Replies

1. 
   Froed | Jun 15, 2005 01:48pm | #1

   For the cypress to weather to the stereotypical silver you're expecting, it needs to be able to dry out.  You don't say where you are, how much rain you've had or how damp it's been since delivery, but from the sound of it (alongside a medium-size stream... and underneath a Sycamore tree), the table isn't getting any sun, so will stay wet longer.  Water doesn't directly hit the underside, and doesn't stand there, which is why it's not affected as much.

   Sapwood is less rot-resistant than heartwood.  What's the deck look like?  I'm not sure how ipe weathers (haven't used it yet), but looking at and around the deck, house, etc., under the tree should give you an indication of what's to be expected.

   The good news is you can clean the table, and it'll look pretty close to new.  But unless it gets moved, it'll keep turning black.

1. 
   wobeba | Jun 15, 2005 04:52pm | #2

   Thanks. I'mgoing to sand it and stain it for the client... a water repellent or a tinted preservative.It IS wet in that locaation. Alongside a swimming pool, too. Had enough rain to float a boat lately, and the humidity and temp have been over 90/90 for the past eight days. An August humidity and heat wave in early June!

2. 
   KeithNewton | Jun 15, 2005 05:39pm | #3

   Wobeba, You do know that sapwood is very prone to rot regardless of species don't you?
   Did you use any kind of finish on this table?

1. 
   wobeba | Jun 15, 2005 06:26pm | #4

   Checked with lumber yards, other experienced users and Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association. While the sapwood of cypress is less decay resistant than heartwood, it is suitable for outdoor use.Thanks for the heads up!