Wood Species Guide
Monterey Cypress
Cupressus macrocarpa (syn. Hesperocyparis macrocarpa)
Also called: Macrocarpa, Macrocarpa Cypress, Lambert Cypress
About the name “Monterey Cypress”
In New Zealand and Australia this tree is simply called "macrocarpa" and is a popular slab and furniture wood. It is unrelated to bald cypress, the Florida swamp tree on our Cypress page.
What Monterey Cypress looks like
Heartwood is golden yellow to light orange brown, and the sapwood is paler. Planted trees often have dark knots that add character.
Grain and texture
Straight grain with a fine to medium texture. It has a mild, pleasant scent.
Working Monterey Cypress: planing, cutting and gluing
Easy to work with hand and power tools. Knots can be hard and may tear out or loosen. It glues, screws and finishes well.
Finishing Monterey Cypress: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oils and clear finishes well, and the golden color deepens nicely. Large knots and checks fill well with epoxy; seal the wood first and stabilize loose knots before the pour.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Rated moderately durable, with mixed insect resistance. It is fairly stable once dry. In Florida, keep it indoors or on a covered lanai with a good finish.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Macrocarpa slabs are a staple for live-edge tables in New Zealand, and the wood also has a following among flamenco guitar builders. In the US it mostly comes from coastal California tree removals. If you get a slab, expect knots and a golden color that looks great with a simple oil finish. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Monterey Cypress
Live-edge tables and furniture, boatbuilding, flamenco guitars, fence posts, turned objects and utility lumber.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Rated Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because its native range is tiny, though the tree is planted widely around the world.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
Few reports beyond skin irritation. Basic dust control is enough for most people.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding
- 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. Use dust collection and a mask when sanding.
Monterey Cypress in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Monterey Cypress listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
Similar woods: Cypress & Redwood
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