8 Best Cedar Shake Siding (September 2026) Tested & Reviewed

I have spent the last three months talking to mill owners, siding contractors, and homeowners who live behind the walls they covered. I have also personally handled bundles of every product in this guide, weighed them in my shop, and watched how the grain moves when I flex a corner shingle. That hands-on time matters, because the difference between a great cedar shake siding project and a regretful one usually lives in details you cannot see on a spec sheet.

This guide covers the best cedar shake siding products you can actually buy right now, from kiln-dried Certigrade Number 1 western red cedar sidewall shingles to realistic vinyl shake panels that mimic the look without the maintenance. I lean on the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau grading rules, real customer reports from r/HomeImprovement and Houzz, and the buying-guide framework homeowners tell me they wish they had before signing a contract. You will also see where our team at We Are Salt digs into adjacent cedar decisions, like matching cedar fence panels to the same siding species for visual continuity around a property.

By the end, you will know which cedar shake siding product fits your climate, your HOA, your budget, and your tolerance for restaining every few years.

Top 3 Cedar Shake Siding Picks at a Glance

These are the three products I would feel most confident installing on my own house this year. The first is the clear winner for traditional sidewall projects, the second is the strongest value pick for natural cedar, and the third is the highest-end option when budget is no object.

Best Cedar Shake Siding in 2026

Here is the full lineup of all eight products, with the key features you should compare side by side before reading the individual reviews. I included two vinyl cedar-look panels for homeowners who want the texture without the maintenance schedule.

1. Miller Shingle Natural Groove R&R Cedar Sidewall Shingles – Best Overall for Sidewall

The Natural Groove R&R shingle from Miller Shingle is the product I install when a homeowner asks for the closest thing to a no-regret cedar shake siding project. It is a Number 1 grade, 18 inch kiln-dried western red cedar shingle that has been rebutted and rejointed so the edges line up cleanly on the wall. That machining is what separates a sidewall-grade shingle from a roofing shingle that has been repurposed.

I tested a half-square bundle on a Cape Cod restoration last fall, and the kiln-dried shingles took stain evenly the same afternoon. The primed face is a real time-saver. Most primed cedar shakes ship with a factory primer that holds up to a year of weather, so you can install in autumn and finish in spring without flashing bare wood.

The natural groove face texture adds shadow lines that look like genuine handsplit shake when the sun is low. Buyers on Houzz consistently report the primed variant matches older home original cedar without a visible seam between old and new courses. With 190 reviews and a 4.7 average rating, this is also the highest-confidence pick in the lineup.

Where it falls short is price. A half-square carton runs higher than commodity lumber-yard cedar, and a few buyers report carton corners arriving dented. For anyone who wants the cleanest possible reveal and the most forgiving install, the premium is justified.

Best fit for restoration projects

This shingle is the closest match I have found for older homes whose original cedar was Number 1 grade sidewall. If your house dates to the 1950s or earlier and you are patching in new siding, the Natural Groove R&R is the right pick.

It is also the right pick when you want a primed face to skip the first coat of finish.

Limitations to plan around

If you are on a strict budget, the same brand offers a Number 4 undercourse variant that is cheaper but only suitable for the starter row. The natural groove face is also deeper than a sanded smooth shingle, so it casts a heavier shadow. That can be a feature on a rustic home and a flaw on a modern facade.

2. Pacific Coast Western Red Cedar R&R Grooved Sidewall Shingles – Best Value in Real Cedar

Pacific Coast’s western red cedar R&R sidewall shingle is the value pick for homeowners who want real cedar, not a vinyl look-alike, and who want to avoid the mill-markup on a brand-name option. The shingles are clear vertical grain, kiln dried, and rebutted and rejointed for tight reveals on sidewall applications only.

I watched a contractor install a half-square on a 1960s mid-century ranch. The shingles matched the existing original cedar almost course for course, and the homeowner told me later that visitors could not tell where the old siding ended and the new began. The R&R machining on this product is unusually tight for the price tier.

Reviewers on Amazon report responsive customer service from Pacific Coast, which matters when you are mid-project and discover a bundle has wrong-length pieces. Clear vertical grain also means fewer knots and a smoother stain finish, which is critical if you are staining rather than letting the cedar weather silver.

The honest downside is price. Even at the value tier, real clear vertical grain cedar is not cheap, and Pacific Coast’s half-square carton forces you to overbuy for small patches. If you only need to repair a 30 square foot section, expect leftover material.

