Best Red Cedar Roof Shingles for Different Roofing Needs
For red cedar roofing, choose a product whose grade, thickness, exposure, and stated coverage match your roof plan. The heavy handsplit shakes are best for a thicker, more rustic look; the 18-inch #1 Perfections shingles suit buyers seeking a consistent appearance; and the tapersawn option has a specified 5/8-inch butt for buyers prioritizing a heavier profile. Compare the product details below, then confirm coverage and installation requirements with your roofer.
| Product | Best suited for | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| 24-inch Heavy Handsplit Shakes | Thick, rustic roof appearance | 20.56 square feet at 10-inch exposure |
| 18-inch #1 Perfections | Uniform, refined appearance | Clear vertical grain |
| Briwooody 64-Piece Shingles | Small projects with stated coverage | 20–25 square feet per package |
| Canadian Mill #1 Perfections | Buyers seeking a specified appearance grade | 18-inch, No. 1 grade |
| 18-inch Tapersawn Shingles | Heavier butt-edge profile | 5/8-inch butt; about 18–20 square feet per bundle |
24-Inch Heavy Handsplit Cedar Shakes
These Western Red Cedar shakes are 24 inches long and 3/4 inch thick, with listed thickness varying from 3/4 to 1 inch. The product states coverage of 20.56 square feet at a 10-inch exposure.
Best for: Roof projects where a thick, hand-split appearance is a priority. The substantial listed thickness makes this a different profile from thinner, uniform shingles. It was selected for its clear dimensions and stated exposure-based coverage.
Consider: The coverage figure applies at 10-inch exposure. Do not use it as a universal coverage estimate if your planned exposure differs.
18-Inch #1 Perfections Cedar Shingles
These 18-inch Western Red Cedar shingles are described as #1 Perfections grade, clear vertical grain, and kiln dried. The listing highlights hand selection, minimal knots, smooth texture, and consistent dimensions. It also describes the shingles as suitable for siding and roofing.
Best for: Buyers seeking a more uniform, refined finish. Clear vertical grain and consistent sizing are the main reasons this option stands out compared with rustic shakes.
Consider: The provided product details do not state coverage per bundle or package. Confirm quantity and roof coverage before ordering.
Briwooody 64-Piece Cedar Shingles
This package contains 64 Western Red Cedar shingles, each listed as 18 inches long, 5.8 inches wide, and 0.6 inch thick at the butt, tapering to 0.1 inch. The listing estimates total coverage at 20–25 square feet and describes the material as suitable for roofing and other indoor or outdoor projects.
Best for: Small roof areas or buyers who want a package with stated piece count and approximate coverage. Those details make it easier to estimate a limited project than products without listed package coverage.
Consider: The stated coverage is a range, not a guaranteed roof-area figure for every installation. Verify actual exposure and layout with the installer.
Canadian Mill #1 Perfections Shingles
This product is listed as 18-inch Western Red Cedar #1 Perfections with a No. 1 Certi-Label grade. The description emphasizes minimal knots, smooth texture, and consistent dimensions for a clean appearance.
Best for: Buyers who want an 18-inch shingle and a clearly stated appearance grade. It is a useful comparison with the other #1 Perfections option when assessing product sourcing and listing details.
Consider: The supplied information does not specify package quantity, exposure, or coverage. Request those details before calculating how much material the roof needs.
18-Inch Tapersawn Cedar Shingles
These 18-inch tapersawn Western Red Cedar shingles have a listed 5/8-inch butt edge. The listing estimates coverage at approximately 18–20 square feet per bundle, or about five bundles per 100 square feet at a standard 7-1/2-inch exposure.
Best for: Buyers comparing a thicker butt profile with standard Perfections shingles. The stated thickness and exposure-based coverage make this option easier to assess for a roof plan.
Consider: The 18–20-square-foot estimate is approximate, and the stated bundle requirement assumes the specified exposure. Confirm the final quantity for your roof layout.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Cedar Roof Shingles
Should you choose shingles or shakes?
Compare the visual profile and dimensions. The heavy handsplit product is thicker and explicitly described as a shake, making it the more rustic option in this selection. The Perfections products emphasize uniform dimensions and a smooth, consistent appearance. Tapersawn shingles offer a specified thicker butt edge.
How should you compare coverage?
Use coverage figures only with their stated exposure and packaging assumptions. One product lists coverage at 10-inch exposure; another gives a bundle estimate at 7-1/2-inch exposure. Coverage can vary with installation layout, so use the manufacturer’s instructions and your roofer’s calculations rather than comparing figures without context.
What grade and appearance details matter?
Look for the grade and appearance features that match the project. The #1 Perfections listings describe minimal knots, consistent sizing, and clear vertical grain. These details can help buyers seeking a more uniform finish, while handsplit shakes suit a less regular visual style.
What should you confirm before ordering?
- Roof area and planned exposure.
- Coverage per bundle, carton, or package.
- Whether the listed product is intended for the roofing application in your project.
- Installation and maintenance requirements for the chosen material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Western Red Cedar shingles suitable for roofing?
Several products in this selection are described for roofing. Confirm the intended application, installation instructions, and local requirements for the specific product before purchase.
What is the difference between cedar shakes and shingles?
They differ in product style and profile. In this selection, the handsplit shakes are the thicker, more rustic option, while the Perfections shingles are described as uniform and smooth.
How many cedar shingles do I need?
Calculate the roof area and use the product’s coverage figure at the planned exposure. Coverage information is not provided for every listing, so confirm package yield where it is missing.
Does a thicker butt edge mean more coverage?
Not necessarily. Thickness describes the shingle profile; coverage depends on dimensions, exposure, and installation layout.
Do cedar shingles require maintenance?
The product details note that cedar should be properly installed and maintained. Follow the product instructions and consult a qualified roofing professional about maintenance needs for your roof.