Best Metal Cedar Shake Siding Alternatives for a Natural Shake Look
No listed product is metal siding: the options here are natural Western Red Cedar shingles or low-maintenance vinyl designed to resemble cedar shakes. For a shake-style exterior, Polaris Homeside Select is best for a cedar-textured vinyl look, CertainTeed Cedar Impressions adds staggered profiles and installation indicators, and the Pacific Coast and Miller Shingle products are real cedar choices. If metal is essential, use this list as a comparison reference rather than as a source of metal products.
| Product | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Polaris Homeside Select | Vinyl | Low-maintenance cedar-shake appearance |
| CertainTeed Cedar Impressions | Vinyl | Staggered shake profile and installation indicators |
| Pacific Coast R&R Grooved Shingles | Western Red Cedar | Grooved natural-wood siding |
| Miller Shingle R&R Primed | Western Red Cedar | Primed cedar sidewall shingles |
| Miller Shingle #4 Undercourse | Western Red Cedar | Starter or undercourse layers |
Polaris Homeside Select Cedar Shake Vinyl
Best for: Homeowners who want a cedar-like shake appearance without choosing natural wood. This double 7-inch vinyl siding has a texture based on real cedar shakes, random seams, and a Tru-Lock locking system. The listing describes it as low maintenance and gives a package coverage of 50 square feet.
Choose this if reduced routine upkeep and a textured shake look matter more than having actual cedar. The random seams help vary the panel appearance. Limitation: it is vinyl, not metal or natural cedar, so it will not provide the material characteristics of either.
CertainTeed Cedar Impressions Staggered Shakes
Best for: Buyers seeking a low-maintenance vinyl panel with a staggered shake profile. The product features a True Texture finish, defined shadow lines, and Quick Reference nail marks intended to help position fasteners without measuring. The listing also describes a PanelThermometer for installation guidance and says the product is designed and tested to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Choose this if a more varied shake layout and built-in nailing references are useful for your project. Limitation: the product information does not make it metal or natural cedar, and the claimed wind performance should be checked against project-specific installation instructions and local requirements.
Pacific Coast Grooved Western Red Cedar Shingles
Best for: Those choosing authentic wood sidewall shingles with a consistent, grooved face. These 18-inch Western Red Cedar shingles are resquared and rebutted, a preparation intended to support a precise fit and alignment. Machine grooves add texture and shadowing.
Choose this if natural cedar and a defined grooved appearance fit the exterior plan. The carton is listed as one-half square; confirm the stated coverage and exposure with the seller and installer before ordering. Limitation: natural wood requires a finishing and maintenance plan and is not a low-maintenance vinyl substitute.
Miller Shingle Primed R&R Cedar Sidewall Shingles
Best for: Cedar siding projects where a primed product is preferred. This listing describes high-grade number 1, kiln-dried 18-inch shingles, grooved on one side and rebutted and rejointed (R&R) for sidewall application. A half-square carton is listed to cover 50 square feet at 14-inch exposure when double coursed.
Choose this if you want the specified R&R sidewall format and intend to work with primed shingles. Limitation: the listing does not specify a final paint or stain system; confirm preparation and finishing requirements before installation.
Miller Shingle Cedar Undercourse Shingles
Best for: Installers sourcing undercourse or starter shingles for a double-coursed sidewall. This is a utility-grade, kiln-dried Western Red Cedar product. The listing states coverage of 100 square feet at 14-inch exposure or 50 square feet at 7-inch exposure.
Choose this for the underlayer or starter role described by the manufacturer, not as a direct substitute for a finished shake panel. Limitation: the utility grade and undercourse purpose make it a different choice from finished face shingles; verify the course layout and exposure before calculating quantities.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Shake-Style Siding
Do you need metal, vinyl, or real cedar?
None of the five products above is metal. Vinyl options are designed to provide a cedar-shake appearance, while the cedar products are wood shingles. If your project specifications require metal siding, search for a product explicitly identified as metal shake siding and verify its material and installation details before purchase.
Which option needs the least routine upkeep?
The listed vinyl products are described as low maintenance. Natural cedar offers a genuine wood surface but should be selected with appropriate plans for exposure, finishing, and ongoing care. The product details do not provide a complete maintenance schedule, so consult installation documentation for your climate and wall assembly.
How should you compare coverage?
Compare products using the stated exposure and application method, not carton size alone. Polaris lists 50 square feet per box. Miller’s undercourse coverage varies by exposure, and its R&R primed shingles are listed at 50 square feet per half-square carton for double coursing at 14-inch exposure. Confirm actual usable coverage, waste allowance, and course design with the supplier or installer.
What installation details should you check?
Confirm the intended use, fastening method, substrate requirements, flashing details, and local code requirements before ordering. Cedar Impressions includes nail-position indicators, while the cedar listings specify sidewall or undercourse uses. Do not assume products have interchangeable installation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is any listed product metal cedar shake siding?
No. The listed choices are vinyl siding or natural Western Red Cedar shingles.
Which listed product is best for a cedar look with less upkeep?
Polaris Homeside Select and CertainTeed Cedar Impressions are vinyl products described as low maintenance and designed with cedar-shake textures.
Which product is real Western Red Cedar?
The Pacific Coast and Miller Shingle products are identified as Western Red Cedar shingles.
Can the Miller undercourse shingles be used as finished siding?
The listing identifies them for undercoursing and starter shingles. Confirm suitability with the supplier or installer before using them as a finished exterior layer.
How much coverage do the Miller primed R&R shingles provide?
The listing states 50 square feet per half-square carton at 14-inch exposure when double coursed.