Cedar Shakes Galore! Best Options Available Right Now

Exploring Cedar Shakes for Sale: Your Best Options

Are you looking to improve your home with a material that offers best beauty and resilience? If so, then exploring cedar shakes for sale is a smart move. These natural wood products bring a timeless elegance to any roof or siding. They are also incredibly durable and can boost your home’s energy efficiency.

For homeowners who’ve dealt with flimsy materials or shoddy work in the past, cedar shakes offer a refreshing change. They provide a long-lasting, reliable solution that looks fantastic for decades. Plus, cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and even insects.

If you’re ready to find the perfect cedar shakes for your project, here’s a quick guide on what to look for and where to buy:

• Where to Buy: You can find cedar shakes from local lumber yards, specialized cedar product distributors, and various online suppliers.
• Common Types: The main types are Hand-Split shakes, which have a rustic, uneven look, and Tapersawn shakes, which offer a more custom, uniform appearance.
• Typical Price Range (Materials Only): From approximately $400 to over $1,500 per roofing square (100 sq ft). Note: These are average national prices and do not reflect specific costs from Chris Battaini Roofing and Seamless Gutters.
• Key Features to Consider: Look for specific grades (like #1 Select or Premium), the thickness you need (ranging from 1/2″ to 1 1/2″), and whether you want any special treatments (like pressure-treated or fire-retardant).

Choosing the right roofing or siding material is a big decision. You want something that lasts, looks great, and protects your home. Cedar shakes have been a top choice for centuries for good reason. They are hard-wearing, beautiful, and add significant character to any structure.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cedar shakes for sale. We’ll cover the different types, key features, and what to consider when making your purchase. Our goal is to help you find the best options that fit your needs and your budget.

Glossary for cedar shakes for sale:

• are cedar shake roofs a fire hazard
• are cedar shake roofs good
• composite cedar shingles

Understanding Cedar Shakes vs. Shingles

Before we dive deeper into finding the best cedar shakes for sale, let’s clear up a common question: What’s the difference between cedar shakes and cedar shingles? While both are beautiful cedar products for your home, they have their own unique look and feel.

Think of it this way:

• Cedar shingles are like the neat, polished sibling. They are typically sawn smooth on both sides. This gives them a very uniform, clean, and custom appearance. They are often thinner and cut very precisely, offering a sleek, classic look for your roof or siding. Imagine a perfectly manicured lawn – that’s the vibe of a cedar shingle.

• Cedar shakes, on the other hand, are the rugged, free-spirited sibling. They are split from logs, which gives them a naturally textured, more rustic look. You’ll find their faces are split, showing off the natural wood grain, while their backs are sawn. This splitting process means each shake has slight variations in thickness and texture, adding to their unique charm and depth. Picture a wild, windswept forest – that’s the character of a cedar shake!

No matter which you choose, both cedar shakes and shingles share amazing natural qualities. They are incredibly durable and naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and even pesky insects. This makes them a strong, long-lasting choice for your home’s exterior.

Beyond their strength, cedar products are also wonderfully energy-efficient. Their natural thermal insulation helps keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, which can even help you save on energy bills! Plus, they are a low-maintenance and versatile material that just gets better with age.

Ready to learn more about why cedar roofs are such a fantastic choice? You can find more info about why Cedar Shake Roofs are Good. Whether you prefer the sleek lines of shingles or the rugged beauty of shakes, cedar offers a timeless solution that will make your home stand out.

Types of Cedar Shakes Available for Sale

When you start looking at cedar shakes for sale, you’ll quickly find there’s a wonderful variety to choose from! Primarily, you’ll find two main styles: the charming hand-split and re-sawn shakes and the more refined tapersawn shakes. Each type offers a unique look and feel for your home.

Beyond just how they’re cut, the type of wood also makes a difference. The most popular species you’ll encounter are Western Red Cedar, known for its beautiful color and natural resistance, Eastern White Cedar, often lighter in tone, and Alaskan Yellow Cedar, which is very dense and durable. Each wood species brings its own subtle variations in color, grain, and performance, giving you even more options to personalize your project.

Hand-Split & Re-Sawn Cedar Shakes

If you’re dreaming of a home with a truly rustic and authentic character, then hand-split and re-sawn cedar shakes might be exactly what you’re looking for. These aren’t just cut; they’re split from cedar logs! This unique process creates shakes with a wonderfully textured, uneven face and a sawn back. This natural splitting really highlights the wood’s beautiful grain, giving your roof or siding that timeless, old-world charm.

You’ll typically find these shakes in common lengths like 18-inch and 24-inch. They also come in different thicknesses, usually called Medium or Heavy. Medium shakes generally have a butt end thickness (the thicker part) of ½” to ¾”, while Heavy shakes are more substantial, boasting a ¾” to 1” thickness. These thicker options create a more pronounced shadow line, adding depth and a robust appearance to your home. They’re a fantastic choice for walls and roofs with a good slope, ideally 4:12 pitch or steeper, to ensure proper drainage and long-lasting beauty.

