Frequently asked Questions
How Can We Help?
Have a question about choosing wood, estimating quantities, or placing an order? Start here. If you need help with your particular project, contact Gary and Kat at Southern Cypress WoodWorks, our family-run mill in Manning, South Carolina.
Our Wood Products
What wood species do you offer?
Our selection includes Cypress, Southern Yellow Pine, Eastern White Pine, Northern White Cedar, Atlantic White Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, Hemlock, and Poplar.
Available products, grades, sizes, and lengths vary by species. We continue adding listings and exploring materials in response to customer requests. Contact us if you don’t see what you need.
What types of products can I request?
Our products include wall and ceiling paneling, tongue-and-groove V-joint boards, nickel gap, shiplap, siding, trim, smooth boards, rough-sawn lumber, decking, posts, timbers, wall logs, and log siding.
Not every product is available in every species or size. Your quote will confirm the combination we can provide.
Which wood species is right for my project?
The best choice depends on the installation location, appearance, finish, budget, and exposure to moisture.
Visit our Which Wood Species page for an introduction, or tell Gary and Kat what you’re building. We can help you compare practical options.
What is the difference between Northern White Cedar and Atlantic White Cedar?
Northern White Cedar, also called Eastern White Cedar, and Atlantic White Cedar, also called Boat Cedar, are different species.
We list them separately so you can identify the material you’re requesting. If your plans specify a particular cedar, include that information with your inquiry.
What is Pecky Cypress?
Pecky Cypress has distinctive natural pockets that create a textured, rustic appearance. The amount and pattern of pecking vary from board to board.
Ask us about the available material and whether its appearance suits your intended application.
What do lumber grades mean?
Grades describe permitted characteristics such as knots and other natural features. Grade names and standards vary by species and product.
A knotty grade can be a good choice for rustic character, while a cleaner grade may suit a more uniform appearance. Tell us the look you want rather than relying on the grade name alone.
Are the listed dimensions the actual finished dimensions?
Not always. A nominal size, such as 1×6, is a product designation. Finished thickness, overall width, and installed coverage width can differ.
Check the product specifications. For tongue-and-groove material, the tongue contributes to overall width but does not add to the installed coverage of each board.
Can I request particular board lengths?
Yes. Include your preferred lengths and explain whether they are essential or simply preferred.
Lengths are subject to availability and milling options. We’ll confirm what we can supply with your quote.
Will every board look the same?
No. Solid wood naturally varies in grain, color, knots, and texture. Photographs illustrate appearance, but they do not guarantee that every board will match.
If a consistent appearance is especially important, discuss it with us before ordering.
Can you make a profile or source a species that isn’t listed?
Ask us. We’ll review sourcing and milling possibilities and explain what is practical.
Custom work may involve setup requirements, minimum quantities, additional costs, or longer lead times. We’ll discuss those details before you approve an order.
Measuring and Material Estimates
Are prices per board, per square foot, or per linear foot?
Many of our board products are priced per linear foot. Always check the individual listing for its pricing unit.
Where square-foot pricing is displayed, it helps compare the cost of covering an area. Cutting waste increases the material required beyond the finished surface area.
What is a linear foot?
A linear foot is one foot of material measured along its length.
For example, one 12-foot board contains 12 linear feet. Ten 12-foot boards contain 120 linear feet.
How is square footage different from linear footage?
Square footage measures the area you want to cover. Linear footage measures the total running length of the boards.
The amount of linear footage required depends on the product’s installed coverage width. Narrower boards require more linear feet to cover the same area.
How do I use the material calculator?
On a product page with a calculator, expand it, select the installation area, and enter your measurements.
Review the surface area, cutting-waste allowance, and estimated linear footage. Add your project notes and preferred lengths before adding the material to your quote cart.
Why doesn’t every product have a calculator?
Calculators are available where the product has the necessary coverage information and the calculation suits its use.
For products without a calculator, send your measurements or material list to Gary and Kat.
How much cutting waste should I allow?
The calculator provides a starting allowance for the installation type. Actual waste depends on the layout, available board lengths, openings, angled cuts, and how boards are selected for appearance.
Gables and complicated layouts may need more material than simple rectangular areas. Ask your installer to review the allowance before you approve the final quantity.
Should I add waste again after using the calculator?
If you use the calculator’s total that already includes cutting waste, do not add the same allowance again.
Review which total you are using before submitting your request.
Should I subtract doors and windows?
Include the opening measurements with your request. Openings can reduce coverage area, but they also create cuts, and small openings may not save usable material.
If you’re unsure, send a labeled sketch so we can discuss the estimate.
Can you help with sloped ceilings and gable ends?
