The best hand split cedar shingles depend on the desired thickness, exposure, and project area. The 24-inch heavy handsplit option is best for buyers seeking a thicker, more pronounced profile; the 24-inch medium option suits projects calling for a rugged natural face. For shorter courses, the 18-inch medium handsplit is a practical choice. A 64-piece cedar set offers a stated coverage estimate, while the kiln-dried undercourse carton is intended for concealed or starter courses rather than a finished handsplit surface.
| Product | Best suited for | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| 24-inch heavy handsplit shakes | Thicker, pronounced profiles | 20.56 square feet at 10-inch exposure |
| 24-inch medium handsplits | Rugged natural appearance | Western Red Cedar, 24-inch length |
| 18-inch medium handsplit | Roofing or wall projects | 25 square feet per bundle at 7.5-inch exposure |
| Briwoody 18-inch cedar shingles | Smaller roof, siding, or restoration jobs | 64 pieces; about 20–25 square feet |
| 18-inch undercourse shingles | Starter or double-coursed sidewall layers | Utility-grade, kiln-dried Western Red Cedar |
24-Inch Heavy Handsplit Cedar Shakes
This option is best for buyers who want a substantial handsplit profile. The shakes measure 24 inches long and 3/4 inch thick, with listed width varying from 3/4 inch to 1 inch. The stated coverage is 20.56 square feet at a 10-inch exposure.
Choose this product when thickness and a pronounced shake appearance matter more than maximizing exposure. Its stated coverage figure gives buyers a starting point for estimating material. Coverage depends on the listed 10-inch exposure, so do not apply that estimate to a different layout without recalculating.
Limitation: The listing’s coverage is tied to a specific exposure, and the product is thicker than the listed medium options.
24-Inch Medium Western Red Cedar Handsplits
These 24-inch medium handsplits are best for buyers who want the longer format of a 24-inch product with a rugged, natural face. The listing identifies the material as high-quality Western Red Cedar and describes the face as medium handsplit.
Choose this option when the natural split appearance is a priority and you want a full 24-inch length. It may be better suited than a thicker heavy shake for buyers specifically looking for the medium style. The provided product details do not state bundle coverage or an installation exposure.
Limitation: Confirm coverage and exposure requirements with the seller or package information before calculating how many bundles the project needs.
18-Inch Medium Handsplit Cedar Shingles
This product is best for buyers who need 18-inch medium handsplits for a roof or wall project. The listing states 25 square feet per bundle at 7.5-inch exposure and five bundles per square at that exposure. It also describes use on walls and roofs with a 4:12 pitch and steeper where appearance and performance are desired.
Choose this option when the stated exposure and pitch guidance match the project. Compared with the 24-inch choices, the 18-inch length may suit a layout planned around shorter courses. Use the listed coverage only for the stated exposure.
Limitation: The described roof application is limited to pitches of 4:12 and steeper; verify project requirements before installation.
Briwoody 18-Inch Cedar Shingles, 64 Pieces
This set is best for buyers who want a piece count and approximate coverage for a smaller roof, siding, shed, garage, or restoration project. It includes 64 Western Red Cedar shingles and lists coverage of about 20–25 square feet. Each is approximately 18 by 5.8 inches, with a tapered profile from a 0.6-inch butt end to about 0.1 inch.
The natural wood has reddish-brown tones and visible grain, with variation in color, texture, and pattern. Coverage can help with early planning, but the listing notes that actual coverage changes with overlap, spacing, trimming, and layout.
Limitation: The coverage range is an estimate, not a fixed installed area. Allow for the project’s layout and cuts.
18-Inch Kiln-Dried Cedar Undercourse Shingles
This carton is best for buyers sourcing utility-grade shingles for undercoursing double-coursed sidewalls or for starter shingles. It is manufactured from Western Red Cedar and described as kiln dried. The listed coverage is 100 square feet at 14-inch exposure or 50 square feet at 7-inch exposure.
Choose this product for the specified underlying or starter role, not as a direct substitute for a listed medium handsplit face shingle. Its two exposure figures make it important to match the coverage calculation to the intended course layout.
Limitation: The listing identifies it as utility grade and for undercoursing or starter use, rather than a finished decorative face.
Buying Guide: Choosing Hand Split Cedar Shingles
What length and thickness should you compare?
Start with the project’s design and planned course layout. The supplied products include 18-inch and 24-inch lengths. The heavy 24-inch shake has a stated 3/4-inch thickness, while the 24-inch medium handsplit listing does not provide a thickness measurement. Compare product specifications rather than assuming that products with similar names share the same dimensions.
How do exposure and coverage affect quantity?
Exposure is the portion of a shingle left visible after installation. Coverage estimates in these listings are tied to specific exposures: 10 inches for the heavy shakes, 7.5 inches for the 18-inch medium handsplits, and 14- or 7-inch exposure for the undercourse carton. Calculate materials using the exposure you intend to install, and account for cuts, overlap, and layout variation where applicable.
Is every cedar product a finished handsplit shingle?
No. The medium handsplit products are explicitly described as handsplits. The Briwoody set is described as tapered Western Red Cedar shingles, while the kiln-dried carton is utility grade for undercoursing or starter use. Match the product type to whether the material will be visible or concealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “handsplit” describe?
It describes the listed face style of a cedar shake or shingle. In these product details, the medium handsplits are described as having a rugged, natural look.
Which listed product provides the clearest coverage estimate?
The 18-inch medium handsplit listing states 25 square feet per bundle at 7.5-inch exposure. The heavy 24-inch shakes state 20.56 square feet at 10-inch exposure.
Can the undercourse carton be used as a decorative face shingle?
The listing describes it for undercoursing double-coursed sidewalls and for starter shingles. It does not identify it as a finished decorative face product.
Does the Briwoody set cover exactly 20–25 square feet?
No. The listing says about 20–25 square feet and notes that actual coverage varies with overlap, spacing, trimming, and project layout.