If you are considering a home makeover or simply seeking inspiration to refresh your beloved abode, you’ve come to the right place.
Shake siding has been a staple in the world of architecture for centuries, and its enduring popularity lies in its ability to transcend passing trends and fads. With its warm, inviting appeal and diverse range of styles, shake siding continues to be the go-to choice for homeowners seeking a classic yet contemporary exterior.
In this blog post, we’ll be delving into five of the most timeless shake siding styles, each with its unique character and transformative power.
What Is Shake Siding: Getting To Know This Siding Option
Shake siding, also known as cedar shake siding, is a type of exterior covering for buildings, commonly made from natural wood, particularly cedar. It is a traditional and popular choice for adding character and visual appeal to homes, especially ones with a classic or rustic architectural style.
The siding gets its name from the way the wooden pieces are manufactured. Cedar shakes are handcrafted by splitting wooden blocks along the grain, resulting in irregularly shaped, textured pieces. The process of hand-splitting gives each shake a unique and organic look, which contributes to the charm and authenticity of the overall appearance.
Types Of Wood Used In Manufacturing This Siding
Various types of wood are used in manufacturing this siding, each offering distinct characteristics and aesthetics. Here are some of them:
- Cedar
- Pine
- Redwood
- Cypress
- Fir
Types Of Shake Siding
Wood shake siding, or shake siding, has seen quite a few developments over the years. Now, not only real wood, but faux wood siding is getting quite popular. Below we have addressed some of the best types of shake siding.
Cedar Shake Siding
One popular style of shake siding is the cedar shake. This siding is made from natural cedar wood, one of the most popular and premium wood types used in home improvement projects. These shakes have a thick, rustic appearance that can add a sense of warmth and charm to your house.
The natural variations in the wood grain create a beautiful and organic look that hardly any other type of siding can match.
Cedar shake siding is also incredibly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a great choice for homeowners looking for both style and functionality.
However, the popularity of natural cedar shake siding has been decreasing a bit. This is due to the fact that it requires regular maintenance and is quite expensive. These problems have led to the creation of other popular styles, known as faux wood siding.
Vinyl Shake Siding (Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding)
Another type of shake siding style that has become extremely popular in recent years is vinyl shake siding, otherwise known as faux wood siding. High-quality vinyl siding shakes can mimic the look of real wood without the same level of maintenance and upkeep.
One benefit of choosing vinyl shake siding is that you will get a range of siding colors to choose from. This will allow you to choose the perfect style to complement your home’s architecture. Not only is vinyl shake siding aesthetically pleasing, but it is also extremely durable and long-lasting, making it a cost-effective choice for homeowners.
But remember that though it’s a great option, this siding still might lack the required depth that natural wood offers.
Fiber Cement Shake Siding
For those who prefer a more modern and sleek look, there is also the option of fiber cement shake siding. Fiber cement shake siding offers the appearance of natural shakes with the added benefits of durability and longevity. It is resistant to fire, insects, and rot, making it a practical choice for homeowners concerned about the safety and maintenance of their home’s exterior.
Also Read: 3 Details Most People Don’t Know About Fiber Cement Siding
Best Wood Shake/Shingle Designs 2023
There are various shake-siding designs to choose from, each offering a unique look. Let’s look at some of the finest designs:
Straight Shake Siding Style
Let’s start with one of the oldest, and most simplistic wood shake styles, the straight shake siding style.
The straight-edge pattern is a classic choice that offers a clean and streamlined look. This wood shake siding features shakes that are installed in a straight line, creating a modern and contemporary appearance. Most of the siding manufacturers do make these straight designs, and therefore, they are widely available along with being quite popular.
This classic, uniform pattern is perfect for your home if you prefer a more minimalist or sleek aesthetic for your property.

Staggered Shake Siding
Most of the siding available on the market, such as plank siding or board and batten siding, is simple and uniform. If you want to break away from this, you can choose a staggered pattern.
As the word suggests, it features shakes of different sizes and widths, creating an irregular and visually appealing look. The irregular placement of the shakes adds depth and texture to the exterior of your home.
The staggered pattern is often used to create a rustic or cottage-style appearance, making it a perfect choice for you if you want to add a touch of charm to their property.

Scallop Siding
Another excellent shake-siding design is the scallop pattern. This design features shakes that are cut in a curved shape, resembling the look of fish scales. The scallop pattern will add a unique and distinctive look to your home’s exterior, creating an eye-catching focal point.
The scallop shake siding design works particularly well on gables or accent walls, adding visual interest and enhancing the overall curb appeal of your property.

Top Shingle/Shake Siding Options To Consider For Your Ohio Home
There are several brands that manufacture high-quality shake siding to meet the demands of the market. Below are some of the options that we really like:
James Hardie Shake Siding
James Hardie is a pioneer when it comes to manufacturing classic home siding. With this brand, you will get an authentic wood-like look without the drawbacks of real wood, such as rotting or warping.
Their HardieⓇShingle siding options include straight-edge and staggered edge panels made from fiber cement, which offers durability and low maintenance.
Both these options are available in a range of colors specifically made from the company’s own ColorPlus® Technology.

CertainTeed Cedar Impressions
Another brand that specializes in manufacturing shake siding is CertainTeed. They offer a wide variety of shake siding options, one of the best being their Cedar Impressions® Range.
CertainTeed’s shake siding is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions. It’s available in profile options ranging from five inches to nine inches, and you will also find more than 15 color options to choose from.

Ply Gem Vinyl Shake Siding
Ply Gem presents exquisitely textured shake and shingle vinyl siding, providing the timeless allure of natural wood without the burden of maintenance and upkeep.
Their popular product line, Cedar Discovery®, is rugged and sturdy, enhancing the look of your home. It is also available in 24 beautiful colors.

Also Read: 7 Best Vinyl Sidings Of 2023
Best Siding Installation Service In Dayton, OH
At All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, we specialize in installing shake siding that will enhance the beauty and charm of your home. With a variety of styles and brands to choose from, we can help you select the best shake siding that suits your preferences and complements the architectural style of your home.
Our experienced team is dedicated to providing high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional service to ensure your satisfaction. Contact us today at (937) 902-2839 to schedule a consultation, and let us transform your home with the best shake siding styles and brands.