For 2026, pick from six top shakes and shingles that balance looks, durability, and maintenance: Polaris Homeside vinyl Cedar Shake (Granite Gray) for low‑maintenance realism; Polaris Savannah Wicker for deep 3D texture and lifetime warranty; GAF WeatherSide Purity fiber‑cement for non‑combustible, paintable stability; 18″ rebutted & rejoindered primed cedar for tight, classic joints; 18″ natural cedar for traditional appeal; and 24″ sanded cedar for a smooth, premium face — keep going to learn specs and installation tips.
| Polaris Homeside Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding – Granite Gray |
| Low-Maintenance Classic | Product Type: Vinyl cedar shake siding | Intended Application: Exterior siding (wall cladding) | Coverage/Packaging Unit: Box — 10 pieces; 1/2 square (~50 sq ft) per box | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| GAF WeatherSide Purity Fiber-Cement Thatched Siding Shingles |
| Durable & Fireproof | Product Type: Fiber‑cement thatched siding shingles | Intended Application: Exterior siding (wall cladding/renovation) | Coverage/Packaging Unit: Sold as siding shingles/panels (factory pre‑primed; panel packaging for install) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 18″ Rebutted & Rejointed Cedar Sidewall Shingles (Primed) |
| Authentic Craftsmanship | Product Type: 18″ rebutted & rejointed cedar sidewall shingles (primed) | Intended Application: Sidewall (exterior) installation | Coverage/Packaging Unit: 1/2 square carton (covers 50 sq ft @14″ exposure or 28.5 sq ft @8″) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Polaris Homeside Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding (Savannah Wicker) |
| Realistic Cedar Look | Product Type: Vinyl cedar shake siding | Intended Application: Exterior siding (wall cladding) | Coverage/Packaging Unit: Box — 10 pieces; 1/2 square (50 sq ft) per box | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 18″ Rebutted & Rejointed Cedar Sidewall Shingles |
| Traditional Choice | Product Type: 18″ rebutted & rejointed cedar sidewall shingles | Intended Application: Sidewall (exterior) installation | Coverage/Packaging Unit: 1/2 square carton (covers 50 sq ft @14″ exposure or 28.5 sq ft @8″) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 24″ Rebutted & Rejointed Sanded Natural Cedar Shingles |
| Premium Wide-Format | Product Type: 24″ rebutted & rejointed cedar sidewall shingles | Intended Application: Sidewall (exterior) installation | Coverage/Packaging Unit: 1/2 square carton | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Polaris Homeside Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding – Granite Gray
Assuming you want a low‑maintenance cedar shake look with durable locking and realistic texture, the Polaris Homeside Double 7in. Cedar Shake in Granite Gray gives that finish without the upkeep. You’ll get textured panels molded from dozens of real shakes, random seams for authenticity, and a Tru‑Lock locking system that snaps securely during installation. Each 48‑in. wide piece covers 50‑7/8 in. exposure; boxes contain 10 pieces (50 sq. ft.) and weigh 37 lbs. Allow about 20% waste. Thickness is 1/8 in., height 15‑3/8 in., linear footage 480 ft. per box; use CertainTeed 3/4 in. J channel.
- Product Type:Vinyl cedar shake siding
- Intended Application:Exterior siding (wall cladding)
- Coverage/Packaging Unit:Box — 10 pieces; 1/2 square (~50 sq ft) per box
- Material:PVC vinyl
- Finish / Surface Treatment:Textured to mimic real cedar shakes (manufactured color Granite Gray)
- Origin / Compliance & Durability Notes:Low‑maintenance, weather resistant; Tru‑Lock system (manufacturer Polaris)
- Additional Feature:Tru-Lock locking system
- Additional Feature:Textured from real shakes
- Additional Feature:Random seam design
GAF WeatherSide Purity Fiber-Cement Thatched Siding Shingles
In case you want the vintage look of classic asbestos shingles without the health risks, GAF WeatherSide Purity fiber-cement thatched siding gives you that authentic textured appearance while staying 100% asbestos-free and non-combustible. You’ll get a distinct, classic shingle texture sized like traditional asbestos siding, pre-primed and ready to paint for a custom finish. It’s UL classified to ANSI/UL 723 and non-combustible per ASTM E136. Fiber-cement resists warping, rot, UV damage, and termites, keeping strength and appearance through varied weather. Install through removing old siding and nailing panels; joints need no caulking. It’s ideal for safe restorations or new builds.
