Wood Species Guide

Australian Cypress

Callitris columellaris (syn. C. glaucophylla)

Also called: Cypress Pine, White Cypress Pine, Australian Cypress Pine, Callitris

Australian cypress is a hard, termite-resistant softwood with honey-colored wood and small dark knots. It is mostly sold in the US as flooring.

ImportSoftwoodCypress & Redwood

Good forOutdoor & Rot-Resistant

About the name “Australian Cypress”

In Australia this wood is sold as "cypress pine," though it is neither a pine nor a bald cypress. It is a member of the cypress family native to Australia, mostly sold in the US as flooring.

What Australian Cypress looks like

Heartwood ranges from light honey to golden brown, often with darker streaks, and the sapwood is cream. Small dark knots are a signature of the wood.

Grain and texture

Straight grain with a fine, even texture. It has a distinct cedar-like scent.

Working Australian Cypress: planing, cutting and gluing

Hard for a softwood but still works well with sharp tools. Knots can chip during planing. It can split when nailed near the edge, so pre-drill. Glues and finishes well.

Finishing Australian Cypress: oil, film finishes and epoxy

Takes oils and clear floor finishes well, and the knots and streaks stand out under a clear coat. Natural oils can slow some finishes, so a test board helps. For epoxy, wipe with acetone and seal first.

Durability, stability and Florida humidity

Heartwood is very durable and well known for resisting termites, which is why Australians use it for floors and house framing. It is stable once dry. In Florida, it is a strong choice for termite-prone indoor projects and covered outdoor use.

Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop

Australian cypress is best known in the US as a knotty, honey-colored flooring. It is unusually hard for a softwood, close to white oak, and holds up to termites. Tabletops and benches from reclaimed flooring stock are a nice use for it. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.

Common uses for Australian Cypress

Flooring, house framing and posts, decking, paneling, furniture and light construction.

Sustainability and CITES status

Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Rated Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Safety and toxicity

Our toxicity rating ModerateWhat the ratings mean

Skin irritation
Eye irritation
Respiratory / asthma

Skin irritation is reported most, with occasional eye swelling and asthma-like symptoms. Most people do fine with dust collection and a mask.

In the shop: Dust collection + mask or respirator when sanding; gloves for sensitive skin
Food contact: Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils

General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.

Skin irritation has been reported, and less often eye swelling and asthma-like symptoms. Use dust collection and a mask or respirator.

Wood toxicity and dust safety guide: every species compared