sinker cypress

Sinker cypress is among the rarest and most prized woods on earth. These logs, originally harvested over a century ago from old-growth cypress forests, were lost during transport and have spent decades submerged in the swamps and riverbeds of Florida and Louisiana — the only places in the world where true sinker cypress can be found. The dark, oxygen-poor waters preserve the wood and enrich it with deep, complex tones and unique grain patterns that modern lumber can’t match. Recovering it requires diving into remote, murky waters to locate, extract, and mill each buried log. Every piece is a one-of-a-kind artifact pulled from American history.

Working with sinker cypress is no small feat. The wood is dense and requires years-long drying times to stabilize before it can even be shaped. Its unusual grain and mineral content can quickly dull tools and challenge even experienced craftsmen. But the end result—rich tones, distinct texture, and unmatched character—makes it worth the effort. These pieces aren't mass-produced; they're labors of precision, patience, and respect for the raw material. The high price reflects not just rarity, but the real work required to bring this wood back to life.