Wood Shakes and Shingles: Types, Costs & Installation Guide

WOOD SHAKES • WOOD SHINGLES • ROOFING & SIDING

What Are Wood Shakes and Shingles and Why Are They Still Popular?

Wondering what wood shakes and shingles are and why they remain a classic choice for roofs and walls? Wood shakes and shingles are natural wood cladding materials used for roofing, siding, dormers, gables, and architectural accents, valued for their warmth, texture, and timeless curb appeal.

🌲 Quick answer: Wood shakes and shingles are popular because they offer natural beauty, durable weather protection, and a distinctive rustic or refined look, depending on the cut and wood species.

They are both practical and architectural — helping protect a structure while adding depth, shadow lines, and natural character that many manufactured materials struggle to match.

• Roofing use: durable, textured coverage for homes, cabins, and cottages.
• Siding use: distinctive wall cladding for gables, dormers, and full facades.
• Material options: commonly made from cedar, pine, and redwood.

Wood shakes and shingles have long been used on cabins, coastal homes, cottages, and traditional buildings, but they also work beautifully on contemporary designs that want natural texture and warmth. The best choice depends on the look you want, the climate you live in, and how much maintenance you are willing to do.

Jump to: difference between shakes and shingles • common wood species • cedar • pine • redwood • hand-split vs. machine-sawn • life expectancy

SHAKES VS SHINGLES • TEXTURE • COST

What’s the Difference Between Shakes and Shingles?

Wondering how wood shakes differ from wood shingles? The main differences come down to thickness, texture, appearance, and price.

🪵 Quick answer: Shakes are thicker and rougher with a more rustic look, while shingles are thinner, smoother, and more uniform for a cleaner, more finished appearance.

The choice is mostly about look and budget — shakes deliver more texture and depth, while shingles create a tighter, more tailored pattern.

• Thickness: shakes are usually thicker than shingles.
• Surface: shakes are often hand-split; shingles are commonly machine-sawn.
• Cost: shakes often cost more because they use more material and labor.

In general, homeowners choose wood shake roofing when they want maximum rustic character, and choose wood shingles when they prefer a more refined and uniform appearance that still highlights natural wood.

CEDAR • PINE • REDWOOD

What Wood Species Are Commonly Used for Shakes and Shingles?

Wondering which woods are best for shakes and shingles? The three most common species are cedar, pine, and redwood, each offering different strengths in cost, appearance, and durability.

🌳 Quick answer: Cedar is the premium all-around choice for durability, pine is a more affordable option that usually needs extra treatment, and redwood is prized for its rich color and natural weather resistance.

The best species depends on climate, budget, and design goals.

• Cedar: naturally durable, insect resistant, and widely used for premium roofs and walls.
• Pine: cost-effective and simple-looking, often used where budget matters.
• Redwood: naturally durable with a distinctive reddish-brown tone and high-end appearance.

These same species can also be coordinated with matching trim and wood fence designs to create a more unified exterior design.

Below, we’ll look more closely at cedar, pine, and redwood shakes and shingles so you can decide which species makes the most sense for your roof, siding, or accent project.

Pine Shakes and Shingles

Pine is another widely used wood for shakes and shingles, especially in regions where pine is abundant. It offers a balance of strength, availability, and cost, making it a practical choice for many projects.

• Cost-effective: Often more affordable than cedar or redwood, which appeals to contractors and homeowners working within a budget.
• Strength: Pine has good structural strength, making it suitable for both roofing and siding when appropriately graded and installed.
• Appearance: Naturally light in color, pine can be stained or painted to match almost any architectural style—from farmhouse white to darker contemporary tones.
• Treatment: Because pine is less naturally decay-resistant, it is commonly pressure-treated or finished with preservatives to improve its service life.

To better understand the species behind the product, visit our white pine tree page.

Redwood Shakes and Shingles

Redwood is considered a premium material for shakes and shingles due to its rich color, dimensional stability, and natural durability. It is especially popular in California and along the West Coast.

• Exceptional longevity: Naturally resistant to rot and insects, redwood can deliver decades of service when properly installed and maintained.
• Signature color: Distinct reddish-brown heartwood and attractive grain patterns add warmth and elegance to any home.
• Regional fit: Particularly well-suited to coastal and temperate climates, and pairs beautifully with redwood decks and fences.
• Investment value: Higher material cost is often offset by curb appeal and the potential to increase a home’s perceived value.

For a coordinated look, many homeowners choose redwood fences or gates that echo the color and texture of a redwood shake or shingle exterior.

Hand-Split vs. Machine-Sawn Shakes and Shingles

One of the key differences you’ll encounter when shopping for wood shake and shingle roofing is how the product is made:

• Hand-split shakes: Individually split from blocks using hand tools (a mallet and froe), creating a thicker, more irregular surface. This “just hewn from the forest” look is ideal when you want a dramatic, shadowed roof or rustic cottage feel.
• Machine-sawn shingles: Sawn on both faces for a consistent thickness and smooth finish. Shingles produce more uniform courses and a clean pattern that reads well from the street.

Both hand-split shakes and machine-sawn shingles can perform well when properly installed and ventilated. The choice often comes down to desired appearance, budget, and local building code or fire-rating requirements.

Insulation Properties of Wood Shakes and Shingles

Beyond aesthetics and durability, wood shakes and shingles also contribute to the energy performance of a building. Wood is a natural insulator, and a wood roof or sidewall system adds a layer of thermal resistance between indoors and outdoors.

