Vinyl cedar shake siding is definitely worth a look if you are searching for an exterior option that looks great and requires little to no maintenance. It can appear like real wood grain – it has real wood grain looks, can be cut to resemble natural cedar shakes and even feels like real cedar.
Basics Of Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding
You can use vinyl cedar shake siding as an exterior covering on your entire house, or you can simply use it as an accent, combined with other types of exterior siding. Wherever you use it, you are sure to be left with the traditional look of real cedar, without the hassle of high maintenance requirements. As a big plus, you’ll also save a lot on both the cost of the materials and the cost of the installation, since this siding is a much more cost effective option compared to real wood siding. Because it is made from vinyl, this product can be installed in just about any type of climate.
Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding Cost
Low To Mid Grade: $4.50 to $6.00 psf
Expect to spend $450 to $600 per square for materials and installation.
Mid To High End: $6.00 to $7.50 psf
Expect to spend $600 to $750 a square for materials and installation. Explore more on
Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding Cost.
Unique Look
Many homeowners opt for vinyl siding for their homes due to the lower cost and maintenance requirements of over other alternatives, such as brick, stone, stucco and wood siding. The benefits over more traditional lap options is that it looks like real wood and can add more interest and style to your home than basic vinyl siding. You get all of the benefits of a more expensive option, such as style, beauty and interest, without the negatives, such as the high cost of materials and installation or the high ongoing maintenance requirements.
Color Options
Another benefit to vinyl cedar shake siding compared to real cedar shakes is that you have many color options to consider. No need to pick up a paintbrush to start painting or staining to get your preferred color! The siding is available in a wide range of colors. Since the color runs through the whole panel and is not just a top coating, you don’t even have to worry if it gets scratched or nicked, because the same color runs throughout the board.
Environmentally Friendly
Although most people think of natural wood products as being more environmentally friendly than vinyl, the truth is that vinyl cedar shake siding is a very environmentally friendly product. For one, it lasts so long that it doesn’t require replacing – this means that it will not soon be waste. There is also little waste that occurs during installation, and whatever waste there is can be recycled.
Other Benefits
This product is also more flame-resistant product than natural wood. This is especially useful in locations prone to wildfires. It is also extremely durable and strong, resisting impact, severe weather and heavy wear and tear. Another benefit is that it is a good insulator if installed correctly, so it can add to the energy efficiency of your home.
Design Options
There are a variety of design options. Most of the options, no matter what the end product looks like, are available in sheets or rows that are usually 5 – 6 feet long. There are also a selection of accessory pieces to complete the installation, such as corner pieces, trim pieces and more. Although all types of vinyl cedar shake siding have the texture of real cedar, there are still different design options to consider.
Staggered Split Shake
These natural-looking shakes line up in varying widths so they give a very natural appearance.
Hexagon Sawn Shake
These shakes line up more closely than the staggered shakes, but have a broad V-cut on the bottom of each shake.
Fish Scale Sawn Shake
These have a curved bottom on each shake.
Octagon Sawn Shake
These have a diagonal cut on the edge that leads to a horizontal cut in the center bottom of the shake.
Hand Split Shakes
These have a rougher texture and varying thicknesses that better resemble the look of homemade cedar shakes.