Want to get a better idea of their unique look? You can View an example of Hand Split Shakes.

Tapersawn Cedar Shakes

Perhaps you love the rugged shadow line that shakes create but prefer a slightly neater, more custom look? If so, tapersawn cedar shakes are an excellent choice! Unlike hand-split shakes, tapersawn shakes are sawn smooth on both faces. This careful manufacturing process results in a more uniform thickness and a smoother surface. Yet, they still keep that characteristic thick butt end, which casts a deep, appealing shadow line on your roof or siding.

Tapersawn shakes are crafted with precision, offering a consistent appearance that looks great on both traditional and more contemporary homes. They are commonly available in specific butt end thicknesses like 5/8” or 7/8”. Just like hand-split shakes, they are well-suited for walls or roofs with a 4:12 slope and steeper. They’re ideal when you want a high-quality, durable, and more uniform finish that still captures the natural beauty of cedar.

To explore their specifications in more detail and imagine how they could transform your home, you can See Tapersawn Shake specifications.

Key Specifications to Consider Before You Buy

When investing in cedar shakes for sale, understanding the key specifications is paramount. These details directly impact the durability, appearance, and overall performance of your roofing or siding project. We’ll guide you through the crucial factors: grades, thickness, length, wood species, and the various treatment options available.

Understanding Cedar Shake Grades and Thicknesses

Just like choosing the perfect outfit, not all cedar shakes for sale are created equal! They come in different “grades,” which tell you about their quality and what they’re best used for.

The best of the best are often called Premium Grade or Number 1 Grade (Blue Label). Think of these as the VIPs of cedar shakes! They’re super clean, free from big knots or sapwood, and offer amazing durability with a consistent look. If you want a roof that looks historically perfect and lasts for ages, these are your go-to. Many top suppliers craft these to exceed the highest quality standards, ensuring that classic, beautiful finish for your home.

Next, you have Number 2 Grade (Red Label). These are still great quality but might have a few small imperfections or knots. They’re often a smart choice for siding or for roofing projects where a slight rustic variation is welcomed and budget is a consideration. Then there’s Number 3 Grade, which has more noticeable natural features and is usually used for less visible areas or utility purposes.

Beyond their grade, the thickness of your cedar shakes plays a huge role in how they look and how long they last. Shakes are measured at their thickest part, the “butt end,” and can range from a slim ½-inch up to a beefy 1 ½-inch. It makes sense, right? A thicker shake usually means it’s more durable and creates a deeper, more striking shadow line on your roof or wall. Imagine the difference a 24-inch shake makes when it’s ½-inch thick versus a full 1 ½-inch! Thicker shakes use more wood, which can affect the cost, but they also promise a longer lifespan for your roof or siding.

And let’s not forget length! While we’ve talked about thickness, shakes also come in standard lengths, commonly 18-inch or 24-inch. The length, combined with the thickness and grade, helps determine how many shakes you need and the overall look of your finished project.

Finally, the wood species itself is a key choice. You’ll primarily find Western Red Cedar, known for its rich, warm tones and natural resistance to decay. Then there’s Eastern White Cedar, often lighter in color and very stable. And don’t forget Alaskan Yellow Cedar, which has a beautiful pale yellow hue and incredible durability. Each species offers unique colors and grain patterns, letting you pick the perfect aesthetic for your home.

Understanding these grades, thicknesses, lengths, and wood types helps us choose the perfect cedar shakes for sale that not only look fantastic but also perform exactly as you need them to. To dive deeper into the quality materials we work with, you can Learn more about our Roofing Materials.

Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Cedar Shakes for Sale

Cedar’s natural strength is amazing, but sometimes you want an extra layer of protection! For improved performance and specific needs, there are several helpful treatments available for cedar shakes for sale. These can boost their lifespan, help them stand up to the weather, and even add important safety features.

For homes in damper climates or where moisture is a constant concern, pressure-treated shakes are a fantastic option. This process infuses the wood with special preservatives, making it even more resilient against rot, decay, and those pesky insects. It’s like giving your shakes a super shield!

If you live in an area with strict fire codes or where wildfire risk is a worry, you’ll be happy to know about fire-retardant treated cedar shakes. These are specially infused with chemicals that significantly reduce their flammability. It’s a common misunderstanding that cedar roofs are inherently a fire hazard. But with the right treatment, they can absolutely meet safety standards and provide peace of mind. To understand more about this important topic, you can read Are Cedar Shake Roofs a Fire Hazard?.

