Wood shake siding has long been a classic exterior siding option. While vinyl and fiber cement sidings have grown in popularity, wood siding offers unique aesthetic qualities.

However, along with the aesthetic appeal comes notable maintenance requirements. Weighing the pros and cons of wood shake siding can help you determine if it aligns with your goals for your home’s exterior.


Key Characteristics of Wood Shake Siding

Wood shake siding consists of shingles cut from cedar or other rot-resistant woods. The shingles have a tapered shape and overlap each other to form the exterior siding. Today’s wood shingles primarily use machine-cut profiles rather than the hand-split technique used historically.

Cedar is the most common wood for shakes because of its natural resistance to moisture, decay, and insect damage. Other wood options are pine and redwood. Unfinished cedar will weather to a silvery gray shade if exposed to the elements. Preservative stains in various hues can prolong the life and customize the appearance.

Wood shake siding shingles are available in different styles:

  • Rustic shingles have a rougher, more textured appearance reminiscent of the hand-split shakes used in the past. They’re typically thicker than other styles.
  • Shingles with a smooth face create a more uniform look. These machine-cut shingles will lie flatter on the exterior walls.
  • Staggered edge shingles have variably cut bottom edges that provide an irregular, rustic pattern. The staggered edges help enhance shadow lines.
  • Half-round edges create a distinctive, semi-circular bottom edge profile.

Pros of Wood Shake Siding

Offers Durability

Properly installed and maintained cedar shake siding can last 30 years or longer. The layered overlapping design allows only the bottom edge to endure direct weathering. Treating the wood with preservative stains, fixatives, and UV inhibitors can help extend its life span.

Cedar’s natural resistance to moisture, rotting, and pests helps prevent common forms of decay. The shingles also resist minor impacts that could dent or deform other siding materials. However, neglecting maintenance needs like recoating the shingles can significantly decrease their usable life span.

Provides a Unique, Rustic Aesthetic

The rustic, multitone look of natural cedar shake siding creates unique curb appeal. The shingles’ staggered edges and overlapping rows stand out compared to sidings, with a more uniform appearance. For homeowners valuing a timeless, traditional aesthetic, wood shingles are an appealing option.

The raw cedar’s gray, weathered patina has inspired the color palettes of vinyl and composite siding products as well. While new technologies have replicated the look, discerning homebuyers recognize the distinctiveness of authentic wood.

Allows for Customization

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Homeowners can apply stains in an array of hues to customize wood shingles’ appearance. Stain finishes enrich the depth of color while allowing the wood grain to show through. Painting the shingles offers even more dramatic customization potential.

You can choose to stain or paint the shake siding on your entire home or selectively on accent walls.

Prefinished shingles are also available with factory-applied stains and paints. This allows for less hassle while installing shakes. Keep in mind that refinishing will still be required every five to eight years.

Can Increase Resale Value

The curb appeal and perceived quality of real wood siding boosts resale value potential. Since wood shingles have a high up-front cost, buyers recognize the extra investment and value in a home (you can read more about the cost in our Ultimate Guide to Cedar Shake Siding.) However, to fully realize this advantage, the shakes must be properly maintained. Weathered, damaged shingles negate an otherwise desirable feature.


Cons of Wood Shake Siding

Requires High Maintenance

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The primary disadvantage of wood shake siding is the need for regular maintenance. Every five to eight years, a carpenter or painter should reapply protective stains and coatings. This maintains the integrity of the shingles and can help repel moisture, fungi, and pests.

Neglected shingles will begin to crack, warp, and deteriorate after prolonged exposure to the elements.

Damaged sections will need replacement unless the shingles receive timely preservation treatments.

Wood shingles also accumulate dirt and debris in their crevices. Expect to periodically clean them with low-pressure washing. You can use a pressure washer, but it must be done carefully. Read our article on pressure washing cedar siding to learn about the dos and don’ts. 

