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Shingles and shakes aren't the same product.
Shingles are sawn on both sides, giving a smooth, even surface — a clean, more refined look.
Shakes are split, at least on one face, which gives them a heavier, more textured, rustic look.
Neither is "better" — it comes down to the look you're after.
Why Cedar Over Asphalt or Metal?
Cedar isn't just a look — it performs.
Western Red Cedar carries natural oils that make it resistant to rot, decay, and insects without chemical treatment. It's also naturally insulating, which asphalt and metal aren't, helping regulate temperature through the winter and summer. And unlike asphalt shingles, which typically need replacing every 15-20 years, a well-installed cedar roof can last several decades with basic maintenance.
It's a material that ages instead of just wearing out.
Getting the Fasteners Right
The wrong nail can undo a good cedar installation fast.
Cedar's natural acidity reacts with standard steel fasteners, causing rust streaking and premature corrosion — which weakens the hold and stains the wood around it.
That's why hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails, like our Maze fasteners, are the standard for shingle and shake installs.
It's a small detail that makes a big difference in how long the roof or wall actually holds up.
Not tackling the install yourself? We work with a network of trusted contractors across the region who know cedar inside and out — ask us for a referral when you're ready.
The project on the left is completed with Western Red Cedar 18" Premium Tapersawn Shakes.
The Aesthetic: Built to Weather Beautifully
Left unfinished, cedar shingles and shakes gradually weather to a soft, silvery grey — a look a lot of homeowners choose on purpose.
If you want to hold onto that warm, honey-brown tone instead? Sansin stains will slow that natural transition and protect the wood from UV rays.
Either way, cedar ages with character instead of just breaking down — something you don't get with synthetic materials.
While many cedar shingles may look similar at first glance, differences in grain, density, and milling quality become far more noticeable over time.
When it comes to cedar roofing and siding, the source of the material matters more than many people realize.
