Wood Shakes and Shingles    

Typically shakes are made of either cedar, spruce or treated pine. The hand-split shakes have a rough, textured look on the front and are usually smooth on the back.

Wood shingles are sawn by machine and are smooth on both sides.

Cedar is the best performing wood for making shakes. But treated pine shakes also do well. When first installed, shakes are a brown or reddish color but will weather and fade in the first year to a gray color. Wood shakes can last up to 30 years; however, with time, they may shrink, warp or splinter which is inherent in any wood. Although we do install wood shingles and shakes, the cost on the installation is typically 50% higher than a 50 year Laminate. There is also the fire concern. Asphalt shingles offer a class A fire rating whereas wood is vulnerable to fire.