Shakes or Shingles: Which is the Best for Sidings?

People who prefer to have their homes built using cedar have the dilemma of choosing between shakes or shingles. Technically speaking, these two are more or less the same, save for a few cosmetic and manufacturing differences. However, there are some circumstances wherein one is preferable over the other, especially when they're intended to be used as a siding material.

Cedar shingles are made by sawing both sides of the wood and ensuring a thin butt at the same time. This means that shingles are generally more uniform in shape and design than cedar shakes, which limits their variety. On the plus side, cedar shingles are usually two-faced, which means that each piece has two designs. The “face” that looks more beautiful is usually the one that is exposed to the outside elements.

Cedar shakes, meanwhile, are somewhat less uniform because they vary in shape and width in small amounts. While this gives them more leeway when it comes to aesthetic design, shakes are also relatively heavier than cedar shingles, which means that weight is an important consideration when using them as a siding material. Some shakes may also require sanding and polishing before they can be used to remove excess grain content.