Cedar Shake Siding Panels Types in 2025 | Complete Guide

When it comes to enhancing your home’s exterior with natural charm and lasting durability, cedar shake siding panels are a top choice. These panels not only add rustic beauty but also offer excellent resistance to weather and pests. However, not all cedar shakes siding is the same—there are various cedar shake siding panels types, each with unique characteristics, finishes, and installation styles. Understanding these types is essential for homeowners and contractors looking to achieve the right aesthetic and performance for their siding projects. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common cedar shake panel types and what sets each apart.

What is Cedar Shake Siding Panels?

Cedar shake siding panels are prefabricated sections made of cedar wood designed to imitate hand-cut shakes. Instead of having to individually install each shake separately, manufacturers usually bolt or nail them together onto an adhesive backing panel usually plywood for faster and simpler installation.

Cedar shake siding panels, typically from Western Red Cedar species, are known for their natural durability, insect resistance and classic aesthetic. Installing them requires less labor, installation times may even decrease by 10x and visual alignment remains consistent throughout. Cedar Shake Siding Panels Give Rustic Charm Conveniently Installation is quicker, simpler, and more reliable with these panels than nailing individual shakes individually.

Why Choose Cedar Shake Siding Panels?

Choose Cedar Shake Siding Panels for their many advantages:

• Faster Installation: Cedar shake siding panels install much quicker than loose shakes – saving on labor costs as well as installation time! Some manufacturers even boast about up to 10x quicker installations!
• Premium Cedar Quality: Many panels use #1-grade, vertical-grain Western Red Cedar—clear, straight-grained, durable wood.
• Built-In Durability: Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects, and premium panels are kiln-dried and factory-stained for extra protection.
• Uniform Appearance: Panels provide uniform spacing, exposure and alignment for an appealing aesthetic when used as siding material.
• Custom Profiles: Many brands provide corner panels, flared radii and specialty shapes designed specifically to match unique architectural features.
• Reduced Waste: Pre-assembled panels allow you to minimize on-site cuts and material waste.

Providing the opportunity to combine rustic cedar beauty with modern convenience and quality control in one product.

Cedar Shake Siding Panels Types:

Let’s examine some of the more frequently seen cedar shake siding panel types and manufacturing processes each provides its own advantages over others.

1. Standard Shingle Panels:

Description:

Panels with rows of cedar shingles mounted on plywood backer with open keyways or staggered joints. Common exposure is about 7″.

Examples:

• Cedar Valley Standard Panels use Western Red Cedar and are WUI certified with overlapping joint protection.
• Shakertown Craftsman Panels feature clear vertical-grain cedar with keyway spacing to align shingles perfectly.

Benefits:

Easy install, natural look, solid weather protection.

Best For:

Traditional homes needing authentic cedar appearance and quick installation.

2. Designer / Decorative Panels:

Description:

Panels with designer shakes in various widths, shapes, or patterns, including tapered or randomly sized styles.

Example:

Cedar Valley offers “Decorator Handy Panels” and “individual decorator shingles” for custom accents.

Benefits:

Adds visual interest and texture, ideal for feature walls or upper gables.

Best For:

Custom homes or architects looking for standout architectural details.

3. Corner & Radius Panels:

Description:

Purpose-built panels for corners, flared edges, or curved surfaces that blend seamlessly with standard panels.

Examples:

Cedar Valley’s radius flares and corner panels match the exposure and finish of their other panels.

Benefits:

Clean transitions without caulk or complex shingling techniques.

Best For:

Homes featuring complex geometry such as chimney corners, flared eaves or rounded columns.

4. Staggered vs. Even Butt Joint Panels:

Description:

• Staggered butt joints add an appealing visual interest.
• Even butt joints align neatly for formal appeal.

Examples:

Cedar Valley offers 8′ panels that feature both even and staggered buttline open keyway formats for convenience.

Benefits:

Choice between uniform look or rustic character.

Best For:

Design flexibility – you decide according to what fits into your aesthetic preferences best!

5. Premium Grade vs. Rustic Panels:

Description:

• Premium grade boards feature clear vertical grain with smooth finishes.
• Rustic boards often include natural knots, color variations and splits.

Benefits:

Premium offers refined look rustic gives character and cost savings.

Best For:

Historic or rustic homes (choose rustic), upscale homes (choose premium).

6. Specialty Shapes & Custom Profiles:

• Description: Bespoke panels cut to fit arches, custom sheds, or niches. Crafted to match flush exposure and stain.
• Benefits: Perfect fit for high-end custom architecture.
• Best For: Restoration projects or high-design custom builds.

Conclusion:

Cedar shake siding panels combine the timeless natural beauty of cedar shakes with fast installation speeds, quality controls and architectural flexibility for modern life. From standard panels, designer accents, corner systems or custom profiles, cedar shake siding panels offer:

• Natural cedar durability and rot resistance.
• Fast, clean installation with panel backing.
• Design consistency through factory alignment.
• Visual appeal for any architectural style.

Cedar shake panels make an aesthetic, long-term finish for new siding installations or renovations alike providing both charm and practicality! There is an assortment of styles and grades available that fit seamlessly with any architectural style or taste.

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