• Thermal performance: Wood helps moderate temperature swings, keeping interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
• R-Value: Thicker shakes generally offer slightly better insulating value than thinner shingles.
• System effect: Insulation performance improves when shakes or shingles are combined with proper underlayment, airspace, and attic or wall insulation.

While wood alone won’t replace modern insulation, it can play a meaningful role in an overall energy-efficient building envelope.

Life Expectancy of Cedar, Pine, and Redwood Shakes and Shingles

The life expectancy of a wood shake or shingle roof or wall depends on wood species, grade, climate, installation quality, and maintenance. As a general guide:

• Cedar shakes and shingles: Typically last around 30–40 years with good ventilation and maintenance.
• Pine shakes and shingles: Usually provide 20–30 years of service, especially when treated and kept well-finished.
• Redwood shakes and shingles: Known for exceptional longevity; 40–50 years or more is possible in favorable climates with proper care.

Regular inspections, cleaning (to remove moss, debris, and leaf buildup), and timely repairs—such as replacing broken pieces and renewing finishes—will help any wood shake or shingle system reach the upper end of its expected lifespan.

Shakes and shingles made from cedar, pine, and redwood remain popular for roofing and siding because they combine renewable, natural materials with long service life and timeless beauty. By understanding the differences between shakes and shingles, and the properties of each wood species, you can choose a system that balances durability, appearance, and budget for your next project.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

Considering wood roofing or siding? Explore additional guides on species, wood durability, and exterior design across Tree Plantation to find the right combination of wood type, grade, and profile for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Shakes and Shingles

What’s the difference between wood shakes and wood shingles?

Shakes are typically hand-split or split-and-resawn, which makes them thicker, more textured, and more irregular for a rustic look. Shingles are uniformly sawn, thinner, and lay flatter for a more refined and consistent pattern.

Shakes usually require interleaved felt or synthetic underlayment between courses to help shed water, while shingles are commonly installed over a continuous underlayment. In short: choose shakes for deep texture and rustic character, shingles for clean lines and a tailored appearance.

How long do cedar shakes and shingles last?

Service life depends on climate, grade, thickness, exposure, and maintenance, but as a general guide:

• Cedar shingles: often last around 20–30 years in well-ventilated, average climates.
• Heavy, hand-split cedar shakes: can reach 25–40+ years in favorable conditions.

Regular cleaning, prompt repair of damaged pieces, and good attic or roof ventilation are the keys to maximizing the lifespan of any wood roof system.

Do wood roofs need special underlayment and ventilation?

Yes. Underlayment and ventilation are crucial to performance and longevity:

• Use manufacturer-approved felt or high-perm synthetic underlayment beneath shingles and shakes.
• For shakes, follow the requirement for interleaving felt or synthetic strips between courses.
• Install over a ventilated deck or skip sheathing so the underside can dry out.
• Provide balanced attic ventilation to reduce moisture buildup and prevent cupping, buckling, or premature failure.

Are wood shakes and shingles fire safe?

Fire performance depends on product selection and installation. Fire-retardant-treated shakes and shingles can achieve Class A, B, or C fire ratings when installed according to the tested assemblies, including the specified underlayment and deck construction.

Always check local building codes and wildland–urban interface (WUI) regulations. Some regions restrict or prohibit untreated wood roofs due to wildfire risk, but may allow fire-retardant-treated products or non-combustible alternatives that mimic the look of wood.

What maintenance do wood roofs require?

Wood roofs are not “install and forget.” Basic maintenance includes:

• Keeping surfaces free of debris such as leaves and needles.
• Ensuring gutters and downspouts drain properly and do not back water up under the roof edge.
• Trimming overhanging branches to let sun and air reach the roof surface.
• Treating moss and algae with approved cleaners as needed.
• Inspecting flashings, hips, ridges, and valleys regularly for damage or leaks.
• Replacing cracked, split, or missing shakes and shingles as soon as they are noticed.

Which species and grades are best for wood shakes and shingles?

For roofing, durability and stability matter. Common high-performing choices include:

• Western Red Cedar: widely used for shakes and shingles due to its natural decay resistance and dimensional stability.
• Alaskan Yellow Cedar: dense and durable, often used in demanding climates.
• Pine and Redwood: used regionally for specific looks and performance characteristics.

Choose premium or No.1 grades with straight grain and minimal knots. Thicker “heavy” or hand-split shakes provide more texture and potential longevity, especially on steeper roofs with good drying conditions.

How do wood roofs compare to asphalt or metal for cost and sustainability?

In many markets, wood sits between basic asphalt and high-end metal or tile in terms of cost:

• Cost: Typically higher than entry-level asphalt shingles, but often less than premium metal, clay, or slate.
• Sustainability: Sustainably harvested cedar and other species are renewable, have relatively low embodied energy, and are easier to dispose of or reuse than composite products.
• Alternatives: Metal roofs offer excellent fire resistance and long life but usually have higher embodied energy in manufacturing.

For homeowners prioritizing natural materials and low embodied energy, a responsibly sourced wood roof can be an appealing option.

When are wood shakes or shingles a poor fit?

Wood shakes and shingles may not be the best choice when:

• The site is very shaded and constantly damp, which encourages moss and decay.
• You are in a high wildfire-risk area with codes that restrict combustible roofing.
• The owner wants a near zero-maintenance roof and is unwilling to perform or schedule periodic care.

In those cases, consider fire-rated alternatives that mimic the look of wood, such as fiber-cement, engineered composites, or stamped metal shakes with wood-grain profiles.