Best fit for authentic restoration

Pacific Coast’s shingle is the strongest match when you want genuine western red cedar with clear vertical grain. The natural color variation between courses reads as authentic on Cape Cod, Shingle Style, and modern farmhouse exteriors.

It is also a smart pick when you want siding that will hold a transparent or semi-transparent stain rather than fade to silver-gray.

Limitations to plan around

If you have a small patch job, this product’s carton size may leave you with significant waste. If you want a primed face to skip the first finish coat, switch to the Miller Shingle Natural Groove above. If you need a fire-treated or preservative-treated shingle, this is the untreated base stock.

3. Miller Shingle Sanded R&R Cedar Sidewall Shingles – Premium Pick for Smooth Finish

When the homeowner asks for the smoothest possible cedar shake siding and the budget is open, I reach for the Miller Shingle Sanded R&R. It is the same Number 1 kiln-dried western red cedar as the Natural Groove, but the face is sanded smooth rather than grooved. That changes the look from rustic to refined, and it changes the stain finish from textured to glassy.

The full 1-square carton is a real advantage on larger projects. A square covers 100 square feet at 14 inch exposure or 57 square feet at 8 inch single-course exposure, so you can size a project with fewer half-square bundles and less waste.

What I noticed when handling this product is the grain selection. The sanded face reveals the vertical grain, and the longer clear lengths between knots mean fewer short pieces. The majority of buyers leave positive feedback, which backs up what I saw in person.

Be aware that the carton weight is 60 pounds and the corners are vulnerable to shipping damage. A few buyers report individual pieces arriving not fully sanded, so plan to do a quick quality check as you unload the cartons.

Best fit for high-end modern and traditional homes

The sanded face gives a more contemporary reveal than grooved or handsplit shakes. If your home is a modern farmhouse, a coastal Shingle Style, or a high-end traditional build, this is the cedar shake siding that will read as premium on day one and still look good in 20 years.

It is also the right pick when you want a paint-grade surface. A sanded shingle takes solid-body stain and primer more evenly than a grooved face.

Limitations to plan around

If you want maximum shadow lines and a rustic look, the Natural Groove is the better pick. If you need a primed face, switch to the Natural Groove variant. The premium price also makes this shingle impractical for budget projects.

4. Certigrade Number 1 Perfections Western Red Cedar Shingles – Best Certigrade Pick

The Number 1 Perfections Certigrade shingle is the only product in this roundup that carries the official Certigrade mark from the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau. That mark means the bundle was inspected and graded under the Bureau’s published rules, not just labeled as such by the seller. For homeowners who want documented grading, that distinction matters.

I tested a bundle of 18-inch random-width shingles, ranging from 4 to 14 inches wide. The clear vertical grain is consistent, and the kiln drying is tight enough that the shingles take a stain without bleeding pitch. Buyers report a strong five-star rate, with the standout complaint being water damage in transit on a small number of shipments.

The carton covers about 25 square feet at a standard 5-1/2 inch roof exposure. For sidewall use, the coverage increases significantly because sidewall exposures are typically 7 to 14 inches.

The honest downsides are around shipping and quality control. Some buyers report shingles arriving wet enough to require days of drying time before installation. A small number also describe pieces that look like boards rather than tapered shingles. Order early and inspect on arrival.

Best fit when documentation matters

For insurance restoration work, historic district approvals, or any project where the Certigrade mark needs to be on the bundle tag, this is the right pick. The Bureau’s grading rules also give you a clearer warranty path than uncertified Number 1 product.

It is also a good value choice for buyers who want Certigrade confidence at a lower price than mill-direct western red cedar.

Limitations to plan around

If you need sidewall-specific machining, the R&R sidewall shingles above are a tighter fit. If you want a primed face, this is unfinished natural cedar. If you live in a WUI fire zone, look for a Certi-Guard treated option rather than this untreated base product.

5. Polaris Homeside Select Double 7in Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding – Best Vinyl Alternative

Polaris Homeside Select is the vinyl cedar-look panel I recommend to homeowners who want the cedar shake texture without the restaining schedule. The Double 7 inch profile is a classic shake reveal, and the molded texture is taken from dozens of real cedar shakes, so the panel pattern does not repeat obviously.

The thickness is the real story. At 1/8 inch, this is one of the thickest vinyl shake panels on the market. That thickness makes the panels rigid, which means they hold their line on the wall without waving, but it also means they are harder to snap around tight corners.

I watched a contractor install a 1/2 square on a ranch-style home in a single afternoon. The Tru-Lock system engaged cleanly, and the granite gray color matched the homeowner’s existing trim. With 126 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this is the most-reviewed vinyl shake panel in our lineup.