Yes. Use the matching calculator option where available.
For complicated shapes, send a sketch showing dimensions and roof pitch, if known. Clearly identify whether your measurements describe the actual sloped surface or its horizontal footprint.
Can I send a material list from my contractor?
Yes. Include the species, profile, grade, dimensions, quantities, preferred lengths, and project location where possible.
We can compare the list with available products and identify details that need clarification.
Is the calculator result a final order quantity?
No. It is a planning estimate based on the information entered.
Have your installer review measurements, layout, cutting waste, and board-length requirements before approving your order.
Quotes, Availability, and Ordering
How do I request a quote?
Start by browsing our Products & Prices. Open a product you’re interested in, use its material calculator where available, and add the material to your quote cart.
When you’ve added everything you need, open your quote cart, review the quantities and notes, and select Request a Quote. Enter your contact information and submit your request.
Not sure which products to choose? Contact Gary and Kat—we’ll help you get started.
What information should I include?
Tell us what you’re building, where the wood will be installed, the material you prefer, your measurements or quantities, preferred lengths, and desired timing.
Let us know whether you plan to pick up or would like to discuss delivery options.
Does submitting a quote request place an order?
No. A quote request begins the review process. It does not reserve stock, authorize milling, or place an order.
We’ll explain the next steps after reviewing your request.
Does a product listing mean the material is in stock?
No. Listings show products we offer, but current stock, available lengths, and milling requirements must be confirmed.
Your quote will identify the material and timing available for your order.
What is the difference between stock material and custom-milled material?
Stock material may already be available in the required form. Other orders require milling, sourcing, or special arrangements.
Visit our Stock Material & Custom Milling page for more information. We’ll confirm which approach applies to your request.
How long does milling usually take?
When milling is required, a typical lead time is 1–2 weeks, subject to confirmation with your quote.
Material sourcing, production schedules, larger orders, and special profiles can affect timing. Let us know your project deadline early.
Is there a minimum order?
Minimum quantities can vary by product and milling setup.
Check the product listing or ask us. Any applicable minimum will be discussed with your quote.
Is a deposit required?
Some orders require a deposit to reserve material or begin milling. The amount and payment schedule will be explained before you approve the order.
How long is my quote valid?
Refer to the terms shown on your quote. If no validity period is listed, ask Gary and Kat to confirm before proceeding.
Pricing and availability should be reconfirmed if your quantities, specifications, or timing change.
Can I change an order after approving it?
Contact us as soon as possible. Whether a change can be accommodated depends on material commitments and whether milling has begun.
Changes may affect pricing and completion time. Ask us to confirm before assuming a revision is accepted.
What are your return and cancellation terms?
Ask us to confirm the terms for your specific order before approving it, particularly for custom-milled or specially sourced material.
Do not assume custom material can be returned or an order canceled after production begins.
Pickup, Visits, and Delivery
Where are you located?
Our mill is in Manning, South Carolina. Contact us for directions and to arrange your visit.
Can I stop by without an appointment?
Please arrange an appointment before visiting or picking up material. Our mill is behind a locked gate, and an appointment helps us make sure someone is available to assist you.
How do I arrange pickup?
Once your material is confirmed ready, contact us to schedule a pickup time.
Bring a vehicle or trailer suitable for the material’s length and weight, along with appropriate load securement. Ask about loading arrangements beforehand.
Do you offer delivery or shipping?
Contact us with your delivery address, material quantities, and required timing.
We’ll discuss available options and any associated charges before you place the order.
Installation and Care
Can every wood product be used outdoors?
No. Exterior suitability depends on the species, grade, product dimensions, exposure, installation, and finish or treatment.
Tell us whether the material will be indoors, under cover, exposed to weather, or in contact with the ground so we can discuss appropriate options.
Does naturally durable wood still need proper installation and maintenance?
Yes. Natural durability does not make wood rot-proof or insect-proof.
Drainage, ventilation, moisture exposure, finishing, and maintenance all affect service life. Natural durability also varies between heartwood and sapwood.
Should wood acclimate before installation?
Ask your installer to confirm the appropriate moisture condition and acclimation process for the product and installation environment.
Keep material protected and follow product-specific storage and installation guidance rather than assuming one acclimation period suits every project.
Can you advise on finishes and fasteners?
Tell us the product and installation location. We can discuss considerations, but the finish and fastener manufacturers’ instructions should guide product selection and application.
For structural uses, have the required species, grade, dimensions, and connections confirmed by your building professional.
Still Have a Question?
Ask Gary and Kat. Tell us what you’re building and where you need help—we’re happy to help you work through material choices, measurements, and the next steps toward a quote.