Shingle & Shake Siding: Everything You Need to Know

There's something undeniably charming about a home sided with shingles or shakes -whether it's a cozy beach cottage with weathered cedar shakes or a stately Victorian with “fish-scale” shingles. Having worked with countless homeowners on exterior renovations since 1990, we've seen firsthand how shingle and shake siding can transform the entire character of a house. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about shingle and shake siding - from the fundamental differences between the two, to material options, design applications, installation requirements, maintenance needs, and how to choose the right option for your home.  

Understanding Basic Shingle & Shake Siding Differences 

First, let's clear up a common source of confusion: what's the difference between shingles and shakes? Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they're actually distinct products with their own characteristics. 

Shingles are sawn on both sides and tapered, giving them a more refined, uniform appearance. They're cut to a standard size and have a consistent thickness, making them easier to install in clean, even rows. Think of them as the more polished, "preppy" cousin in the siding family. 

Shakes, on the other hand, are split from wood blocks, resulting in a more rustic, hand-hewn look. Their rough, irregular texture comes from the natural splitting process, which follows the grain of the wood. Shakes tend to be thicker than shingles and have more character and variation in their appearance. They're the "rugged individualist" of siding materials. 

Popular Materials for Shingle & Shake Siding 

Cedar: The Classic Choice 

When most people think of shingle or shake siding, they picture cedar - and for good reason. Western red cedar has been the go-to choice for decades thanks to its natural resistance to decay, incredible durability, and beautiful aging. Cedar contains natural oils and preservatives that help it withstand moisture and insects. Over time, untreated cedar weathers to a silvery gray that many people specifically seek out. 

While cedar is naturally resistant to decay, proper installation is crucial for maximizing this benefit. A skilled installer knows to leave the proper gap between shingles to allow for expansion and will never force pieces that don't fit naturally. They'll also ensure proper alignment of the grain to maximize water resistance. 

Fiber Cement Shingles 

If you want the look of cedar without the maintenance, fiber cement shingles are the go-to. Made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, these shingles offer exceptional durability and come with lengthy warranties.  

Manufacturers like James Hardie now create fiber cement shingles with incredibly realistic wood grain patterns and textures. 

Vinyl Single Siding 

The most budget-friendly option, vinyl shakes have come a long way in terms of appearance. Modern manufacturing techniques allow for deeper textures and more authentic-looking wood grain patterns.  

Nevertheless, they’ll never really look like wood or fiber cement. 

Design Applications for Shingle & Shake Siding 

The versatility of shingle and shake siding is truly remarkable. Here are some popular ways to incorporate them: 

Full House Coverage: For a classic New England coastal look, nothing beats full shingle coverage. This creates a unified, sophisticated appearance that works especially well on Cape Cod, Craftsman, and Colonial-style homes. 

Accent Areas: Many homeowners use shingles or shakes as accent siding in gables, dormers, or upper stories. This breaks up the monotony of plain siding and adds visual interest through texture contrast. 

Mixed Materials: Combining shingles with other siding materials like board-and-batten, lap siding, or even stone creates dynamic, eye-catching facades. The key is maintaining proper proportions and choosing complementary colors and textures. 

Decorative Patterns: Victorian-era homes often feature ornate patterns created with fancy-cut shingles (see above). Fish-scale, diamond, and arrow patterns add incredible character and historical authenticity. 

Installation Requirements for Shingle & Shake Siding 

While the end result can be stunning, proper installation of shingle and shake siding requires skill and attention to detail. Here are some key factors to consider: 

Weather Barriers: Proper underlayment and moisture barriers are crucial. Even with naturally water-resistant cedar, you need adequate protection behind the siding. 

Ventilation: Good airflow behind the siding helps prevent moisture buildup and extends the life of the materials. This usually means installing furring strips or a rainscreen system. 

Exposure: The amount of each shingle or shake exposed to the weather affects both appearance and performance. Typical exposures range from 4 to 8 inches, with larger exposures creating a bolder look. 

