exterior cladding
Cedar shake siding
Hand-split or sawn western red cedar shakes installed in overlapping courses. Develops a silver-gray patina over time when left untreated.
Cost tier
PREMIUM
Cost / sqft
$11–$22
Install
trade
Durability
high
Maintenance
medium
Moisture
good
Cost notes
Premium grade cedar lasts 30-50 years. Annual inspection of caulk + flashing recommended.
Aesthetic
- Finish: natural rough
- Color range: natural cedar, silver-gray patina, stained range
- Pattern: coursed shake, fancy butt, decorative
- Visual weight: medium
Climate suitability
Code notes
IRC R703.5 governs wood shakes/shingles. Pressure-treated underlayment + ventilated rainscreen recommended in humid climates. In Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones, untreated wood cladding is the highest-risk choice — FEMA recommends substituting fiber-cement or masonry within the 0-5 ft ember zone.
Codes & rules that govern this material
FEMA P-2325 §Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)
In WUI zones, protect openings from wind-blown embers
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) · recommended
FEMA P-2325 §Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)
Establish defensible-space vegetation management around the home
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) · recommended
Source
Architectural Graphic Standards — Architectural Graphic Standards (Ramsey/Sleeper) — Materials chapter
Tags: wood, cedar, natural, rustic, weathered-finish