How to protect a cypress swing exposed to the elements

[TBone]

I've been wanting a swing out by the lake for a while now and I found a local place that builds really nice ones. The lady that builds and sells them says that cypress is made to last outside indefinitely and does not need any kind of sealer or preservative. She said if you must put something on it to leave the bottom alone so it could "breathe". I don't want to paint the cypress - it's a beautiful wood but it just seems like it needs something to shed the water. I thought about Thompson's water seal but I did a pt deck with that a couple of times and it didn't seem to do much good. I treat my pt trailer floor with oil and diesel but obviously that ain't an option. Any suggestions?

 

[/pine]

I've been wanting a swing out by the lake for a while now and I found a local place that builds really nice ones. The lady that builds and sells them says that cypress is made to last outside indefinitely and does not need any kind of sealer or preservative. She said if you must put something on it to leave the bottom alone so it could "breathe". I don't want to paint the cypress - it's a beautiful wood but it just seems like it needs something to shed the water. I thought about Thompson's water seal but I did a pt deck with that a couple of times and it didn't seem to do much good. I treat my pt trailer floor with oil and diesel but obviously that ain't an option. Any suggestions?

Left unfinished cypress will develop a really nice gray patina...

 

[Steppenwolfe]

SIKKENS Cetol(R) Marine Wood Finish | West Marine

Best stuff there is.

 

[Jim Nelson]

For teak I've always used Teak oil, it lasts about a year out in the elements then you can pressure wash and repeat . It leaves a really nice finish that resists moisture and mold and is easy to apply with either a brush or rub it on with an old soft rag.Not sure about Cypress but has worked for me on any wood I've tried it on.

 

[CADplans]

Cypress, the survival of the wood depends on the age of the tree when cut.

Typically, only "old growth" trees are old enough to have developed rot resistance,,
50 year old trees rot away like pine,,
Protect it like you would protect un-treated pine, or spruce,, unless you at positive the wood was old enough to develop protection.

 

[/pine]

Oil based finishes can leave deposits in the pores of the wood and in shady damp locations mold/algae etc. can grow on the oil deposits...

 

[EddieWalker]

I would look into an oil that is used on ships and sailboats. Teak oil was mentioned, and there are a lot of brands to choose from It soaks into the wood and repels moisture and UV rays from the sun.

 

[s219]

I made a bench out of the cants we cut off of some 250 year old cypress logs when making beams. It's been out in the weather for 7+ years and has turned gray but shows no sign of decay or rot. I keep thinking I should power wash it with bleach to brighten up the wood, but never bother.