl, cedar, or fiber cement when choosing siding. While each has its place, cypress delivers unmatched warmth, authenticity, and long-term value, especially in Mississippi’s climate.

Bottom line: Vinyl may be cheaper upfront, but it can’t match the character or lifespan of real wood. Fiber cement offers strength, but it lacks warmth and is harder to customize. Cypress combines the best of both worlds — timeless beauty and proven resilience.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Cypress Siding

Cypress can be left natural, stained, or painted — each finish offering a unique look and level of protection.

1. Natural Weathered Finish

 If left untreated, cypress gradually turns a soft silver-gray. This is a popular choice for rustic cabins, coastal homes, and anyone who prefers a natural patina that blends with the landscape.

2. Clear Sealer or Oil-Based Finish

 Preserves the original honey tone while providing UV protection. A clear sealer enhances the wood’s grain, depth, and texture — perfect for showing off the natural beauty of the lumber.

3. Semi-Transparent or Solid Stain

 Adds color while still revealing wood texture. Ideal for homeowners seeking a traditional look with more pigment and surface uniformity.

4. Paint

 Cypress holds paint exceptionally well due to its fine grain and stable structure. Choose high-quality exterior paint and primer for lasting results.

Pro Tip: Reapply a clear or pigmented finish every 2–3 years to maintain color and prevent UV graying.

Real-Life Projects Across Mississippi

At Three Notch Sawmill, our cypress siding has been used in hundreds of projects across the state — from country cottages to modern estates.

• Laurel: Restored a 1920s craftsman bungalow with beveled cypress siding for authentic historic texture.
• Hattiesburg: Supplied tongue-and-groove siding for a new farmhouse porch ceiling with a warm amber finish.
• Columbia: Milled custom board-and-batten siding for a hunting lodge with deep, rustic character.
• Magee: Cut rough-sawn chiplap for a lakefront cabin designed to naturally weather over time.

Each project showcases how versatile and enduring cypress can be when it’s properly milled and installed.

Environmental Benefits of Cypress

Cypress is not only durable — it’s responsibly sustainable. At Three Notch Sawmill, we source our cypress logs from Mississippi and surrounding areas, supporting local forestry and reducing transportation emissions.

Why local matters:

• Less fuel consumption compared to imported lumber.
• Supports Mississippi’s forestry and mill economy.
• Adapts better to the local environment (since it’s grown in the same climate).
• No chemical leaching or waste — 100% natural material.

When you choose cypress, you’re not just buying lumber — you’re investing in the regional ecosystem and economy.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Even the best wood performs best when installed and maintained correctly.



Installation Tips:

• Always use stainless steel or galvanized fasteners to prevent staining.
• Leave small expansion gaps between boards to accommodate natural movement.
• Apply finish (if using) to all sides before installation for maximum protection.
• Keep boards elevated from direct soil contact to prevent wicking moisture.

Maintenance Tips:

• Clean annually with mild soap and water.
• Reapply UV-protective finish every few years.
• Inspect joints and caulking regularly for gaps.
• Avoid high-pressure washing to preserve surface integrity.

With these simple steps, your siding can look stunning and perform perfectly for 40+ years.

FAQs About Cypress Siding

Order Custom Cypress Siding from Three Notch Sawmill

Whether you’re renovating a heritage home or building from the ground up, Three Notch Sawmill provides high-quality, locally sourced cypress siding that’s cut to perfection.

We serve homeowners, contractors, and architects across:

 Collins • Hattiesburg • Laurel • Magee • Columbia • Taylorsville • Seminary • Mt. Olive

Our offerings include:

• Custom-milled siding in multiple profiles and finishes
• Sustainable, Mississippi-grown cypress logs
• Same-day or next-day milling for many orders
• Local pickup or regional delivery options
• Expert guidance on finishing, installation, and care

Call to request a quote or discuss your design today.