If you’re shopping for cedar shake siding panels, you want options that mimic the classic look of real cedar while offering durability, moisture resistance, and easy maintenance. This guide highlights five top choices, detailing who each product is best for and why. Whether you’re seeking authentic wood texture or a low-maintenance vinyl alternative, these selections cover a range of budgets and installation needs.
| Product | Material Type | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Impressions Double 9in. Staggered Rough Split Shakes (1/2 Square) Mountain Cedar | Real Cedar Shakes | 1/2 square | Traditional authentic cedar look with rough split texture |
| Tando Beach House Shake Composite Siding Panels – Pacifica Color | Composite Siding | 1/2 square | Moisture resistance and low maintenance with cedar aesthetic |
| Western Red Cedar 18″ Resquared & Rebutted Grooved Sidewall Shingles | Western Red Cedar Shingles | 1/2 square | Classic grooved sidewall style for authentic cedar feel |
| CertainTeed Cedar Impressions Double 7 Inch Straight Edge Perfection Shingle Siding | Engineered Cedar Shingle Siding | 1/2 square | Ready-to-install, consistent appearance with cedar look |
| Polaris Homeside Select Double 7in. Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding Granite Gray | Vinyl Siding | 1/2 square | Low maintenance with cedar appearance in a durable vinyl |
Cedar Impressions Double 9in. Shakes – Mountain Cedar
Best for buyers seeking an authentic cedar appearance with a traditional rough-split texture. These real-cedar shakes deliver the natural grain and color variation typical of Mountain Cedar, providing a warm, rustic facade. The product is labeled as a 1/2 square bundle, suitable for mid-sized projects or accent installations. A limitation is that real-wood shakes require periodic maintenance to preserve color and prevent weathering compared with synthetic options.
Tando Beach House Shake Composite Panels – Pacifica
Best for homeowners who want a cedar-looks finish without the maintenance of real wood. These composite siding panels offer moisture resistance and low maintenance, making them a strong choice for coastal or humid environments. The Pacifica color provides a warm, natural cedar tone. Choose this if you prioritize durability and a smoother installation experience. A caution is that color and texture may differ slightly from natural cedar, depending on production batches.
Western Red Cedar 18″ Resquared & Rebutted Grooved Sidewall Shingles
Best for traditionalists who want a classic cedar profile with grooved sidewall shingles. The 18″ resquared and rebutted design helps achieve a consistent, calibrated look across larger surfaces. This option is well-suited for one-story or low-rise exteriors seeking a uniform cedar effect. A potential limitation is the heavier weight of real wood shingles, which may influence installation time and structural considerations.
CertainTeed Cedar Impressions Double 7 Inch Shingle Siding
Best for those who want a ready-to-install cedar look with consistent, engineered performance. The Cedar Impressions line offers a double 7-inch shingle profile that delivers depth and texture while being easier to handle than large panels. It’s ideal for homeowners prioritizing ease of installation and uniformity. A possible limitation is that this is an engineered product, which may differ subtly from real cedar in feel over time.
Polaris Homeside Select Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding – Granite Gray
Best for budget-conscious buyers who still want cedar-appearing texture with minimal maintenance. This vinyl option delivers cedar-like styling in a durable, weather-resistant package. It’s a solid choice for quick updates or new builds where long-term upkeep is a concern. A caveat is that vinyl can expand and contract with temperature changes, which may affect fascia and trim alignment in extreme climates.
Buying Guide: Cedar Shake Siding Panels
What should you consider when choosing cedar shake siding panels?
- Material type: Real cedar offers authentic texture but requires weatherproofing and maintenance. Composites and vinyl provide lower maintenance and better moisture resistance, with varying degrees of authenticity in texture.
- Color stability: Wood can fade or weather unevenly; engineered and vinyl options may hold color longer but can differ from natural cedar in shade and depth.
- Installation convenience: Panelized and shingle-style products vary in ease of installation. Engineered and vinyl options generally install faster with fewer on-site treatments.
- Durability and weather resistance: Consider your climate. Moisture-prone areas benefit from materials designed to resist rot, mold, and warping.
- Maintenance needs: Real cedar often requires staining or sealant periodically; composites and vinyl typically need less frequent upkeep.
- Aesthetic goals: If you want a highly textured, traditional cedar look, real cedar or grooved shingles may be preferable. For a smoother, uniform appearance, engineered or vinyl options work well.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between cedar shake and cedar shingle siding?
Answer: Shakes are split along the grain for a rougher, more rustic texture, while shingles are saw-cut with a smoother, uniform surface. - Which cedar siding is best for moisture-prone areas?
Answer: Composite or vinyl cedar-look products typically offer superior moisture resistance and lower maintenance than natural cedar. - Are cedar-look products worth the price compared to real cedar?
Answer: Cedar-look options can provide similar aesthetics with reduced maintenance and longer lifespans in some climates, though the feel may differ from true wood. - How important is color matching for cedar shake panels?
Answer: Color consistency helps achieve a cohesive exterior; certain products may vary slightly by batch, so check color samples before installation. - Can these panels be installed over existing siding?
Answer: Many panelized cedar-look products are designed for retrofit installs, but confirm compatibility with your current structure and local building codes. - What maintenance schedule should I expect for real cedar shakes?
Answer: Real cedar typically requires sealing or staining every few years, depending on exposure, to maintain color and protection.