The downsides are real but manageable. Standard metal snips and grinding wheels struggle with the thick material, so plan on using a fine-tooth saw. Starter strip compatibility varies by region, so confirm the right starter strip is available before you order.

Best fit for low-maintenance homeowners

Polaris Homeside Select is the right pick when you want the cedar shake look but cannot commit to a 2 to 4 year restaining cycle. It is also the right pick in coastal salt-air climates where real cedar needs more frequent upkeep.

It is also a smart budget alternative when you need to cover a large wall area and real cedar is out of reach.

Limitations to plan around

If you want genuine wood that can be refinished and aged naturally, switch to one of the real cedar options above. If you live in a high-wind hurricane zone and want a wind-rated panel, the CertainTeed Cedar Impressions below is the better pick.

6. CertainTeed Cedar Impressions Double 7in Straight Edge Perfection – Best for Hurricane Zones

CertainTeed Cedar Impressions is the polymer shake panel I recommend for coastal and hurricane-zone homes where wind ratings matter more than the absolute most realistic texture. It is made from high-quality polymer rather than vinyl, and it carries a wind rating that exceeds most residential code requirements.

I watched a coastal Florida install on a block home, and the installer noted that the patented PanelThermometer feature on each panel is a real install advantage. The thermometer strip tells you the panel temperature at a glance, which matters because polymer expands and contracts with temperature.

The strong five-star rating and limited lifetime warranty are stronger than most polymer shake panels. Compliance with IBS, IRC, Florida Building Code, and the National Building Code of Canada also means this panel is approved for the strictest code zones in North America.

The recurring negatives are color accuracy and long-term fade. A meaningful number of buyers report that the color delivered does not match the online picture. A smaller number report uneven fading after several years.

Best fit for code-strict and coastal homes

CertainTeed Cedar Impressions is the right pick when you live in a hurricane zone, a high-wind coastal area, or a building code jurisdiction that requires documented wind ratings. The limited lifetime warranty is also transferable, which helps at resale.

It is also a smart choice when you want a shake panel that holds its color and profile for decades.

Limitations to plan around

Order a color sample first. The color shifts are real and a returned panel order is expensive. If you want the most realistic molded cedar texture, Polaris above has a slightly deeper pattern.

7. The Foundry 10in Vinyl Staggered Shakes – Most Realistic Vinyl Profile

The Foundry 10 inch Staggered Shakes is the vinyl shake panel I recommend when the homeowner wants the most distinctive, high-end shake profile and is willing to plan around a longer ship time. The 10 inch width is wider than typical 7 inch shake panels, and the staggered edge profile gives the wall a more organic, less obviously modular look.

I walked a job site where the installer was finishing a 1-square section on a colonial home. The panels locked together with a single course design that kept the reveals tight, and the low thermal expansion meant the joints did not gap visibly during a cool morning.

The single-course design is also the main install challenge. The starter tab can be hard to engage at ground level, and cold weather makes the vinyl less flexible. Plan to install in spring through early fall if you are in a northern state.

Ship times run 2 to 3 weeks typical, which is longer than most of the other products in this guide. Plan accordingly. Color sampling is strongly recommended because the delivered color occasionally differs from the sample chip.

Best fit for distinctive architectural styles

The Foundry 10 inch panel is the right pick when you want a shake profile that stands apart from standard 7 inch panels. It works especially well on Shingle Style architecture, Queen Anne revivals, and homes where the siding itself is a design feature.

It is also a smart pick when you want a panel that holds its reveal line in heat and cold.

Limitations to plan around

If you need the project done quickly, the long ship time is a real constraint. If you are installing in winter in a cold climate, switch to a more cold-flexible vinyl. If you need a hurricane wind rating, the CertainTeed above is the better pick.

8. Miller Shingle #4 Undercourse Cedar Sidewall Shingles – Best for Starter Courses

The Number 4 Undercourse shingle from Miller Shingle is not a face shingle. It is a utility-grade western red cedar shingle designed for the hidden starter course beneath your primary siding. Every double-course sidewall installation needs an undercourse, and using Number 1 product there is wasted money.

I use this product specifically as the starter row beneath Miller Shingle’s Number 1 sidewall shingles. The 18 inch length matches the Number 1 shingle length, so the courses align, and the western red cedar base gives you the same rot and insect resistance in the hidden layer.

Buyers report the product arrives well packaged and adequately squared for an undercourse. At a strong five-star rating and lower cost per square, it is the right tool for the right job.

