Cypress Pine Framing

[SkyHook]

I am getting a new room built on to my brick veneer house, by a registered builder. We have agreed to build the frame with Cypress Pine(I am in a high termite activity area). I am not sure if he has used Cypress before for framing

He has ordered it , and it is coming direct from the mill , ie completely unseasoned. He is planning to use it as is.

I am concerned about problems that could arise from shrinkage, and maybe twisting of the timber.

Does anyone have any opinions about the wisdom of this plan? Or any advice that I could pass on to him. I had imagined that he would use seasoned timber.

Thanks

SkyHook

[flynnsart]

Cypress has minimal shrinkage. Splits when you nail it unless it is very green. Smells beautiful!

Donna

[charlsie]

the difference between seasoned and unseasoned timber is the amount of shrinkage, cypress doesn't shrink that much so don't worry about it,especially if its for the sub floor. Termites don't like it whether it's green or dry

[SkyHook]

the difference between seasoned and unseasoned timber is the amount of shrinkage, cypress doesn't shrink that much so don't worry about it,especially if its for the sub floor. Termites don't like it whether it's green or dry

Thanks Charlsie,

Its actually a stud wall on a slab, and the Cypress is for all the framing - walls and roof.

Good to hear that the termites dont like it

Cheers

SkyHook

[SkyHook]

Cypress has minimal shrinkage. Splits when you nail it unless it is very green. Smells beautiful!

Donna

Thanks Donna,

I agree about the smell - my favourite smell

SkyHook

[prozac]

Skyhook, just to add to your level of confidence I have a cottage built entirely from cypress but for a hardwood deck which cantilevers off the cottage. The little buggers walk across the cypress to get to the hardwood. The deck has had running repairs, but the cottage now 50 years old remains untouched.

I don't know anything about shrinkage etc, I 'll leave that to others here with the necessary knowledge.

prozac

[journeyman Mick]

It's common practice to use cypress green to minimize splitting when nailing. Splitting can be further minimized when using a framing gun through the use of blunt tipped nails, designed with cyprus use in mind.

Mick

[DvdHntr]

Cypress is like any pine. You must provide protection against termites. So make sure the builder has a plan on how to protect it.

Why doesn't the builder just measure up and order from a frame & truss. Much cheaper and quicker.