Differentiating between Cedar Shingles and Shakes

Western Red Cedar is the most widely used wood in America. It's used in pencils, poles, fences, cabinets, interior finish, and cooperage. However, it's most popular use is for roof shingles and shakes. Due to its durability, cut, and many color varieties, cedar wood is a highly preferred roofing material option. Both cedar shingles and shakes are widely used on commercial and residential structures alike.

Cedar shingles

Cedar shingles generally come in uniform thickness, appearance, and width (except for custom orders). They come in two styles: sawn and sanded. Sawn cedar shingles have the strength and visual properties of cedar shakes, but with a more refined look. Sanded cedar shingles are smoother on both sides of the panel and offer an even more tailored appearance.

Cedar shakes

Cedar shakes are less uniform in thickness than shingles. Sometimes, they can be grooved and have a little taper. Cedar shakes also come in two styles: hand-split and taper-sawn. Hand-split shakes are rough and unsanded, lending to a more rustic effect. The taper-sawn cedar shake variety is sawn on both sides and retains the strength and thickness of a shake while remaining closer to the textured appearance of a shingle.

To differentiate between the two, cedar shingles give your roof a more refined look, while cedar shakes provide a more rugged appearance. Both can be applied directly over existing roofing materials like asphalt or wood shingles.