Synthetic Cedar Shakes for Siding: A Simple Guide to Pros, Cons & Smart Alternatives

Many homeowners love cedar shakes because of their warm, timeless look, which elevates any home. Yet, this rustic charm comes with real upkeep, costs, and weather concerns. It’s easy to miss hidden costs when the wood still smells fresh, and the grain shines in the sun. That’s why we bring an alternative that looks just as good, but is more affordable and lasts longer: synthetic cedar shake!

This guide breaks down the good, the bad, and the workarounds. You’ll learn how synthetic  cedar shakes for siding hold up, what maintenance they need, and which modern products copy their style without the hassle. Continue reading to discover siding that saves money, lasts long, and maintains high curb appeal.

Why Synthetic Cedar Shakes Stay Popular

Synthetic options mimic the cedar’s grain and color shift from honey to silver, giving your home a rich character. When sealed correctly, they handle snow and heat well. Cedar shakes for siding also let walls breathe, reducing trapped moisture. That helps interior comfort and can lower energy bills in mixed climates.

Quick Wins

• Classic look that boosts resale value
• Long-lasting alternative
• High R-value compared to many other woods

Upkeep and Costs You’ll Appreciate

Low-Maintenance Living

One of the biggest advantages of synthetic cedar shakes is how easy they are to care for.

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  No sealing, staining, or repainting required
• Rinse occasionally to remove dirt or mildew
• Highly resistant to cracking, splitting, or curling

Since synthetic shakes are uniform in size and thickness, installation waste is minimal—usually less than 10%. That helps keep project costs predictable and manageable.

Built-In Protection from Common Risks

Weather Resistance

Unlike natural wood, synthetic shakes don’t swell, rot, or warp from moisture. They’re engineered to withstand wind, rain, hail, and temperature swings without losing their shape or performance.

Fire Safety

Many synthetic cedar products carry a Class A fire rating right out of the box—no added treatments needed. That gives you peace of mind and helps meet local building codes more easily.

Insurance Perks

Because synthetic siding is fire-resistant, impact-resistant, and low-risk for pests, it may qualify for better insurance rates than natural wood. Always check with your provider to see if you’re eligible for savings.

Matching Siding to Your Whole House Plan

A roof refresh offers the perfect opportunity to swap or add siding to a house. AMP’s team can line up roof edges, flashings, and wall planes for one clean project. That reduces seams, labor gaps, and scaffold rentals.

If you wait years between roof and siding work, crews may need to remove previous trim, which can be costly. Coordinating both trades in one go makes upkeep easier and improves ventilation lines behind siding on a house. For custom blends, please speak with our in-house siding contractor. We’ll match colors, profiles, and warranties to ensure every surface ages uniformly.

Choose Timeless Looks Without Timeless Headaches

AMP Restoration and Roofing has installed and restored synthetic cedar shakes for siding for over two decades. Our project managers guide you through style picks, budgets, and local code checks. We back every job with clear timelines, daily clean-ups, and manufacturer-approved crews.

From rustic shakes to sleek panels, our team delivers roofs and walls that work together for strength, energy savings, and standout curb appeal. Explore samples, compare warranties, and see 3-D renderings before we ever lift a hammer.

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