Best Cedar Shake Shingle Types for Your Home

Cedar Shake Shingle Types refer to the various styles and grades of cedar wood shingles used for roofing and siding, each offering unique aesthetics, durability, and performance. From hand-split rustic designs to sleek taper sawn options, these natural wood shakes are popular for their charm, insulation properties, and long lifespan. Understanding the differences between each type can help homeowners choose the ideal option for their home’s architecture, climate conditions, and budget.

When it comes to adding natural charm and long-term performance to the exterior of a home, cedar shake shingles are one of the premier choices available to homeowners looking for stylish yet sustainable shingle options. Their rustic aesthetic, exceptional durability, and eco-friendliness have become highly favored options among homebuyers searching for both style and substance in one product.

This blog covers everything you need to know about cedar shake shingles types for new home construction or roof renovation, whether that means building from the ground up or just making changes in an existing house. Our comprehensive guide lays out each variety, how it differs and which might suit you best based on your individual requirements.

What Are Cedar Shake Shingles?

Cedar shake shingles are roofing and siding materials made of natural cedar wood. While traditional shingles feature two sawn surfaces for even wear, cedar shakes feature split surfaces giving them an irregular and rustic appearance.

Cedar shake shingles are constructed with Western Red Cedar or Alaskan yellow Cedar wood types which have long been valued for their resistance against decay, insects, extreme temperatures and climate conditions. Their natural oils act as preservatives which make cedar shakes both eco-costs friendly.

Key features of cedar shake shingles:

• Excellent insulation properties.
• Natural resistance to moisture and decay.
• Distinctive rustic aesthetic.
• Available in different grades and textures.
• Can last 30 to 50 years with proper maintenance.

Cedar Shake Shingles Types:

Acknowledging all of the cedar shake shingle types available before making a selection is crucial in order to making an informed decision. Below are three main categories, each organized based on cut grade and treatment characteristics.

1. Hand-Split and Resawn Cedar Shakes:

This style features split faces on one side with sawn back edges for maximum rustic charm in traditional or cottage-style homes.

Pros:

• Thick and durable.
• Classic appearance.
• Great for harsh climates.

Cons:

• Heavier than other types.
• Slightly more expensive.

Best Use:

Traditional homes, cabins, and regions with heavy rain or snow.

2. Taper sawn Cedar Shakes:

Taper sawn shakes can provide a more refined aesthetic than hand-split types, their clean look places them between regular shingles and rough shakes in terms of appearance.

Pros:

• Smooth and uniform.
• Slightly thicker than shingles.
• Easy to install.

Cons:

• less rustic appearance than their counterpart.

Best Use:

Suburban Homes and Modern Rustic Designs.

3. Heavy Split and Resawn Shakes:

Heavy split and Resawn Shakes offer maximum durability and insulation value making them popular choices both aesthetically and practically.

Pros:

• Extra thick for strength.
• Distinctive bold texture.
• High insulation value.

Cons:

• More costly.
• Heavier load on roof structures.

Best Use:

Mountain lodges, high-end homes and commercial buildings.

4. Medium Split and Resawn Shakes:

These thin yet still thick wood shakes still offer homeowners that textured look they’ve come to know and love while being cost-effective compared to heavy shakes, their attractive texture stands out while remaining cost effective as well as durable for long term use.

Pros:

• Attractive texture.
• Cost-effective compared to heavy shakes.
• Durable.

Cons:

• Less insulation than heavy shakes.

Best Use:

Residential homes needing balance in cost and performance.

5. Premium Grade Cedar Shakes:

These shakes, constructed of heartwood from cedar trees and featuring minimal imperfections, represent the highest-grade option on the market today.

Pros:

• Excellent durability.
• Long lifespan (up to 50 years).
• Visually flawless.

Cons:

• Higher price point.

Best Use:

Luxury Projects where quality is of utmost concern.

6. Number 1 Grade Shakes:

These shakes are composed of clear heartwood without sapwood and minimal defects, although not quite as perfect, they still provide outstanding quality at an economical cost.

Pros:

• Good value for money.
• Solid durability.
• Uniform thickness.

Cons:

• Slightly less lifespan than premium.

Best Use:

Mid-range residential projects.

7. Number 2 and 3 Grade Shakes:

For an economical choice with more knots, sapwood and imperfections at an economical cost, these lower grade options with limited visual appeal may be best suited for sheds, garages or walls where aesthetic is less of a consideration. They tend to work best as functional non-visible areas where aesthetic is less of an issue (sheds garages walls etc.).

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Functional for non-visible areas.

Cons:

• Shorter lifespan.
• Less visually appealing.

Best Use:

Outbuildings or utility structures.

8. Pressure-Treated Cedar Shakes:

These shakes have been chemically treated to resist fire, insects, and mold – perfect for areas prone to wildfires or high humidity.

Pros:

• Fireproof.
• Mold and insect proof.
• Longer life span in damp climates.

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive.
• Not completely natural.

Best Use:

Areas with stringent fire codes or high humidity levels.

9. Fire-Retardant Shakes:

For homes in wildfire-prone regions, manufactured using chemicals with fire retardancy properties is ideal, offering increased safety benefits like fire insurance benefits as well as peace of mind from their higher fireproof rating (Class A in this instance).

Pros:

• Enhanced safety.
• Insurance benefits.
• Peace of mind.

Cons:

• Higher cost.
• May fade faster.

Best Use:

California, Colorado and other regions prone to wildfire.

Conclusion:

Selecting the proper cedar shake shingles type can make an immense impactful statement about your home’s performance, appearance and value. From hand-split shakes’ rustic charm to tapers awn’s refined appearance – there is sure to be something suitable for every taste and budget!

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