Natural cedar shingle siding offers classic curb appeal with lasting durability when installed properly. This guide highlights five strong options for exterior cedar siding projects, suitable for homeowners, builders, and remodelers. Each pick is evaluated for best use cases, such as endurance against weather, ease of installation, or aesthetic prominence. The top selections emphasize under-coursing, R&R (rebutted and rejoined) designs, and larger exposure options to suit different wall styles. Read on to discover which product fits your siding goals and climate, along with practical buying considerations.
Summary of chosen products at a glance: a mix of undercourse and R&R cedar shingles, including 24-inch premium-grade shingle options and decorative cedar pieces. This table helps compare core traits like size, exposure, and typical applications. Use it to quickly identify the best match for double-coursed walls, visible exterior siding, or decorative accents.
Miller Shingle 18″ Undercourse Cedar Shingle
Product type: Utility grade under-coursing cedar shingle for double coursed sidewalls and starter shingles. Size and coverage: 1 square carton, 18 inches, covers up to 100 square feet at 14-inch exposure or 50 square feet at 7-inch exposure. Origin: Western Red Cedar. Best for: builders and homeowners planning underlayment or starter courses on exterior walls where a sturdy base is required. Limitation: utility-grade shingles may have minor cosmetic imperfections suitable for less visible sections. Why chosen: strong for structural underlayers and cost-conscious siding projects.
Miller Shingle 18 Inch R&R Cedar Sidewall Shingles
Product type: Rebutted and Rejointed (R&R) sidewall shingles, grooved on one side. Size and packaging: 1/2 square carton. Coverage: about 50 square feet at 14-inch exposure with double coursing. Material: high-grade #1 kiln-dried shingles. Best for: siding projects needing precise joints and a cleaner, consistent exterior finish. Limitation: limited carton coverage requires careful planning for larger walls. Why chosen: R&R design minimizes gaps and enhances wind resistance on exterior walls.
24″ Royals Western Red Cedar Shingles – CVG
Product type: CERTI-Grade cedar shingles with clear vertical grain for premium exterior appearance. Size and features: 24-inch shingles, Western Red Cedar, CVG for stability and longevity. Best for: exterior siding and architectural projects where high visual impact matters. Limitation: larger shingles may require longer installation lead times and careful flashing. Why chosen: optimal combination of appearance quality and structural stability for prominent facades.
Miller Shingle 18″ R&R Cedar Shingles (Natural Groove)
Product type: R&R sidewall shingles with natural groove. Packaging: 1/2 square carton. Coverage: 50 square feet at 14-inch exposure. Material: high-grade #1 kiln-dried, grooved on one side. Best for: projects requiring precise joint alignment and a classic cedar appearance on sidewalls. Limitation: smaller carton size may require more frequent shipments for large walls. Why chosen: consistent jointing and dependable sidewall performance for refined exterior finishes.
Miller Shingle 18″ R&R Cedar Shingles Primed
Product type: Primed R&R cedar shingles for sidewalls. Coverage: 1 square carton covers 100 square feet at 14-inch exposure (double coursed). Material: high-grade #1 kiln dried shingles with primed finish. Best for: siding projects seeking easier paint or stain adhesion and a ready-to-finish surface. Limitation: primed surface may require maintenance to preserve color and protection. Why chosen: prime finish reduces staining time and provides a ready-made base for final coatings.
Miller Shingle 18″ R&R Cedar Shingles Half Carton
Product type: Half carton R&R cedar shingles for sidewalls. Coverage: 50 square feet at 14-inch exposure (double coursed). Material: high-grade #1 kiln dried shingles with grooved one side. Best for: smaller projects or accent walls where incremental quantities are ideal. Limitation: more seams may be visible on larger surfaces. Why chosen: flexibility for partial installations and trim work without committing to full cartons.
Briwooody 64 Pcs Cedar Shingle Chips
Product type: Cedar shingle chips for miscellaneous siding and roofing projects. Coverage: about 20-25 square feet with 18″ length, 5.8″ width, 0.6″ thickness at butt. Material: Western Red Cedar. Best for: decorative accents, roofing tiles, or small-scale siding repairs. Limitation: chips vary in shape and may require more cutting for uniform appearances. Why chosen: natural cedar aesthetics and flexibility for creative exterior detailing.
Nuanchu Round Cedar Shingles 110 Pcs
Product type: Round decorative cedar shingles for house siding and decorative installations. Coverage: 110 pieces at 17.01 x 4.92 inches. Material: Western Red Cedar. Best for: projects seeking a distinctive, traditional aesthetic with a round profile. Limitation: decorative shapes may require precise cutting and alignment for seamless patterns. Why chosen: unique round design adds a historic or rustic touch to siding or accents.
Buying Guide
What to consider when choosing cedar shingle siding: exposure and coverage, undercourse or R&R designs, and carton size versus wall area. For visibility, choose CVG or premium Royals-grade shingles for a high-end look. For budget or structural base, undercourse or R&R options provide reliable performance with clear jointing. Material choice matters: Western Red Cedar offers durability and natural rot resistance. Primer or finish can affect maintenance, color longevity, and weather protection. Consider climate, installation method, and wall geometry to select the right profile.
Key Purchase Considerations
- Exposure and coverage: larger exposures cover more area per shingle; plan wall layout accordingly.
- Joint design: R&R reduces gaps and improves water-shedding performance on exterior walls.
- Carton sizing: smaller cartons offer flexibility for patterning on complex facades.
- Finish type: primed or natural finishes affect maintenance and color longevity.
- Decay resistance: all cedar provides natural durability; northern climates benefit from properly spaced installation and flashing.
FAQ
- Q: What cedar grade should I pick for visible siding?
- A: For visible siding, choose higher-grade options like CERTI-Grade or CVG for fewer imperfections and a smoother finish.
- Q: Do I need primed shingles?
- A: Primed shingles can ease painting and improve coating adhesion, but require regular maintenance to preserve color and protection.
- Q: How do I decide between undercourse and R&R shingles?
- A: Use undercourse for base layers and starter courses; choose R&R for cleaner joints and better wind resistance on exterior walls.
- Q: How many shingles fit a typical wall?
- A: It depends on exposure and wall area; calculate surface area and divide by per-shingle coverage to estimate quantities.
- Q: Can cedar shingles be installed on roofs too?
- A: Yes, some cedar shingles are suitable for roofing, but verify product specifications and installation guidelines for roofing use.