Florida’s hot, humid climate and salty coastal air can warp or decay many common woods. That’s why Florida homeowners often turn to naturally rot-resistant species like cypress or tropical hardwoods like teak. In this article we’ll compare teak wood (Tectona grandis) and cypress wood across key factors – durability, weather resistance, maintenance, appearance, cost and typical uses – so you can choose the best wood for your deck or furniture. (Note: FloridaTeak.com only sells premium teak lumber, not cypress. We include cypress here strictly for comparison and to help you make an informed decision.)
Durability & Strength
Teak is far tougher than cypress. Its Janka hardness is about 3,330 lbf, roughly six times harder than bald cypress (~510 lbf). Teak is also very dense (≈68 lbs/ft³ vs ~32 for cypress). In practical terms, this means a teak deck or table resists dents and wear that would damage cypress. FloridaTeak even calls teak “one of the strongest, hardest, and most durable woods known”. Teak wood for outdoor furniture and decking can easily last decades under normal use. Cypress heartwood, while naturally rot-resistant, is much softer. Even old-growth Florida cypress (the most durable) will dent and scratch more easily than teak.
Weather Resistance & Decay
Both woods handle moisture well, but teak’s tropical heritage gives it an edge. Teak contains natural oils and silica that act as built-in preservatives against water, rot and insects. In fact, teak “barely rots or cracks even in seawater,” which is why it’s been used for boat decks and luxury outdoor furniture for centuries. Cypress is also naturally water-resistant – its swamp-grown heartwood has oils that fend off decay – and it performs well in wet conditions. In one comparison, cypress even slightly outperformed teak in pure moisture resistance, thanks to its native wetland origin. In practice, both woods far outlast pine or cedar in Florida’s humidity. Teak’s dense, oily grain sheds water (rain simply beads up on the surface) and remains stable in changing humidity. Cypress likewise resists termites and rot, but teak generally provides the best long-term protection from mold, mildew and sun damage.
Maintenance & Aging
Teak requires very little upkeep. Generally you can clean teak furniture or decking with mild soap and water once a year, and optionally apply teak oil or sealer to restore its golden color. If left unfinished, teak will slowly age to a silvery-gray patina (still retaining its strength). Cypress also needs minimal care to avoid decay (its natural oils help protect it), but owners often seal or stain cypress if they want to preserve the pale yellow-brown hue. Otherwise, like teak, cypress will weather to gray over time. In summary: teak is easier to maintain long-term – it never needs chemicals or frequent refinishing – whereas cypress may require occasional sealing to look its best.
Appearance & Aesthetics
Visually, teak is prized for its rich golden-brown color and smooth, straight grain. The look of teak furniture and decking is often described as elegant and warm. As it weathers, teak turns an attractive silver-gray. Cypress, by comparison, is a pale yellowish-brown with more knots and a coarse texture. FloridaTeak notes that cypress heartwood is “light yellowish-brown”. Many consider teak’s color and grain far more upscale – teak is “the better-looking” wood in most eyes. (Of course, some people love cypress’s rustic, country charm.) Both woods will eventually fade to gray if left untreated, but teak maintains its smooth finish and strength as it ages.
Cost & Value
Cypress is very affordable – typically only a few dollars per board foot. Teak is much more expensive. For example, one source lists cypress at about $2–$8/board-foot versus $25–$35 (or more) for quality teakt. That means a premium teak deck costs significantly more up front. However, consider the long-term value: teak can last 30–50 years with minimal upkeep, while a cypress deck may need replacement or heavy repairs sooner. Over decades, teak’s longevity and low maintenance often make it more cost-effective. In short, teak is a bigger initial investment, but it’s the best wood for decks if you plan to enjoy your outdoor space for years. Cypress is a good budget option for smaller projects or decorative pieces.
Common Outdoor Uses
Because of its outstanding durability, teak is used for premium outdoor projects. You’ll find teak in high-end patio furniture (dining sets, loungers, benches), boat decking, fine decking planks, and custom outdoor builds. Think Adirondack chairs, teak pergola beams, or elegant yacht decks – applications where lasting beauty and strength are needed. Cypress is a Florida staple for more basic outdoor work. It’s widely used for decks, fence boards, siding, and boat docks. Cypress is also popular for exterior trim, shutters and sheds. (Its use in Florida is so common that many old homes and barns still have original cypress.) In summary: teak is chosen for high-traffic decking and furniture that must last decades; cypress is chosen for cost-effective decking, fences, and general construction where natural decay resistance is important.