You’ll also come across shakes that are either kiln-dried or air-dried. Kiln-drying means the wood is dried in a controlled environment, which removes moisture more quickly and evenly. This often results in a more stable product that’s less likely to warp or shrink after installation. Air-dried shakes simply dry naturally over time. Both are quality options, but kiln-dried shakes are often lighter for shipping – a bonus for installers!

Many suppliers also offer factory finishing and stains. This means your cedar shakes for sale can arrive already stained or pre-finished. This not only gives them an immediate beautiful look but also adds an initial layer of protection. Plus, you can often choose custom colors, giving you a huge range of aesthetic choices to perfectly match your home’s style.

These thoughtful treatments allow us to truly customize your cedar shakes for sale to perfectly fit your home’s unique needs, your local building codes, and your vision. It’s all about ensuring both lasting beauty and complete peace of mind.

Installation, Maintenance, and Cost of Cedar Shakes

Acquiring the perfect cedar shakes for sale is just the first step on your journey to a beautiful, long-lasting home exterior. While finding the right materials is exciting, proper installation and ongoing maintenance are absolutely crucial to maximizing their impressive lifespan. And of course, understanding the associated costs upfront is key to planning your project effectively. Let’s walk through these important considerations together.

Professional Installation and Long-Term Maintenance

Installing cedar shakes isn’t just about nailing wood to a roof; it’s truly an art and a science! It demands specialized knowledge and precision to ensure everything performs perfectly for decades. Here are some key things a professional installer will consider to make sure your cedar shakes last:

First, let’s talk about what’s underneath. Proper sheathing is vital. Your installer will know whether to use spaced sheathing (like 1×4 or 1×6 boards, which allow for more air circulation) or solid sheathing (often plywood, which can be required in certain areas or for treated shakes). Here’s a little secret: it’s super important that the entire roof deck isn’t covered with a waterproofing membrane. Why? Because cedar needs to breathe! This prevents moisture from getting trapped and causing issues down the road.

Next up is underlayment and ventilation. Think of underlayment, like felt paper, as a protective layer. However, it needs to be applied in a way that still allows air to move freely. Your eave protection, for example, should extend past your exterior wall but not cover the whole roof. Good airflow beneath your cedar shakes is a must-have to stop moisture from building up.

When it comes to fastening, professionals always use stainless steel fasteners. This isn’t just a fancy choice; it’s a smart one! Unlike other metals, stainless steel resists rust and won’t leave ugly stains on your beautiful cedar over time. This keeps your roof or siding looking great and strong for years.

Finally, for roofing applications, there are specific roof pitch requirements. Cedar shakes typically need a roof with a minimum pitch of 4:12 or steeper. This simply means the roof is sloped enough for water to run off easily, preventing it from sitting on the shakes.

While cedar is known for being naturally tough, a little tender loving care goes a long way. Compared to some synthetic materials, natural cedar needs specific, though not overly burdensome, attention. This care helps ensure its long life.

• Regular inspections are a great idea. Just periodically check your roof or siding for any leaves, branches, or moss that might be hanging around.
• For cleaning, gently remove any organic matter. If you spot moss or mildew, special cedar cleaning solutions can help, but never use a harsh pressure washer. That can really damage the wood!
• You might consider preservative treatments or re-staining over time to keep the cedar’s original color vibrant and boost its resistance to moisture and sun. However, many homeowners proudly choose to let their cedar weather naturally to a stunning silver-gray. It’s a beautiful, neat look that truly reflects the home’s character!

For professional and reliable installation that adheres to all the best practices, we encourage you to Learn about our professional Roof Installation process.

What is the Average Cost for Cedar Shakes for Sale?

Understanding the cost of cedar shakes for sale involves looking at both the material price and the installation labor. The price of cedar shakes can vary quite a bit based on several factors, including the type of shake, its quality (grade), thickness, the wood species, and any special treatments it might have.

Disclaimer: The prices mentioned below are national averages based on internet data and do not represent a quote from Chris Battaini Roofing and Seamless Gutters. Costs can range from $400 to over $1,500 per square for materials alone.

When we talk about pricing for roofing materials, it’s often quoted “per square.” What does that mean? A “square” of roofing material covers 100 square feet. So, if a bundle of 24-inch tapersawn shakes covers 20 sq. ft. with a 10-inch roof exposure, you would typically need 5 bundles to cover one “square.”

