Cypress has a natural preservative oil known as cypressene, which gives the wood natural resistance to insects and decay. With a suitable surface treatment, cypress wood offers has superior durability, holding paint well and resisting weather. Cypress is a beautiful, distinctive, and durable wood that assures years of trouble-free satisfaction and its uses reflect that. In addition to rugged outdoor furniture, cypress is regularly used in building construction, posts, beams, decks, docks, porch flooring, greenhouses and siding. Because of its durability, cypress can be used in many of the same products as cedar and redwood. Cypress is all but indestructible. It is a close-grain wood that resists checking and warping, and it is long-lasting as well as weather-resistant. Cypress can be easily painted and holds paint longer than other wood. If you choose to paint this product, you should use an exterior oil-based primer (white or gray) followed by an exterior oil or latex paint of your choice. If you choose to have the product remain natural, you should apply a natural oil-based stain or preservative annually or as needed. Note: Cypress is a dense wood and the drying process may take several days depending on humidity and temperature. Small cracks called weather checking may appear in the wood. This is a natural process and will not affect the useful life of this product.