I am sure the cypress from Louisiana and oter American east coast states will be taxodium distichum,deciduous swamp dweller and a very different timber from cupressus macrocarpa, or Monterey Cypress. Macrocarpa is widely used as a durable timber in many situations in New Zealand from furniture to decking, and also in boat building, however it is very dense compared to taxodium distichum and will not take staples happily without splitting or bending the odd staple. Macrocarpa would make a beautiful highlight timber in strip building with golden colours, curly grains and some fine speckled highlights.

Jimmy Carter (yes the American president) made some fine furniture from Paulownia' probably fortunei, although Paulownia tomentosa is also a good timber tree but listed as an invasive plant in USA south eastern states. The timber is a hardwood with exceptionally even grain. It is stable and warp resistant. it is very flexible and has a good strength to weight ratio. It is light. Almost as light as balsa. Definitely grown as a timber species and available in USA.

Light colour would provide good contrast with cedar. try it!