Here’s a breakdown of the main factors that influence the material cost:

• Grade: Think of grades like good, better, best. Premium or #1 grade shakes will naturally be more expensive than #2 or #3 grades. This is because they offer superior quality with fewer imperfections, making them perfect for roofs where looks and longevity are top priorities.
• Thickness: Just like a thicker steak costs more, thicker shakes (for example, 1” or 1 ½” at the butt) will cost more than thinner ones (like ½” or 5/8”). But that extra thickness often means improved durability and a more striking, deeper shadow line on your roof.
• Wood Species: Western Red Cedar is widely available and a popular choice. However, specialty species like Alaskan Yellow Cedar might come with a different price tag due to their unique characteristics or availability.
• Treatments: If you choose pressure-treating for extra rot resistance or a fire-retardant treatment for added safety, these will add to the per-square cost of your cedar shakes.
• Quantity: Sometimes, if you’re buying a really large amount, suppliers might offer wholesale pricing.

Beyond just the material cost, installation labor is a significant part of the overall project price. Because installing cedar shakes is a specialized skill, it’s really important to hire experienced professionals who know their way around these beautiful materials.

To get a more personalized estimate for your specific project, we’ve made it easy for you! You can Use our Cedar Shake Roof Cost Calculator for an estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cedar Shakes

We hear a lot of great questions about cedar shakes for sale, and we’re always happy to share our knowledge! Here are some of the most common inquiries we receive, answered to help you make the best choices for your home.

How long do cedar shake roofs last?

One of the most appealing qualities of a cedar shake roof is its incredible longevity. When installed correctly and cared for with a bit of love, a cedar shake roof can easily last an impressive 20 to 50 years. That’s a long, long time to enjoy its beauty and protection!

The exact lifespan can depend on a few things. Higher quality grades of shakes, like those we talked about earlier, tend to last longer. Your local climate also plays a role – very harsh weather might slightly reduce the lifespan. But with regular, simple maintenance, you can really extend the life of your roof. Many manufacturers are so confident in their cedar products that they offer substantial warranties, often matching that 20 to 50-year range. This kind of durability is a huge reason why cedar remains a top choice for homeowners looking for lasting value.

Can you install cedar shakes over an existing roof?

This is a common question, and while it might seem like a tempting shortcut, it’s generally not recommended to install new cedar shakes for sale right over an old roof. Think of it like building a strong foundation for a new home – you wouldn’t build on shaky ground!

Best practice calls for a complete tear-off of the old roofing material. Why? This allows your installers to do a thorough check of the roof deck underneath. They can look for any hidden damage, rot, or structural issues that might be lurking. It also ensures your beautiful new cedar shakes are installed directly onto a clean, solid, and perfectly prepared surface. This is vital for their longevity, proper ventilation, and making sure your manufacturer’s warranty remains valid. Skipping this important step can lead to big problems and costly repairs down the road, so it’s always worth doing it right the first time!

Are cedar shakes environmentally friendly?

Yes, absolutely! Choosing cedar shakes for sale is a wonderfully eco-conscious decision. Cedar is a fantastic natural resource because it’s renewable, meaning it can be regrown, and it’s biodegradable, so it breaks down naturally at the end of its life.

Many cedar products come from forests that are managed responsibly. This means trees are harvested in a sustainable way, and new trees are planted to replace them, helping to keep our forests healthy and thriving. Plus, cedar has natural insulating properties. This means it can help your home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer, potentially reducing your energy consumption for heating and cooling. So, when you choose cedar shakes, you’re not just getting a beautiful and durable roof; you’re also making a choice that supports our planet!

Conclusion: Finding the Right Cedar Shakes for Your Home

Well, wasn’t that an trip? We’ve journeyed through the wonderful world of cedar shakes for sale, exploring everything from their rustic charm to their impressive strength. You now know the difference between a hand-split shake and a tapersawn one. You’ve also got a handle on those important grades and treatments. We’ve talked about how they’re installed, what it takes to keep them looking great, and what kind of budget you’ll need.

It’s clear that cedar isn’t just a roofing material; it’s an investment. It brings a unique warmth, incredible beauty, and lasting value to any home. Choosing cedar means you’re not just picking a roof; you’re making a statement. You’re showing pride in your home, and you’re opting for something that truly stands the test of time.

But here’s the secret sauce: finding the right cedar shakes for sale is only half the battle. The real magic happens with professional installation. You see, cedar has its own personality, and it needs experts who understand its quirks and how to make it shine. That’s where a trusted partner comes in.

At Chris Battaini Roofing and Seamless Gutters, we’re passionate about cedar. Our team understands every nuance of working with this beautiful material. We believe that getting true value means choosing top-notch materials and having them installed perfectly. That’s why we offer owner-led, on-site service. It means Chris himself is often on site, making sure your project gets the care and attention it deserves. Plus, our exceptional workmanship warranties give you peace of mind long after the job is done.

For all our neighbors in Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties in Massachusetts, choosing the right contractor is truly key to a successful cedar shake project. We’re here to ensure your home gets the durable, beautiful cedar roof it deserves.

Ready to transform your home with the timeless beauty of cedar? We’d love to help! Contact our Roofing Experts for your cedar shake roofing project!.