Teak vs Cypress: At a Glance
| Feature | Teak | Cypress |
| Durability | Extremely high – one of the hardest woods (lasts decades) | Very good – naturally rot-resistant (old-growth lasts decades) |
| Weather Resistance | Outstanding – natural oils/silica repel water, rot & pests | Very good – naturally moisture-resistant (swamp-adapted, decay-resistant) |
| Maintenance | Low – generally just annual cleaning and optional oiling to preserve golden color | Moderate – no chemicals needed, but periodic staining/sealing helps preserve color |
| Appearance | Rich golden-brown grain (ages to silver-gray) | Pale yellow-brown with knots (ages to silvery gray) |
| Typical Uses | Premium decking, outdoor furniture, marine uses | Deck boards, fences, siding, boat docks, exterior trim |
Why Teak Is Best for Florida’s Climate
Florida’s intense sun, heat and humidity put any outdoor wood to the test. Teak’s unique properties make it thrive in our climate, often outperforming cypress in the long run:
- Built-in moisture protection: Teak’s natural oils and high silica content repel water damage, decay and insects.
- Warp resistance: Its dense, tight grain resists warping in humidity.
- Sun resistance: Teak is UV-resistant – it weathers to a pleasing silver-gray with negligible structural change.
- Unmatched longevity: As one FloridaTeak guide notes, teak decking “will last for decades with little maintenance”.
By contrast, cheaper woods (pine, cedar) or even untreated cypress can warp, crack or rot over time in Florida’s rain and salt spray. Teak’s superior stability means a teak deck or furniture set will stay straight and strong season after season. In practice, many Florida homeowners find that investing in teak now means fewer headaches and repairs later. In short, teak is widely regarded as the best wood for decks and outdoor projects in Florida.
Sourcing Premium Teak from FloridaTeak.com
FloridaTeak.com is dedicated to supplying only top-quality teak lumber for your projects. We import sustainable Burmese (Tectona grandis) teak of FEQ grade – meaning our boards are kiln-dried, straight-grained and virtually knot-free. This ensures consistent quality and durability in every plank. We serve Florida homeowners with local expertise: search for “teak lumber near me” or “florida teak” to find us. Our inventory includes teak decking boards, beams, and furniture blanks ready to handle Florida’s weather. When you buy teak wood for sale from FloridaTeak.com, you get premium-grade material backed by decades of experience. For any Florida outdoor project – decks, gazebos, boat docks or custom furniture – there’s no substitute for genuine teak from our stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. Teak has much higher hardness and strength, so it resists wear and impacts far better than cypress. It also contains oils that give it excellent decay resistance. Cypress handles moisture well but is softer. For a long-lasting deck in Florida’s climate, teak is usually the superior choice.
No. FloridaTeak.com specializes exclusively in premium teak lumber (Tectona grandis). We do not offer cypress or any other species. We discuss cypress here only to help you compare – all our products (decking, beams, furniture blanks, etc.) are 100% teak wood.
Teak is famous for longevity. A well-built teak deck or furniture set can easily last 30–50 years with minimal upkeep. Quality old-growth cypress also lasts decades outdoors, but under heavy use it will generally need replacement or repairs sooner than teak. Many Florida decks originally built with teak are still sound after 30 years, while a cypress deck might have needed renovation.
Teak is very low-maintenance. Usually an annual wash with mild soap is enough, and you can apply teak oil or sealant if you want to keep its golden hue. Otherwise, teak will age to a silver-gray patina on its own. Cypress also needs only basic care to prevent mold – a periodic stain or seal will help maintain its light color. Neither wood requires chemical treatment against termites.
Teak’s raw material cost is much higher – often 5–10 times that of cypress. This reflects teak’s rarity and the long growth cycle of teak trees. The advantage is that teak’s service life is extremely long, so over time it can be more cost-effective. Essentially, you pay more upfront for teak, but you avoid frequent replacements. In a long-term view, teak is an investment in durability and beauty.
FloridaTeak.com is a convenient source. We ship premium teak to Florida addresses and beyond. Simply visit our website or call us – we’ll be happy to provide a quote. You can also search online for “teak lumber near me” or “Florida teak wood for sale”, and FloridaTeak will appear as a top supplier.
If you plan to use your deck or outdoor furniture for many years, teak is usually worth it. Its exceptional weather resistance and longevity mean you won’t be re-buying wood or doing major repairs every few years. For beachfront or high-use areas, teak’s stability and salt tolerance give extra peace of mind. Many Florida homeowners find that teak’s benefits (low maintenance, lasting appearance) justify the premium price tag.
Invest in Teak with Florida Teak
In summary, teak wood outperforms cypress in nearly every way for Florida’s coastal projects – especially when thinking long-term. FloridaTeak.com is your source for top-grade teak lumber and decking. We carry a full inventory of teak wood for sale and can ship it anywhere in Florida. Whether you’re planning a new deck, patio furniture, gazebo, or marina dock, choose the right wood the first time. Contact Florida Teak today to get a free quote or place an order for premium teak. Our experts will help you select the perfect teak decking and lumber near you. With the right teak, your outdoor project will stand strong in Florida’s sun and sea for decades to come!