Best Clear Vertical Grain Cedar Siding Options and Accessories
For cedar shingle siding, the Miller Shingle R&R sidewall shingles are the closest match for a double-course installation, while Waska’s Extra Clear Eastern White Cedar shingles suit buyers seeking a clear-grade option with a shorter exposure. These listings are shingles, not vertical-grain bevel siding boards, so verify the siding profile you need before ordering. A transparent exterior finish and cedar light block can serve as complementary materials for a cedar exterior.
| Product | Best For | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Miller Shingle R&R Cedar Sidewall Shingles | Double-course shingle siding | 18-inch shingles; 14-inch exposure |
| Waska Extra Clear Cedar Shingles | Clear-grade shingle coverage | 16-inch shingles; 5-inch exposure |
| Sikkens ProLuxe Cedar Finish | Transparent exterior wood finish | Two-coat application |
| Miller 7.5-Inch Cedar Light Block | Small exterior light openings | 3⅝-inch hole |
| Miller 9.5-Inch Cedar Light Block | Taller light-block installations | 7.5-by-9.5-inch exterior |
Miller Shingle R&R Cedar Sidewall Shingles
These 18-inch natural-groove cedar shingles are made from kiln-dried #1 shingles and grooved on one side. The Rebutted and Rejointed (R&R) profile is designed for sidewall use. A half-square carton is specified to cover 50 square feet at a 14-inch exposure in a double-course layout.
Best for: Buyers planning traditional double-course cedar shingle siding who want a product specifically described for sidewall application. The listed exposure and coverage make it easier to estimate material needs. Confirm the exact wall area and installation pattern before ordering.
Limitation: These are shingles rather than clear vertical-grain siding boards, and the stated coverage depends on the specified exposure and double-course installation.
Miller R&R Natural Groove Cedar Shingles
This listing describes 18-inch, kiln-dried #1 cedar shingles with a groove on one side and an R&R profile. It is intended for sidewall applications. The stated half-square carton coverage is 50 square feet when installed double-coursed at 14-inch exposure.
Best for: Shingle-siding projects where the buyer wants the same stated dimensions and installation coverage as the other Miller R&R listing. Compare the listing details and images before purchase, since the provided product information does not identify a construction difference between the two listings.
Limitation: This is not a separate siding-board profile. It is also important to account for cuts, openings, and project-specific waste when planning quantities.
Waska Extra Clear Eastern White Cedar Shingles
Waska lists these as Grade A Extra Clear Eastern White Cedar shingles measuring 16 inches long and ⅜ inch thick. The provided coverage information specifies four bundles per square at a 5-inch exposure, with four boxes required to cover one square.
Best for: Buyers prioritizing the listed Extra Clear grade and planning a shingle layout with a 5-inch exposure. The shorter exposure differs from the Miller R&R specification, so compare the intended appearance and installation plan rather than treating the products as interchangeable.
Limitation: The listing’s coverage depends on the stated exposure and purchase quantity. Confirm how bundles and boxes are packaged for the project before calculating the order.
Sikkens ProLuxe Cedar Exterior Finish
This transparent satin finish is described as a high-solids alkyd-oil formula intended for cedar log and siding. Its two-coat application uses high-transparency transoxide pigments to bring out color depth and clarity. The listed formula also includes UV absorbers intended to protect the color and wood substrate.
Best for: Buyers seeking a transparent finish option that preserves visible wood character while adding a stated UV-protection feature. Review the product directions and confirm that its application requirements suit the specific cedar surface.
Limitation: This is a finish, not siding material. The provided details do not specify coverage per container, so use the label or manufacturer guidance for estimating quantities.
Miller Clear Cedar 7.5-Inch Light Block
This exterior light block is made from clear kiln-dried Western Red Cedar. Its outside dimensions are 7.5 by 7.5 inches, and its opening measures 3⅝ inches in diameter.
Best for: Buyers who need a cedar block around an exterior light opening and whose measurements match the listed dimensions. It can provide a cedar detail alongside shingle siding, but it is an accessory rather than a siding product.
Limitation: Check the fixture and opening measurements before choosing this block. The provided specifications do not establish compatibility with a particular light fixture.
Buying Guide: Choosing Cedar Siding Materials
Do you need shingles or vertical-grain siding boards?
Start by identifying the profile specified for your project. The cedar cladding products listed here are shingles. They should not be described or ordered as vertical-grain bevel siding boards. If the project plans call for vertical-grain boards, check the product profile, grade, dimensions, and installation details before buying.
How should you compare exposure and coverage?
Use each product’s stated exposure when estimating coverage. Miller lists 50 square feet per half-square carton at 14-inch exposure with double coursing. Waska specifies four bundles per square at 5-inch exposure and says four boxes cover one square. These are different layouts; do not compare package coverage without accounting for exposure and installation pattern.
What does “clear” mean in these listings?
Waska identifies its shingles as Grade A Extra Clear, while the Miller light blocks are described as clear kiln-dried Western Red Cedar. Those descriptions apply to the particular products and should not be assumed to define the grade or grain pattern of every cedar siding product. Confirm grade and appearance expectations with the seller or manufacturer.
Should cedar be finished?
Choose a finish based on the intended appearance and the product directions. The Sikkens listing describes a transparent satin finish with two-coat application and UV absorbers. Follow its current label instructions, including preparation and application requirements; do not assume the same finish schedule applies to every cedar product.
How do you choose a cedar light block?
Measure the exterior footprint and the required opening before ordering. The featured block is 7.5 by 7.5 inches with a 3⅝-inch hole. Match those measurements to the planned installation and fixture specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cedar shingles the same as vertical-grain cedar siding?
No. The siding materials featured here are cedar shingles. Vertical-grain siding generally refers to board products, so verify the profile needed for the project.
How much area does a Miller R&R half-square carton cover?
The listed coverage is 50 square feet at 14-inch exposure when installed double-coursed.
What exposure is specified for the Waska shingles?
The listing specifies a 5-inch exposure and four bundles per square. It also says four boxes are needed to cover one square.
Is the Sikkens product siding?
No. It is a transparent satin exterior wood finish described for cedar log and siding, with a two-coat application.
What should I measure before buying a light block?
Check the block’s exterior dimensions and hole diameter against the planned opening and fixture. The featured block measures 7.5 by 7.5 inches with a 3⅝-inch opening.