Cedar shake siding is an exterior wall covering made from individual pieces of cedar installed in overlapping rows. It gives a home a textured, natural appearance and can last for decades when properly installed and maintained.
However, cedar requires more attention than many manufactured siding options. Before choosing it, consider the installation cost, exposure to moisture, and upkeep needed to maintain your preferred finish.
This guide explains how cedar shake siding compares with shingles and vinyl, what affects its lifespan, and how to care for it.
What Is Cedar Shake Siding?
Traditional cedar shakes are pieces of wood with a split face that gives them an uneven, rustic texture. They are commonly thicker than cedar shingles, although some shakes are sawn rather than split.
The overlapping rows help shed rain, while the wall assembly behind the siding manages any water that gets through. Cedar siding alone does not make a wall waterproof.
Western red cedar is a common material for shakes and shingles. Alaska yellow cedar is another option, while eastern white cedar is commonly used for siding shingles. These commercially named cedars differ from the true cedar species in the Cedrus genus.
You can use cedar shakes across an entire exterior or as an accent on gables, porches, and upper walls.
Cedar Shakes vs. Cedar Shingles
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, shakes and shingles are different products.
| Feature | Cedar Shakes | Cedar Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Often rough and split-faced | Sawn on both sides |
| Thickness | Generally thicker | Generally thinner |
| Appearance | Rustic, with more variation | More uniform and orderly |
| Typical design appeal | Cabins and rustic homes | Cottages and traditional homes |
When requesting estimates, specify the actual product. A contractor’s description of “shake siding” might refer to natural shakes, wood shingles, or manufactured panels that imitate wood.
How Much Does Cedar Shake Siding Cost?
As a broad U.S. budgeting reference, cedar shake siding costs approximately $7–$16 per square foot installed, according to HomeGuide’s cedar siding cost guide. Local quotes can fall outside this range.
For 1,500 square feet of siding area, that works out to approximately $10,500–$24,000. Siding area means the exterior wall surface being covered, not the home’s interior floor area.
The final price depends on:
- Cedar species, grade, and thickness.
- Individual shakes versus prefabricated panels.
- Factory-applied finishes or finishing on site.
- Wall height, corners, windows, and decorative patterns.
- Removal and disposal of old siding.
- Repairs to the wall beneath it.
- Local labor and access requirements.
Ask contractors to itemize these costs so you can compare equivalent work. Cedar roofing prices should not be used to estimate a siding project.
Advantages of Cedar Shake Siding
Natural Appearance
Real cedar has variations in grain, texture, and color that give each installation its own character. Its textured surface works particularly well when a smooth, uniform exterior would look out of place.
Natural Decay Resistance
Cedar heartwood has natural resistance to decay. However, this resistance varies with the material, and cedar can still deteriorate when it stays wet.
Wood quality matters. Clear, vertical-grain material generally offers better stability than lower-quality pieces containing more defects.
Flexible Finish Options
Cedar can be stained, painted, or allowed to weather naturally where the product and exposure conditions permit. This gives homeowners a choice between preserving the visible grain and creating a more uniform color.
Individual Repairs
Damaged pieces can often be replaced without removing the entire wall covering. Matching the color of older siding may be more difficult than completing the repair itself.
Disadvantages of Cedar Shake Siding
Ongoing maintenance: Cedar needs inspections, cleaning, and repairs. Finished siding also needs recoating as its protective finish wears.
Moisture sensitivity: Leaking gutters, poor flashing, and vegetation against the wall can keep wood damp and encourage decay.
Higher ownership costs: Consider future finishing and repair expenses alongside the installation price.
Changes in appearance: Unfinished cedar may turn gray unevenly because different walls receive different amounts of rain and sunlight.
Combustibility: Cedar is wood and can burn. Before purchasing it, confirm that the selected product and wall assembly meet local requirements, particularly in wildfire-prone areas.
How Long Does Cedar Shake Siding Last?
Well-installed cedar shake siding can last for decades, but there is no single lifespan that applies to every home.
Wood grade, climate, installation, finish condition, and the ability to dry after rain all affect its service life. A sheltered wall may age differently from one exposed to frequent wind-driven rain.
Do not judge the siding by color alone. Gray wood may still be serviceable, while a freshly painted surface can conceal damage.
Signs that deserve closer inspection include soft wood, loose pieces, severe splitting, persistent dampness, and recurring leaks. Extensive damage calls for an assessment of the wall beneath the siding as well.
Cedar Shake Siding vs. Vinyl Shake Siding
Vinyl shake siding is manufactured to resemble wood shakes. It provides a similar general pattern, but its material and maintenance requirements differ.
| Factor | Natural Cedar | Vinyl Shake Siding |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Natural grain and individual variation | Molded wood-look texture |
| Maintenance | Cleaning, repairs, and finish upkeep | Cleaning and occasional repairs |
| Weathering | Can gray, split, or decay | Can fade, crack, or distort |
| Color changes | Can be refinished | Repainting depends on product guidance |
| Main appeal | Authentic wood appearance | Reduced routine upkeep |
Cedar suits homeowners who value real wood and accept its maintenance needs. Vinyl is worth considering when minimizing upkeep is a higher priority. Compare specific products and installed quotes rather than assuming every vinyl option is cheaper.
Installation Details That Matter
A durable installation needs more than neatly aligned rows. Ask your installer how the project will address:
- A suitable water-resistive barrier behind the siding.
- Flashing around windows, doors, and roof intersections.
- Drainage and drying space where required.
- Correct overlap, joint spacing, and staggered seams.
- Approved corrosion-resistant fasteners.
- Clearance from soil, roofing, and other wet surfaces.
Spacing and exposure depend on the product and installation method. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable local requirements. The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau’s sidewall installation manual provides detailed guidance for cedar wall applications.
How to Maintain Cedar Shake Siding
Inspect It Regularly
Check the siding at least annually and after severe weather. Pay particular attention to areas below windows, near gutters, and where roofs meet walls.
Replace damaged pieces and fix the source of any recurring moisture.
Clean Gently
Remove dirt and organic buildup with a suitable cleaner and gentle washing. Test the cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area first.
Avoid aggressive pressure washing, which can damage wood fibers and force water behind the siding. For mildew, use a product approved for cedar and follow its label.
Help the Wood Dry
Keep gutters working, direct sprinklers away from the house, and trim vegetation that touches the siding. Do not pile mulch or soil against the wood.
Maintain the Finish
Inspect for peeling, cracking, fading, and exposed wood. Recoat according to the finish manufacturer’s guidance and the surface’s condition.
Do not automatically apply a clear sealer over an existing stain or paint. The products must be compatible.
Can You Paint Cedar Shake Siding?
Yes, cedar shake siding can be painted if the surface is sound and properly prepared.
Clean the wood, remove loose coatings, address mildew, and let the surface dry. Use a compatible stain-blocking primer where required, followed by an exterior paint approved for cedar.
Stain is another option, particularly when you want the grain to remain visible. Neither painting nor staining guarantees a particular siding lifespan. Moisture control and preparation remain essential.
Is Cedar Shake Siding Worth It?
Cedar shake siding is worth considering when its natural texture is central to your home’s design and you are prepared for ongoing maintenance.
Before committing, compare itemized installation quotes, inspect product samples, and decide whether you want a stained, painted, or naturally weathered exterior. Those choices will shape both the initial cost and the work required over time.