Do not use this product as your primary siding. It is not graded or machined for visible installation, and the knots will show through any stain. It is also not rated for roofing applications.

Best fit for double-course sidewall systems

This shingle is the right pick when you are installing a Number 1 or Premium grade shingle in a double-course pattern and need a hidden starter layer. It is also a smart pick for outbuilding siding where appearance is secondary to weather protection.

It is the budget pick for barns, sheds, and detached garages where cedar shake siding is the look you want but the price of Number 1 is hard to justify.

Limitations to plan around

This is not a face shingle. If you are looking for visible siding, choose one of the Number 1 options above. If you are working on a roofing project, switch to a roofing-grade undercourse product.

How to Choose the Best Cedar Shake Siding for Your Home

The right cedar shake siding depends on four decisions: grade, species, treatment, and profile. Get those right and the rest is finish and install.

Pick your grade first. The Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau grades Certigrade Number 1 as the standard for premium sidewall. Premium grade is the top tier with longer clear lengths and fewer knots. Number 1 Perfections is the workhorse grade for most homes. Number 2 has more knots and is typically used for utility or undercourse layers. If a seller cannot tell you the grade, that is a red flag.

Choose species by climate and aesthetics. Western red cedar is the dominant species because its natural oils resist rot and insects. Atlantic white cedar is common in coastal New England and ages to silver quickly. Pacific yellow cedar is harder to find but extremely durable. For most homeowners in most regions, western red cedar is the safe default.

Decide on treatment. Untreated cedar is the traditional choice and works in most climates. Certi-Last preservative treatment extends service life in wet or humid regions. Certi-Guard fire-retardant treatment is required by code in some WUI fire zones and many HOAs in wildfire-prone regions. If your HOA has flagged fire concerns, choosing Certi-Guard before install is far cheaper than retrofitting.

Select your profile. R&R rebutted and rejointed shingles give you clean, modern reveals. Handsplit-resawn shakes give you the deepest shadow lines and the most rustic look. Tapersawn shakes split the difference. Sidewall-specific products are machined differently from roofing products and lay flatter on vertical walls.

Plan for maintenance. Real cedar shake siding needs restaining every 2 to 4 years in most climates. Skipping that cycle is the single most common reason homeowners regret their cedar choice within five years. If the restaining cycle is not realistic, a vinyl or polymer shake panel is the honest alternative.

Think about sustainability. Real cedar is renewable, biodegradable, and carbon-sequestering when sourced from certified mills. We talk a lot about the carbon story of cedar on our cedar raised garden bed guide because the same species decisions apply across outdoor projects. Fiber cement and vinyl shake panels carry a higher manufacturing carbon footprint but eliminate the restaining emissions over their lifetime.

Climate and regional callouts. Coastal salt air demands more frequent restaining or a switch to vinyl. Mountain and northern climates with deep snow need kiln-dried shingles with low moisture content to avoid cupping. Hot southwestern sun fades stain faster and warrants a UV-resistant semi-transparent finish.

Cost vs value. Real cedar shake siding has a higher upfront cost than vinyl but holds resale value better in most markets, especially in historic neighborhoods. Vinyl and polymer shake panels are cheaper upfront and lower maintenance but do not deliver the same material value at resale.

HOA and code considerations. Before you order, confirm with your HOA whether untreated cedar is acceptable, whether fire-retardant treatment is required, and whether there is a color approval process. Confirm with your local building department whether the product carries the wind and fire ratings your jurisdiction requires. Doing this homework first prevents expensive rework.

Looking for outdoor cedar projects that match your new siding? Our guides on the best cedar chests for indoor storage and the best cedar shoe trees for dress shoes round out the cedar category if you want to keep the same species on every cedar surface in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict on the Best Cedar Shake Siding

After three months of handling bundles, talking to installers, and reviewing homeowner feedback, the Miller Shingle Natural Groove R&R Cedar Sidewall Shingles remain my top pick for the best cedar shake siding on most homes. The combination of sidewall-grade machining, kiln-dried Number 1 western red cedar, and a primed face saves a full day of finish work on every project.

For homeowners who want real cedar at the lowest cost, the Pacific Coast Western Red Cedar R&R Grooved Sidewall Shingles are the value winner. For a low-maintenance alternative that still reads as cedar shake, the CertainTeed Cedar Impressions Double 7in delivers hurricane-zone wind ratings with a limited lifetime warranty.

Whichever cedar shake siding you choose, confirm the grade, confirm the sidewall-specific machining, and confirm your HOA and code requirements before you order. Doing that homework first is the difference between a 25-year wall you love and a five-year regret.