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In the world of residential construction, cedar shingles are commonly used as siding and have been in use for over two hundred years, primarily in the United States. Cedar shingles offer the benefits of natural decay resistance as well as a beautiful surface.
Cedar shingles are durable, very easy to install, and give a home a unique look. Cedar shingles can be used on roofing, but today we will discuss using cedar shingles as siding and provide information on how to install them.
Not to be confused with cedar planks, cedar planks are typically finished at the factory to provide a consistent look from one piece to the next.
This is in contrast to cedar shakes, which are typically not cut from logs, but rather sawn. As a result, the two materials will look different throughout the home.
What is cedar shingle siding and why do I need it?
Cedar roofing, along with poplar and redwood, appears on homes because they provide a natural look. Some homeowners prefer not to live in a cookie-cutter style home and want a completely unique exterior for the home. Since no two trees are exactly alike, using cedar roofing on the exterior gives each home a distinct look.
However, cedar wood is not suitable for everyone. Cedar, being a natural material, will always require some amount of sealing or the product will eventually rot. Although cedar is both rot and insect-resistant, regularly sealing the wood can extend the life of the material indefinitely.
Cedar canopy also changes color dramatically over time if it is left to weather. Some owners prefer the natural color of newly made canopy, while others like to change the material as it weathers. Depending on the species, cedar canopy may start out a deep burgundy color and end up a light brown.
How long does it take to install wood shake siding?
Professionals can usually install a square (100 square feet) of cedar shingle siding in about 8 hours, but some designs take longer.
Generally, installation can take about two weeks, but several factors, such as home elevation and trim design, will affect the total time required.
Cedar shingle siding is typically sold by 1-2 squares per box, with one “square” equaling 100 square feet.
Cedar shingles can often be installed by an advanced craftsman with carpentry tools. Installing them is not particularly complicated, but care must be taken to follow the process carefully.
Pine wood planks are quite thin and can accidentally break from a fastener.
How to Begin Installing Wood Shake Siding
To begin wood shake siding installation, the first step is to measure how much siding you will need to cover the area. This is done by multiplying the width of the area by the length. For example, if the wall is 8 feet high and the area to be sided is 20 feet long, the total area will be approximately 160 square feet. This process is then repeated everywhere where siding is applied. Once you know how much you need, the next step is to decide the details, such as the profile size and available wood species. Today’s Homeowner Tip
Professional cedar shingle siding installers often build one wall at a time. This speeds up the project because it eliminates the need to move tools and ladders around unnecessarily. Step 1. Prepare the Surface Step 2. Lay Out the Area Step 3. Install the First Course Step 4. Install the Second Course Step 5. Install the Remaining Courses Step 6. Apply the Finish
Is wood shake siding for me?
Cedar shingle siding is one of, if not the most attractive siding materials currently on the market. Although many synthetic materials such as fiber cement, vinyl and aluminum attempt to replicate the look and feel of cedar shingles, none can achieve the natural beauty of natural wood. As home designs evolve, many homeowners have grown tired of millions of nearly identical looking homes. These homeowners are looking for a unique look that, with regular maintenance, will last for decades to come.