Carries Higher Upfront Cost

The cost of cedar shake shingle siding averages $7 to $15 per square foot installed. This equates to $9,000 to $24,000 for a typical single-family home. Prices depend on installer rates in your region and the complexity of your project.

The high cost stems from the availability of suitable cedar lumber and the intensive labor of installation. You may also incur additional costs to apply protective treatments after installation. In contrast to wood shake siding, vinyl siding averages $4 to $12 per square foot installed.

Potential Fire Risk

In wildfire-prone regions, wood shake siding poses an elevated fire risk. Wind-driven embers can ignite the shingles, allowing the flames to spread rapidly. As a result, some areas now prohibit the use of wood shake siding in new construction.

Homeowners with existing wood shake siding in high fire severity zones may need to replace it with non-combustible materials. Otherwise, they face potential insurance difficulties or even cancellation of their policies.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

If you live in an area where wood shingles are allowed, using fire-retardant treatments can help reduce the fire risk. Proper forest management techniques and fire-resistant landscaping also help.

May Not Last as Long as Alternatives

When properly maintained, wood shingles can last 30 years or longer. However, other siding options like brick, stucco, and fiber cement have life expectancies of 50 years or more. Concrete-based materials don’t require recoating and are inherently fire-resistant.

For homeowners wanting minimal maintenance, wood shingles might not be the most practical choice. You must commit to periodic upkeep to achieve longevity comparable to that of other materials.


So, Is Wood Shake Siding Right for Your Home?

Wood shake shingle siding imparts unique charm but is high maintenance. For homes favoring a traditional aesthetic, authentic wood shingles are an appealing upgrade. Their overlapping rows produce deep shadow lines and a multidimensional look vinyl siding can’t replicate. Unfinished cedar weathers elegantly to a driftwood gray over time.

The higher up-front cost delivers lasting curb appeal that influences resale value. But budget-focused homeowners may balk at the price tag. Cheaper siding options like vinyl and fiber cement provide comparable durability, though they lack the depth and dimension of real wood.

Ultimately, wood shake siding best suits homeowners who appreciate the look and accept the maintenance trade-offs. Taking measures to reduce fire risks also factors into the decision. With proper care, the shingles can last for decades while adding beauty and character to your home’s exterior.


FAQs About Wood Shake Siding

Does wood shake siding increase home value?

Properly maintained wood shake siding adds curb appeal and perceived home quality, which can increase resale value. Home buyers recognize the higher original cost as an investment in the home. The exact impact on home value depends on buyer preferences in your market.


How long does wood shake siding last?

With periodic refinishing, wood shake siding can last 30 years or longer. Cedar and redwood’s natural resistance to rotting and insects contributes to a long life span. But lack of maintenance shortens it to 15 years or less.


What's the best wood for shake siding?

Cedar is the best wood for durability. Its natural oils help resist weathering, moisture, and insect damage. Redwood is also rot-resistant but costs more than cedar. Some use pine or other woods, but these are more prone to decay.


Does homeowners insurance cover wood shake siding?

In wildfire zones, some insurers decline to cover homes with wood shake siding due to the fire risk. Elsewhere, wood siding should qualify for coverage, especially if treated with fire retardant. Confirm with your agent about exclusions.


Is wood or vinyl siding better?

Vinyl is cheaper and needs little maintenance. Wood provides more character but requires refinishing every five to eight years. Vinyl can dent, while wood resists minor impacts. Overall preference depends on budget, goals, and maintenance tolerance.


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Doug Sluga

Doug Sluga

Doug Sluga is a professional roofer and carpenter with ten years of experience in residential and commercial construction. His expertise spans the breadth of the roofing trade from minor repairs to laying shingles to framing trusses. These days he spends most of his time writing about roofing and the roofing industry.

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Lee Ann Merrill

Chicago-based Lee Ann Merrill has decades of experience writing and editing across a wide range of technical and scientific subjects. Her love of DIY, gardening, and making led her to the realm of creating and honing quality content for homeowners. When she's not working on her craft, you can find her exploring her city by bike and plotting international adventures.

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