Cedar shakes and shingles 101
Cedar Shakes and Shingles 101 is a primer to help you get acquainted with the world of cedar wood shakes and shingles. This article is based on a seminar from Alan Stout at Cedarwood Products. Watch this and other product knowledge seminars.
Basic shake and shingle terminology
First things first, let's talk terminology. From lengths and faces to grains and exposure, understanding how to describe cedar will help you select the right material for your project.
Shakes and shingles, though they might seem similar, each have their own set of rules. Hand-split shakes, taper-sawn shakes, and straight-split shakes each bring their unique character to the table. They also vary in length and thickness. Learn more by comparing cedar species, grades and applications.
How shakes and shingles are made
Ever wonder how those beautiful cedar shakes and shingles come to be? It starts with a log, often reclaimed wood from remote forests. Mills take those logs, cut them into rounds, and then transform them into cedar wood shakes and shingles. They are graded to help determine their best use, sometimes dried, they may be trimmed for easier installation and a more consistent look, and they can be finished by sanding, painting or staining.
Green shingles, R&R shingles, and shingle grades
Green shingles, with their historical names like 5X, Perfection, and Royal, have a charm of their own. When it comes to shingle grades, it's a bit different from shakes. From No. 1 to No. 4, each grade has its purpose.
R&R shingles are kiln-dried, then rebutted and rejointed. You can leave them to naturally weather or choose additional options, including staining, sanding or grooving. The color choices are fantastic – white or gray, primed or pre-stained. This gives you the flexibility to create something truly unique.
Shake exposure and coverage
When it comes to ordering shakes, the exposure and coverage chart will ensure you get the right quantity for your project.
One way to showcase premium shingles is with double-course installation. By adding an under course of lower-grade shingles, topped by a high-grade finishing course, you can extend the visible length of the high-quality shingles for a stunning effect.
Exploring cedar options: Western Red, Eastern White, and architectural styles
While Western Red Cedar dominates applications in the West, Eastern White Cedar has also found its place, especially for capturing that classic Cape Cod-style aesthetic. The versatility of Eastern White shingles is particularly evident in sidewall applications: they take stain beautifully and even come pre-stained from the factory, simplifying the installation process.
You can order a free sample box customized to your project’s specifications, so you can compare cedar shake and shingle quality, color and texture in any light or location.
Tailoring choices: Questions to guide your customer
Navigating the vast array of cedar choices requires thoughtful questions to guide your customers effectively. Start with intended application — whether it's a sidewall or roof — because this can significantly impact the amount of cedar needed.
For remodeling or additions, understanding the existing shakes and shingles through photos helps in achieving a seamless match. For new construction, exploring the desired look — modern or rustic — aids in narrowing down choices.
Identifying the cedar type (Western Red, Alaskan Yellow, or Eastern White), the manufacturing process (such as hand-split or taper-sawn), length (18 or 24 inches), and thickness, are all part of material selection. Shingle grades like 5X, Perfection, or Royal, and whether to leave the shingles green or use kiln-dried, or R&R, are additional options.
Exposure, treatments, and accessories
Determining exposure is crucial, whether on a roof or sidewall, as it impacts the quantity needed. For roofing applications, slope considerations may lead to adjustments in exposure.
Questions about fire treatment or CCA treatment provide insights into preservative preferences.
Accessory needs, from ridge caps and starters to felts and breathers, play a vital role in the overall project, ensuring a comprehensive approach to installation. Identifying the right fasteners, whether stainless or galvanized, adds the finishing touch to a well-planned cedar project.
Let’s talk
Cedarwood, based in Springfield, Oregon, is a family-owned business with more than 40 years of expertise. Our team is ready to assist you in choosing the perfect cedar solution for your project.