- Product Type:Fiber‑cement thatched siding shingles
- Intended Application:Exterior siding (wall cladding/renovation)
- Coverage/Packaging Unit:Sold as siding shingles/panels (factory pre‑primed; panel packaging for install)
- Material:Fiber‑cement
- Finish / Surface Treatment:Textured vintage/asbestos‑style surface; factory pre‑primed (ready to paint)
- Origin / Compliance & Durability Notes:Non‑combustible (ASTM E136), UL Classified (ANSI/UL 723), asbestos‑free; durable fiber‑cement
- Additional Feature:Ready-to-paint surface
- Additional Feature:100% asbestos-free
- Additional Feature:Non-combustible (ASTM E136)
18″ Rebutted & Rejointed Cedar Sidewall Shingles (Primed)
Should you need a durable, ready-to-finish sidewall shingle that blends classic cedar texture with factory priming, the 18″ Rebutted & Rejointed Natural Groove Cedar Sidewall Shingles (Primed) are an excellent choice—crafted from #1 kiln-dried cedar with a rebutted and rejoindered finish for tight, weather-resistant joins and a one-sided natural groove for authentic striation. You’ll get product-specific coverage options: a half-square carton covers 50 sq ft at 14″ exposure (double-coursed, under-course required) or 28.5 sq ft at 8″ exposure (single-coursed). Cartons vary in width, weigh 30 lbs, contain 15 items, and ship from Granite Falls, WA.
- Product Type:18″ rebutted & rejointed cedar sidewall shingles (primed)
- Intended Application:Sidewall (exterior) installation
- Coverage/Packaging Unit:1/2 square carton (covers 50 sq ft @14″ exposure or 28.5 sq ft @8″)
- Material:Natural cedar (kiln‑dried)
- Finish / Surface Treatment:Primed; natural groove (striated/combed one side)
- Origin / Compliance & Durability Notes:Made in USA (Granite Falls, WA); kiln‑dried, high‑grade #1 cedar
- Additional Feature:Natural groove texture
- Additional Feature:Kiln-dried #1 cedar
- Additional Feature:Primed factory finish
Polaris Homeside Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding (Savannah Wicker)
In case you want the look of authentic cedar shakes without the upkeep, Polaris Homeside’s Double 7 in. Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding in Savannah Wicker gives you realistic 3D texture captured from 18 real shakes with woodgrain detail and random edges. The Tru-Lock system secures panels while allowing thermal movement. At 48 inches wide with 17-inch exposure (core Double 7 in.), each 10-piece box covers 1/2 square (50 sq. ft.), weighs 37 pounds, and lists approximately 20% waste for cutting. It’s low-maintenance, weather- and pest-resistant, offered in multiple colors, and backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty for added peace of mind.
- Product Type:Vinyl cedar shake siding
- Intended Application:Exterior siding (wall cladding)
- Coverage/Packaging Unit:Box — 10 pieces; 1/2 square (50 sq ft) per box
- Material:PVC vinyl
- Finish / Surface Treatment:Textured 3D cedar‑shake surface (Savannah Wicker color)
- Origin / Compliance & Durability Notes:Low‑maintenance, weather resistant; limited lifetime warranty; manufacturer Polaris
- Additional Feature:Limited lifetime warranty
- Additional Feature:3D woodgrain detail
- Additional Feature:Tru-Lock thermal movement
18″ Rebutted & Rejointed Cedar Sidewall Shingles
Should you’re after a durable, hand-finished look for vertical walls, these 18″ Rebutted & Rejointed circular-sawn cedar sidewall shingles are the best choice because they combine #1 kiln-dried cedar with a tight R&R finish that lays flat and weathers evenly. You’ll get high-grade, circular-sawn cedar manufactured in Granite Falls, Washington, specifically for sidewall applications. Each 1/2-square carton covers 50 sq ft at 14″ double-course exposure or 28.5 sq ft at 8″ single-course exposure. Packed and sold per the 1/2-square carton, these shingles offer consistent appearance, controlled moisture content from kiln drying, and straightforward installation for vertical siding.
- Product Type:18″ rebutted & rejointed cedar sidewall shingles
- Intended Application:Sidewall (exterior) installation
- Coverage/Packaging Unit:1/2 square carton (covers 50 sq ft @14″ exposure or 28.5 sq ft @8″)
- Material:Natural cedar (circular sawn)
- Finish / Surface Treatment:Rebutted & rejointed circular‑sawn natural finish (unpainted)
- Origin / Compliance & Durability Notes:Made in USA (Granite Falls, WA); kiln‑dried high‑grade #1 cedar
- Additional Feature:Circular sawn finish
- Additional Feature:Kiln-dried high grade
- Additional Feature:1/2 square carton
24″ Rebutted & Rejointed Sanded Natural Cedar Shingles
Should you want authentic, low-profile sidewall shingles that match traditional cedar aesthetics, the 24″ rebutted & rejointed sanded natural cedar is a top pick because it delivers a clean, smooth face and consistent fit for tight joints. You’ll get Miller Shingle #1 quality in a sanded natural cedar finish, customized for sidewall application with the R&R profile for neat, interlocking courses. Packaged as a 1/2 square carton, it’s convenient for smaller jobs or touch-ups. Made in Granite Falls, Washington, USA, these shingles give you dependable craftsmanship and the classic look of cedar without unnecessary bulk.
