Best Wood Shingles For Siding

Wood shingles, typically used to cover roofs, create a unique and rustic flair when used as siding. They come in various sizes and materials, allowing for a unique aesthetic and a beautiful result for any home. Wood siding also creates a natural insulator and robust protection against moisture and decay. When choosing wood siding for sidewalls, homeowners have several options. 

What Is Wood Siding?

Wood siding is a material used to protect homes while creating a distinct look and appeal. It typically consists of wood shingles or shakes layered in long, overlapping panels along the sidewalls of a home. Wood siding can enhance various home styles, mainly traditional and historic homes, to create designs that draw the eye.

Best Wood Shingles For Siding

Wood shingles come in various materials, styles and sizes. Most shingles also work well for completing siding projects. The customization options create a stunning aesthetic that fits your home. Here are a few wood shingle siding types. 

Western Red Cedar

This wood is often the top choice for home siding. The material is softwood, making it lightweight. It can be stained and cut differently to create various styles. The most common options are cedar shingle and cedar shake siding. It creates a beautiful look and traps in air, making it a powerful insulator. Cedar is also strong and durable, so it can last as siding for up to three decades with regular maintenance. The example below showcases our 18" Western Red Cedar Shingles installed as siding. These shingles were semi-stained to help retain an unweathered appearance: 

Cypress: Alaskan Yellow Cedar and Eastern White Cedar

The cypress wood family includes Alaskan Yellow Cedar and Eastern White Cedar, though the names suggest otherwise. Alaskan Yellow Cedar includes oils and tannins that fight mold and decay. The wood changes color from a soft yellow to silvery gray over time. Eastern White Cedar boasts an even grain, which allows for staining, painting or coating in almost any way. Like Alaskan Yellow Cedar, it provides excellent protection against decay. Below is an example of our untreated Alaskan Yellow Cedar Shingles as siding (and roof!): 

Composite

For those who seek a wood look but prefer synthetic shingles, composite roof shingles offer the solution. These materials create a natural appeal and provide long-term performance as a home siding material. 

Seek Inspiration For Wood Siding

Wood siding creates a distinctive look for the sidewalls of a home. It works well for retaining rustic beauty and creating designs that stand out. Custom Shingles has had experience working with wood shingles since 1982, and we offer expertise for various wood siding projects. Explore the possibilities for your siding by looking at our shingle options.