Western Red Cedar Shingles
Western Red Cedar is most abundant, with the grain being very straight, splits easily, and is commonly used for split shingles and shakes. As the most abundant species of Cedar, it is therefore cost effective, and similar in longevity to Eastern White. It is valued for its distinct appearance, aroma, and its high natural resistance to decay. It's extensively used for outdoor construction in the form of shingles, shakes, siding, posts and decking.
Western Red Cedar Shingles - Images © 2006-2025 Custom Shingles
Western Red Cedar Shakes for Sale
Western Red Cedar shingles are incredibly popular as a unique, non-traditional roofing option. This is because Red Cedar shingles offer three unique benefits that are hard to capture with other materials:
Insulation: If you're looking for an efficient roofing option, look no further than custom Western Red Cedar shingles.
Reliability: Custom Red Cedar shingles also offer dimensional stability, which is a characteristic that lends itself perfectly to roofing.
Resistance: When you choose a roof of steam bent Red Cedar shingles, you're also choosing a material that's among the most naturally resistant in the world. Elements, insects, rot and decay won't matter much to your roof after Red Cedar shingle installation.
At Custom Shingles, we specialize in Western Red Cedar shingle installation, as well as the installation of other natural wood shingles and shakes. If you’re debating over Red Cedar shingles, vs. White, or if you’re just exploring your natural wood shingle options, you can always give us a call at Custom Shingles to discuss your options. Our knowledgeable staff members will help you learn more about steam bent Western Red Cedar shingles and how they can transform your home.
Red Western Cedar Shingle Product Examples:
Images © 2006-2025 Custom Shingles
What Is Western Red Cedar Used For?
Western Red Cedar is most abundant, with the grain being very straight, splits easily, and is commonly used for split shingles and shakes. As the most abundant species of Cedar, it is therefore cost effective, and similar in longevity to Eastern White. It is valued for its distinct appearance, aroma, and its high natural resistance to decay. It's extensively used for outdoor construction in the form of shingles, shakes, siding, posts and decking.
Western Red Cedar is cultivated as an ornamental tree, to a limited extent in forestry plantations and for screens and hedges. It's light weight, and its strength and dark warm sound make it a popular choice for guitar soundboards. It is also used to line closets and chests, for its pungent aromatic oils are believed to discourage moth and carpet beetle larvae, which can damage cloth by eating wool and similar fibers. This is more effective in a properly constructed Red Cedar chest (sometimes made entirely of Red Cedar), since the oils are confined by shellac and leather seals. It is also widely used throughout Europe and America for making beehives. A well-sealed Red Cedar chest will retain its pungent odor for many decades, sometimes for over a century.
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Traditional asphalt roofing shingles and materials can last a decade or two. Standard asphalt shingles dominate residential construction, creating opportunities for architects to specify distinctive materials that enhance a home by adding dimension and depth to the roof. Choosing Western Red Cedar shingles, or a similar unique natural wood shingle option, provides a unique beauty not seen very often on residential homes.
Beyond just beauty, Western Red Cedar shingles are incredibly durable and due to their naturally occurring tannins and oils, are resistant to insects, mold, and mildew. A roof made of red cedar shingles can long outlast more common roofing materials, delivering long-term performance that supports project lifecycle economics in a Western Red Cedar roof.
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Western Red Cedar shingles are categorized into four primary grades established by the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, with quality determined by grain orientation and the presence of defects. Choosing the right grade is essential for ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetic longevity of a project, as lower grades are often prone to warping or rot if used in the wrong application.
No. 1 Grade (Blue Label): The premium choice for residential roofing, consisting of 100% heartwood, 100% clear of knots, and 100% edge grain for maximum stability.
No. 2 Grade (Red Label): A mid-tier option containing a mix of edge and flat grain; it allows for knots in the unexposed portion and is best suited for siding or outbuildings.
No. 3 Grade (Black Label): A utility-grade shingle with significant flat grain and sapwood, intended for economy siding or garden structures where durability is less critical.
No. 4 Grade (Green Label): The lowest grade, strictly used for undercoursing or as shims rather than as a visible finishing material.
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Western Red Cedar shingles typically last between 30 and 50 years, depending heavily on the wood grade and local climate. Premium Blue Label shingles have been known to reach the 50-year mark or even more due to their high heartwood content, while lower grades or shingles in damp, shaded environments will not last as long. To maximize their lifespan, it is essential to keep the roof clear of debris and moss, as moisture retention is the primary cause of premature decay in natural wood.
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In the lumber and roofing industry, Red Cedar is commonly used as a shorthand for Western Red Cedar, but they are actually different species with distinct uses. Western Red Cedar, native to the Pacific Northwest, is the large, rot-resistant timber used for shingles, siding, and decking due to its straight grain and natural oils. In contrast, Eastern Red Cedar is actually a member of the juniper family and is famous for its intense aroma and purple-red color; it is used for closet linings and crafts but is generally too small and knotty for roofing. While the names are often used interchangeably, Western Red Cedar is the specific material required for exterior construction and durability.
Request a Quote
Got a question? If you’re looking to buy Western Red Cedar shingles, or if you want more information about your options, we’re always here to help. Send us an email, using the form below, or call our office at 386-487-1015 (local) or 877-323-3553 (toll-free) to request a quote.
Order Information:
There is a minimum order requirement for some of our products. For curved Cedar shingle orders, the minimum quantity requirement is just one (1) box. For Craft-Cutt shingles, the minimum order is five (5) bundles. Depending upon current inventory, our minimum order for Wallaba and Teak shingles is generally 1,500 SF. Please contact us for additional details.
What Makes Red Cedar Roofing Unique?
Traditional asphalt roofing shingles and materials can last a decade or two. Drive down almost any street in America, and you’ll see asphalt roof after asphalt roof. But choosing pre-stained Red Cedar shingles, or a similar unique natural wood shingle option, provides a unique beauty you don’t see very often in residential areas.
But beyond just beauty, Western Red Cedar shingles are incredibly durable and resistant to all sorts of threats that can damage other roofing materials. When you choose Western Red Cedar shingles, you don't have to worry about damage to individual shingles during roof installation, and you don't have to worry about damage from the elements, insects, rot or decay. A roof made of red cedar shingles is going to long outlast more common roofing materials, too, which gives you incredible value for your investment in a Western Red Cedar roof.
Why Work With Us for Western Red Cedar Shingles?
When you’re considering Western Red Cedar shingles or other unique roofing materials, you’ll want to find a service provider that understands the products and their installation.
At Custom Shingles, we focus exclusively on specialty roofing materials, including Western Red Cedar shingles. Your home is a tremendous asset, and its roof is incredibly important and valuable. Make sure you’re giving your home and your roof the very best when you choose an expert for the installation of Western Red Cedar shingles — experts like the ones you’ll find at Custom Shingles.
