Western red cedar shingles are a natural choice for homeowners seeking wood siding with distinctive grain and color. For traditional cedar siding, the Coast grooved shingles suit buyers who want added texture, while the sanded Coast shingles offer a smoother face. Briwoody’s smaller bundle can suit limited repairs, and the Certigrade option provides another grooved-shingle choice. The composite slat panels are not cedar, but they may interest buyers comparing a wood-look exterior alternative.
| Product | Best For | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Coast R&R Grooved Shingles | Textured cedar siding | Grooved face and resquared edges |
| Coast R&R Sanded Shingles | Smoother cedar appearance | Coverage varies by exposure |
| Briwoody Cedar Shingles | Smaller projects and repairs | 64 pieces; about 20–25 square feet |
| Certigrade Prime White Grooved Shingles | Grooved siding with listed exposure coverage | Random widths |
| WPC Exterior Wall Slat Panels | Buyers considering a non-cedar alternative | Waterproof composite construction |
Coast R&R Grooved Cedar Shingles
These 18-inch Western red cedar shingles have resquared and rebutted (R&R) edges, a feature intended to support precise fit and aligned courses. Their machine-grooved faces add surface texture and shadowing, which can make the finished wall look more dimensional than a smooth shingle installation.
Best for: Homeowners seeking natural cedar siding with a pronounced grooved appearance. This option was selected because it combines Western red cedar with prepared edges and a textured face. Choose it if the visual effect of grooves is important to the project.
Consider: The listing identifies the carton as a half-square, but the supplied product details do not state exposure-based coverage. Confirm usable coverage and required exposure before ordering enough material for a full wall.
Coast R&R Natural Sanded Shingles
This Coast product is an 18-inch Western red cedar sidewall shingle with resquared and rebutted edges and a natural sanded face. The listing gives two coverage figures: 50 square feet per bundle at 14-inch exposure and 25 square feet per bundle at 7-inch exposure. The difference illustrates why exposure must be included in material estimates.
Best for: Buyers who prefer a sanded cedar face rather than machine-grooved texture. It was selected for its clear exposure-based coverage information and R&R construction. Choose this if a smoother-looking surface better suits the planned siding design.
Consider: Actual coverage depends on the selected exposure and installation layout. Verify the project’s intended course exposure before calculating how many bundles to purchase.
Briwoody 18-Inch Cedar Shingles
Briwoody’s bundle includes 64 Western red cedar shingles measuring about 18 by 5.8 inches. The listed profile tapers from a 0.6-inch butt end to about 0.1 inch. The product description estimates coverage at roughly 20–25 square feet, with actual coverage varying according to overlap, spacing, trimming, and layout.
Best for: Smaller siding sections, sheds, garage projects, or restoration work where a 64-piece bundle may be easier to plan around than larger quantities. The listing’s dimensions and estimated coverage make it useful for preliminary material calculations.
Consider: Natural cedar varies in color, texture, and pattern, so individual pieces may not look identical. Coverage is an estimate rather than a guaranteed installed area; allow for cuts and the chosen overlap.
Certigrade Prime White Grooved Shingles
These 18-inch Western red cedar shingles are described as Prime White, grooved, resquared, and rebutted. The listing states coverage of 50 square feet at 14-inch exposure or 25 square feet at 7-inch exposure. It also specifies random widths, so the shingles are not all the same width.
Best for: Buyers looking for grooved cedar shingles with stated exposure-based coverage. The product was selected as another natural-wood option for comparing surface appearance and installation planning. Choose it if random widths fit the intended design.
Consider: Random widths can require more attention to course layout than uniform-width pieces. Check the product details and plan the installation pattern before estimating labor or material quantities.
WPC Exterior Wall Slat Panels
These panels are a wood-look alternative, not red cedar shake siding. The product is made from WPC composite and features a linear, three-dimensional slat design. The listing describes the panels as waterproof, UV resistant, and moisture resistant, with an intended use for interior and exterior walls. The pack is listed as covering 16.98 square feet.
Best for: Buyers comparing a contemporary composite cladding style with natural cedar shingles. It was included as an alternative for shoppers prioritizing a slatted appearance and composite material rather than authentic cedar shakes.
Consider: This product does not provide real cedar grain, shingle courses, or a traditional shake appearance. Avoid it if the project specifically requires natural Western red cedar siding.
Buying Guide: Choosing Red Cedar Shake Siding
What surface appearance do you want?
Grooved shingles create a more visibly textured face and additional shadowing. Sanded shingles provide a less pronounced surface texture. Compare sample images and product descriptions with the look of the existing wall, especially for additions or repairs where matching matters.
How should you estimate coverage?
Use the listed coverage at the intended exposure, not simply the package count. For example, the Coast sanded and Certigrade listings state 50 square feet at 14-inch exposure and 25 square feet at 7-inch exposure. Greater overlap reduces the area covered by each bundle. Include extra material for trimming, layout, and replacement pieces.
Do edge preparation and width affect installation?
Resquared and rebutted edges are intended to support a more precise fit and alignment. Random-width shingles can create a less uniform pattern and require deliberate course planning. Review the product’s dimensions and edge details before choosing between a consistent layout and a varied appearance.
Is natural cedar the right material?
Natural cedar offers real wood grain and natural variation in color and texture. Those variations can be appealing, but they mean pieces may not match exactly. Composite panels offer a different material and appearance, so they should not be treated as a direct substitute when a project specification calls for cedar shingles.
What should you confirm before ordering?
Check the package quantity, stated coverage, exposure, shingle dimensions, and intended application. Confirm that the product is suitable for the planned wall assembly and follow applicable installation instructions and local building requirements. Product listings alone may not answer every project-specific installation question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cedar shingles and cedar shakes the same?
The terms are sometimes used broadly, but products can differ in how they are made and in their surface profile. Check the specific product description and dimensions rather than relying on the name alone.
How much area does a bundle cover?
Coverage varies by product and exposure. Some listings state 50 square feet at 14-inch exposure and 25 square feet at 7-inch exposure. Briwoody estimates about 20–25 square feet per 64-piece bundle.
Do Western red cedar shingles have a uniform color?
No. Natural cedar can vary in color, grain, and texture. Expect visible variation between pieces.
Are WPC panels red cedar siding?
No. WPC panels are composite cladding with a wood-look slat design. They are an alternative material, not natural cedar shingles.
Which option is better for a textured appearance?
The grooved Coast and Certigrade products are the clearest choices among these listings for a visibly grooved face. The Coast sanded option is better suited to buyers seeking a smoother surface.