- Product Type:24″ rebutted & rejointed cedar sidewall shingles
- Intended Application:Sidewall (exterior) installation
- Coverage/Packaging Unit:1/2 square carton
- Material:Natural cedar (sanded)
- Finish / Surface Treatment:Sanded natural cedar finish (R&R profile)
- Origin / Compliance & Durability Notes:Made in USA (Granite Falls, WA); R&R sanded natural cedar
- Additional Feature:Sanded natural surface
- Additional Feature:24-inch length profile
- Additional Feature:Made in USA
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shingles Shakes
While choosing shingles or shakes, you’ll want to weigh material durability and how well the option suits your local climate. Consider installation complexity and ongoing maintenance requirements, since those affect cost and lifespan. Finally, pick a style that matches your home’s aesthetic so the roof looks intentional and cohesive.
Material Durability
Because your roof sees sun, wind, moisture and pests year after year, material durability is the primary filter for choosing shingles or shakes: pick products that resist warping, rot, insects and UV damage, weigh maintenance needs like staining or sealing, consider thickness and manufacturing quality, and prefer noncombustible options in fire-prone areas. You’ll find fiber‑cement offers exceptional dimensional stability—resisting warping, rotting, termites and UV degradation—with low upkeep. Kiln‑dried cedar can last well provided you commit to regular staining or painting to prevent moisture penetration and decay. Vinyl shakes cut maintenance and resist insects and rot, but watch for thermal expansion, fading and embrittlement over decades. Always favor thicker, properly sanded or primed pieces; manufacturing quality reduces splitting and prolongs service life.
Climate Compatibility
In choosing shingles or shakes, match the material to your climate so it can withstand local heat, cold, moisture, salt, fire and wind without premature failure. In cold climates, pick low–moisture-absorption products with freeze–thaw resistance—cementitious or treated wood prevents cracking and spalling. In hot, sunny areas, choose UV-resistant materials with low thermal expansion; avoid dark, untreated surfaces that speed fading or warping. Near coasts or in high humidity, use noncorroding, rot- and salt-resistant materials and make certain ventilation and drainage to limit mold, mildew, and salt spray damage. For wildfire zones, install noncombustible or fire-rated shingles and skip untreated wood inside defensible space. In high-wind regions, select products and fastening systems rated for local wind speeds and specified overlap exposures.
Installation Complexity
Although installation looks straightforward, small differences in nail patterns, exposure, fastening, and flashing can render the job much harder than you expect, so pick a product that matches your skill level and roof structure. You’ll need to follow material-specific nail patterns and spacing—wrong nailing results in warping, cracking, or blow-off. Some products require an under-course or starter course and precise exposure (commonly 8″–17″) for correct overlap and weatherproofing. Heavier shakes necessitate mechanical fastening, structural backing, or extra framing, adding labor and complexity. Cutting and fitting around openings, and creating random or staggered seams, takes time and specialized tools (saws, shears, fiber-cement blades) and skill to avoid damage. Use corrosion-resistant fasteners, proper flashing, and ventilation details to protect warranties and performance.
Maintenance Requirements
Regularly inspect and maintain shingles and shakes—about every 1–2 years for wood—to catch cracked, loose, or split pieces and replace them before leaks start. You should clean debris, moss, and mildew with a soft brush or a low‑pressure wash annually or as needed to prevent moisture retention that shortens service life. Apply a preservative, water repellent, or stain every 3–5 years (or per manufacturer guidance) to keep moisture resistance and UV protection effective. Check attic and roof ventilation and trim overhanging vegetation to reduce dampness. After storms, inspect for missing or dislodged pieces, and refasten or replace corroded nails. Repair flashing, valleys, and sealants promptly to stop leaks and preserve the roof’s longevity.
Aesthetic Matching
As you pick shingles or shakes, focus on how scale, texture, color tone, edge style, and coursing will read from the street so the roof and siding read as a unified composition. Match the scale and profile—single-course 8″ exposures versus double-course 14–17″—so repeat patterns and shadow lines align across surfaces. Choose textures that echo nearby materials: smooth, sanded, combed/striated, or deep 3D shakes to keep visual continuity with trim and cladding. Coordinate color tone and undertone (warm vs. cool) rather than an exact shade, checking samples in natural daylight and at different times. Select edge styles and coursing—random seams, uniform courses, staggered edges—to reflect the building’s historic or contemporary character. Consider facade size: wider, heavier shakes suit large buildings; narrower shingles fit cottages.
