What’s so Special About Cypress Tables? By Tonya Kerniva At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Today, cypress is a popular choice for furniture, but not many people know about its long and fascinating background. Cupressus Sempervirens is the Latin name for the exotic wood that makes up cypress tables. The cypress tree, as the name suggests, originally comes from the island of Cyprus, but it has also been the favored choice of royal Persian gardens for thousands of years. Since that time, it has traveled the globe and gained notoriety for its beautiful grain and durability in construction. In colonial times, it was a regular choice for building homes, and can often be seen today in bridges, porches, shingles, and more.

The cypress is a conifer that comes from the family Cupresseaceae. In its native land, cypress grows along southern coastlines and also inland areas. The cone-shaped tree looks like a dark green tapered flame with a very short stem at the bottom. Unlike other towering hardwood trees, the tree that makes up cypress tables rarely grows above 50 to 60 feet high. There are, however, exceptions to the rule. One famous cypress in Monza, Italy is said to be 150 years old and 90 feet in height. But, by far the oldest living cypress tree (and possibly the oldest of any species of tree) can be found in Soma, Lombardy. This impressive specimen, said to be planted around the same time as the birth of Christ, measures more than 120 feet tall.

As far as the wood itself, cypress tables are popular because the wood is hard, the grain is close and fine, and it is overall a durable choice. Besides that, with a deep reddish-brown hue and a spicy, naturally fragrance, it is beautiful to match. As an added benefit, cypress tables are relatively low maintenance, because the tree produces a natural oil called cypressine, which helps to preserve the wood. As an interesting side note, cypress wood lacks sap, so it takes especially well to staining, sealing and painting. Over time, if left uncoated, solar patina will cause the wood to take on a light silver tone.

Due to the variant climate and often tempestuous weather of its native soil, the tree has evolved to be extra resistant to weather damage and fungus, as well as insect infestation. All of these combined add to its usefulness as a building material. Although sturdy, the wood of cypress tables is lightweight, with few knots and a straight grain. This makes it easier to work with without the risk of splits, warping and cracking.

The history of cypress also extends into the realm of mythology. According to Greek legend, cypress came to be associated with underworld, mourning, and grief. It was used also in ancient Roman funerary rites, where the deceased would often be buried with a branch of cypress. Other Western and Muslim cultures have embraced the symbolism of the wood, which can be found in many a cemetery. Far from the morbid connotations of yore, cypress today has just the opposite effect. The attractive wood can liven up a dull room or backyard with its comforting color, fragrant aroma and natural beauty. Also, cypress tables are some of the most unique on the market and thus seen far less often, with many Americans opting instead for the better known oaks and cedars. With qualities that put it on par with, or above other types of wood, cypress should not be discounted or passed over. After all, if the home is one’s castle, what could be better than the choice of kings long ago?

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