Siding Style Guide
Shake Siding Installation
Capture the timeless beauty of cedar shake with modern, maintenance-free materials. Perfect for Cape Cod, coastal, craftsman, and cottage-style homes in PA & NJ.
Quick Answer
Shake Siding Cost
$10 - $20 per sq ft
Installed. For a 2,000 sq ft home: $20,000 - $40,000. Fiber cement recommended for best value.
Style Overview
The Cedar Shake Look Without the Hassle
Shake siding captures the natural, textured beauty of hand-split cedar shakes. The staggered edge profile creates depth and shadow lines that add character to any home. It's been a hallmark of coastal and New England architecture for centuries.
Today, you don't need real cedar to get the shake look. James Hardie HardieShingle and LP SmartSide offer authentic shake aesthetics with superior durability—no staining, sealing, or worrying about rot.
Authentic hand-split cedar appearance
Perfect for Cape Cod, coastal, and craftsman styles
Available as full coverage or accent panels
Fiber cement options last 50+ years
No rot, pests, or fire concerns
Material Options
Shake Siding Materials
Compare shake siding materials by cost, durability, and maintenance requirements.
Recommended
James Hardie HardieShingle
$12-$18/sq ft
installed
Fiber cement shake with authentic staggered-edge profile. ColorPlus factory finish available.
Warranty: 30 years
- 50+ year durability
- Non-combustible
- No rot or pests
- 15-year color warranty
LP SmartSide Shake
$10-$15/sq ft
installed
Engineered wood shake panels with realistic cedar grain texture.
Warranty: 50 years (prorated)
- Real wood appearance
- Impact resistant
- Paintable
- Easy installation
Premium Vinyl Shake
$6-$10/sq ft
installed
Budget-friendly shake profile with no painting required.
Warranty: Lifetime (limited)
- Lowest cost option
- No maintenance
- Many colors
- Quick install
Natural Cedar Shake
$18-$30/sq ft
installed
Authentic hand-split cedar for traditional purists. Requires regular maintenance.
Warranty: None standard
- Authentic appearance
- Natural character
- Paintable/stainable
- Traditional aesthetic
Design Ideas
How to Use Shake Siding
Full Coverage
Cover your entire home in shake for maximum coastal or Cape Cod character. Works beautifully with white trim and black shutters.
Gable Accents
Use shake on gable ends with lap siding on walls. This combination adds visual interest while managing costs.
Second Story
Apply shake on the upper level with lap siding below. Creates a classic New England aesthetic.
FAQ
Shake Siding Questions
Common questions about shake siding styles, materials, and installation.
What is shake siding?
Shake siding replicates the look of hand-split cedar shakes with a staggered, textured appearance. It creates a natural, rustic aesthetic popular for Cape Cod, coastal, craftsman, and cottage-style homes. Modern shake siding is available in fiber cement, engineered wood, and vinyl—offering the cedar look without the maintenance.
How much does shake siding cost?
Shake siding costs $10-$20 per square foot installed in PA and NJ. James Hardie HardieShingle runs $12-$18/sq ft, LP SmartSide shake $10-$15/sq ft, vinyl shake $6-$10/sq ft, and real cedar shake $18-$30/sq ft. For a typical 2,000 sq ft home, expect $20,000-$40,000 installed.
Is fiber cement shake better than cedar?
For most homeowners, yes. James Hardie HardieShingle offers the authentic cedar look with 50+ year durability, no rot or pest issues, fire resistance, and minimal maintenance. Cedar shake requires regular staining/sealing, is susceptible to rot and insects, and typically lasts 20-30 years with proper care.
Can you mix shake siding with other styles?
Absolutely! Shake siding is often used as an accent, particularly on gable ends, dormers, or second-story sections. A popular combination is lap siding on the main walls with shake accents on gables—this creates visual interest while managing costs.
What architectural styles suit shake siding?
Shake siding is perfect for Cape Cod, coastal, craftsman, cottage, and traditional Colonial homes. It also works beautifully on lake houses, mountain homes, and any design seeking a natural, textured appearance. The staggered edge pattern adds character and depth to exterior walls.
How long does shake siding last?
Lifespan varies by material: James Hardie HardieShingle lasts 50+ years, LP SmartSide 30-40 years, premium vinyl shake 25-30 years, and natural cedar 20-30 years with proper maintenance. Fiber cement shake offers the best long-term value.
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Related Siding Options
Flexible Payment Options
Make your project affordable
Don't let budget hold you back. We partner with Hearth and other top lenders to offer flexible financing options that fit your needs.
0% APR Available
6-18 month intro periods
Loans up to $100K
Terms from 2-12 years
APRs from 4.99%
Competitive rates
Quick Approval
Often within 24 hours
Check Your RateNo impact to your credit score
Example Payments
$10,000
12 months @ 0%
~$834/mo
$20,000
60 months @ 7.99%
~$405/mo
$35,000
120 months @ 6.99%
~$406/mo
* Examples for illustration. Actual payments vary based on credit approval.
18+ lending partnersFICO 550+ acceptedNo dealer fees
Get Started
Get Your Shake Siding Estimate
Ready for the timeless shake look? Contact us for a free consultation and detailed estimate.
- Free in-home design consultation
- Material samples to compare
- Color and style recommendations
- Detailed written estimate