Fastening: Proper nailing technique is essential. Nails should be corrosion-resistant and driven at the correct depth to allow for natural wood movement. 

Maintaining Your Shingle & Shake Siding 

The level of maintenance needed varies significantly depending on your choice of material: 

Cedar requires the most attention but rewards proper care with incredible longevity. Regular cleaning, staining or sealing every few years, and annual spot checking combined with prompt repairs of any damaged pieces will keep cedar siding looking beautiful for decades.

Keep in mind, however, that this will cost you. A proper, professional staining or paint job every 7 years can cost you up to $50,000 over the lifetime of the siding.

Fiber cement shingles are much lower maintenance, needing occasional cleaning and repainting every 25-30 years, depending on your climate and sun exposure.  

Vinyl shakes require minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning with soap and water. While they can fade over time, many newer products include UV protection to minimize this issue. 

Cost Analysis of Shingle & Shake Siding Options 

As with most building materials, you get what you pay for with shingle and shake siding. Here's a general price breakdown from least to most expensive: 

Vinyl: $8-$20 per square foot installed 

Fiber cement: $18-$40 per square foot installed 

Cedar: $20 - $50 per square foot installed 

Remember that these are rough estimates - actual costs vary significantly by region, project complexity, and current material prices. Labor costs typically account for 50-60% of the total project cost. While this might seem high, proper installation is crucial for long-term performance. Factors affecting installation costs include: 

• Home height and accessibility 
• Complex architectural details 
• Amount of prep work needed 
• Local labor rates 
• Season and demand 

Environmental Impact of Shingle & Shake Siding 

For environmentally conscious homeowners, cedar shingles and shakes offer several advantages. Cedar is renewable, biodegradable, and requires relatively little energy to process compared to manufactured materials. Many suppliers now offer cedar certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring sustainable harvesting practices. 

Fiber cement products have a higher carbon footprint during manufacturing but offer exceptional durability that can offset their initial environmental impact. Their longevity means less frequent replacement and less waste over time. 

How to Choose the Right Shingle & Shake Siding 

After working with countless homeowners, we've learned that choosing the right shingle or shake siding comes down to carefully weighing several key factors: 

Climate Considerations 

Your local weather should heavily influence your choice. In coastal areas with high moisture and salt exposure, cedar needs more frequent maintenance - though many homeowners feel the weathered look is worth the extra care. Inland areas with extreme temperature swings might be better suited to fiber cement, which handles thermal expansion and contraction beautifully. 

Budget Reality Check 

Let's talk dollars and sense. Don't just look at upfront costs. Cedar can last 50+ years with proper maintenance, while vinyl might need replacement after 10-15 years. Factor in your long-term plans for the home when making this investment. 

Maintenance Commitment 

Be honest with yourself about maintenance. Are you the type who stays on top of home maintenance religiously? Cedar might be perfect for you. More of a "set it and forget it" personality? Fiber cement or vinyl will better match your lifestyle. There's no wrong answer - it's about knowing yourself. 

Architectural Authenticity 

Consider your home's style and era. A genuine Victorian may deserve the authenticity of real cedar shingles, especially if you're planning decorative patterns. A modern farmhouse might look perfectly appropriate with fiber cement shakes that offer clean lines and minimal upkeep. 

Environmental Impact 

If sustainability matters to you, each option has different implications. Cedar is renewable but requires logging. Fiber cement production has a larger carbon footprint initially, but the product's longevity helps offset this. Vinyl is petroleum-based but can be recycled in some areas. 

Neighborhood Context 

Look around your neighborhood. While you don't need to match everyone else's choices exactly, your siding should feel harmonious with the overall streetscape. This is especially important in historic districts or communities with architectural guidelines. 

Choosing between shingles and shakes - and then selecting the specific material - is a big decision that impacts both your home's appearance and your maintenance routine for decades to come. Take your time, request samples, and even visit homes with different options installed. The perfect choice is out there; it's just a matter of finding the right balance for your specific situation. 

The Final Word on Shingle & Shake Siding