Planning Your Home Interior Remodel: Budget, Timeline & Expectations

A fence is more than a boundary, it’s protection, privacy, curb appeal, and an investment in your property. For Mississippi homeowners, farmers, and contractors looking for a fence material that can handle heat, humidity, rainfall, and termites, cypress stands out as one of the best choices available.

At Three Notch Sawmill in Collins, MS, we mill custom cypress boards, rails, and posts designed specifically for long-lasting fence construction. Whether you’re building a residential privacy fence or a large ranch-style perimeter, cypress offers unmatched durability and value.

This guide explains why cypress fencing continues to outperform treated pine, cedar, and synthetic alternatives throughout the South.

Why Cypress Is Ideal for Fencing in Mississippi’s Climate

Mississippi’s environment is tough on outdoor wood. High humidity, heavy rain, and a high presence of insects can break down most fence materials quickly.

Cypress has a natural advantage: cypressene, an oil within the wood that gives it exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and pests.

Advantages of Cypress for Fencing:

• Natural resistance to termites and boring insects
  
• Exceptional moisture tolerance
  
• Stable grain structure for long-term straightness
  
• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Long lifespan with minimal maintenance

Cypress is one of the few woods that can handle Southern exposure year after year without relying heavily on chemical treatment.

Cypress vs. Other Fencing Materials

Here’s how cypress compares to treated pine and cedar — the two most commonly considered alternatives.

Summary: Cypress offers the best balance of cost, durability, and aesthetic quality — especially for long-term Mississippi installations.

Popular Cypress Fence Styles We Mill

Cypress can be milled into nearly any fencing profile or design. Contractors and property owners often choose cypress because it’s strong enough for structure, yet beautiful enough for high-end finishing.

1. Privacy Fence Panels

Whether you want standard 6-foot privacy fences or custom heights, cypress boards create a clean, attractive look that weathers extremely well.

2. Shadowbox (Good Neighbor Fence)

Alternating pickets on both sides provide airflow, strength, and a premium look.

3. Board-on-Board

Zero-gap construction offers full privacy and creates a thicker, stronger fence panel than standard picket designs.

4. Post-and-Rail

Ideal for farms, pasture boundaries, cattle operations, and rural properties. Cypress rails stay straighter longer than PT pine.

5. Ranch-Style Crossbuck or X-Brace Fences

Popular in rural Mississippi — strong, visually appealing, and built for long-term exposure.

6. Decorative or Custom Architectural Fencing

Cypress trims easily, making it ideal for custom gates, curved top rails, and accent designs.

No matter your design, we mill boards, posts, and rails to your exact specifications.

Why Cypress Posts Perform Better Than Treated Posts

The biggest failure point of most fences is the post, not the pickets.

Pressure-treated posts often warp, twist, or split within a few seasons. Cypress posts:

• Stay straighter
  
• Resist rot naturally
  
• Hold fasteners better
  
• Don’t leach chemicals into the soil
  
  

For maximum lifespan, posts can be elevated above direct soil contact using gravel pads or metal bases, though cypress can handle ground contact better than most species.

Expected Lifespan of a Cypress Fence

With proper installation and basic maintenance, cypress fencing commonly lasts:

20–30+ years outdoors in Mississippi.

If sealed or stained every few years, the lifespan can extend even further. Cypress ages gracefully — transitioning from honey-gold to a silvery-gray patina if left unfinished.

Best Finishes for Cypress Fences

While cypress doesn’t require finishing to perform well, sealing or staining enhances its longevity and appearance.

Recommended finishes:

• Oil-based clear sealer to preserve natural tone
  
• Semi-transparent stain to highlight grain
  
• Solid stain for bold, uniform color
  
• Paint for decorative or architectural styles
  
  

Cypress accepts finishes extremely well because of its tight grain and low resin content.

Real Cypress Fencing Projects Across Mississippi

Three Notch Sawmill has supplied cypress fencing for:

• Large cattle and horse pastures near Columbia
  
• Custom privacy fences in Hattiesburg
  
• Board-on-board residential fences in Laurel
  
• Three-rail ranch perimeter fencing in Magee
  
• Decorative entry gates in rural Jones County
  
  

Each project demonstrates cypress’s versatility and long-term performance in the field.

Installation Tips for Cypress Fencing

To ensure maximum lifespan and stability:

• Use galvanized or stainless fasteners
  
• Allow proper airflow between boards if using spaced styles
  
• Set posts in gravel for better drainage
  
• Seal cut ends for added moisture protection
  
• Pre-stain or pre-seal boards for uniform coverage
  
  

If you need guidance on fence design or lumber selection, we’re here to help.

FAQs About Cypress Fencing

Order Cypress Fencing Direct from Three Notch Sawmill

We supply Mississippi with premium, custom-milled cypress fencing that outperforms big-box options. Whether you need a single gate or miles of post-and-rail fencing, we can mill it fast, accurately, and to your exact needs.


We serve: Collins, Laurel, Hattiesburg, Columbia, Magee, Taylorsville, Seminary, Mt. Olive