Choosing the right shaker-style vinyl siding can dramatically influence curb appeal, durability, and maintenance. This guide highlights five top options commonly used for a cedar-shake appearance, including several Polaris cedar-shake styles, plus fiber-cement and engineered options from GAF and CertainTeed. Each product blends textured cedar-like aesthetics with modern performance, helping homeowners achieve authentic warmth without the upkeep. Below, you’ll find quick product summaries, a concise buying guide, and practical considerations for selecting the best shaker shingles for your home.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Polaris Cedar Shake (Granite Gray) 7in | Polaris | Tru-Lock system, realistic cedar texture |
| Polaris Cedar Shake (Savannah Wicker) 7in | Polaris | Multiple color options, random seams |
| GAF WeatherSide Purity Wavy Fiber-Cement Shingles | GAF | Asbestos-free, durable fiber cement |
| Cedar Impressions Double 9in Staggered Shakes (Sable Brown) | CertainTeed | Patent PanelThermometer, hurricane-rated |
| Cedar Impressions Double 9in Staggered Shakes (Pacific Blue) | CertainTeed | True Texture finish, elegant shadow lines |
Polaris Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding Granite Gray
Product overview: Polaris Homeside Select Double 7in. Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding in Granite Gray features the Tru-Lock locking system for secure seams and a textured finish derived from real cedar shakes. It’s designed to mimic the look of natural wood with low maintenance. Each box covers 50 square feet, with 480 linear feet per box and a weight of about 37 pounds. The system emphasizes random seams to avoid uniform patterns and maximize a natural cedar appearance.
Key considerations: This option prioritizes a traditional shake aesthetic with simplified maintenance. The Tru-Lock system helps ensure a tight, weather-resistant install. Homeowners should account for color stability in sun exposure and plan for proper flashing and moisture management around corners and penetrations. Packaging indicates a 50 sq. ft. box, so purchasing in multiples may be necessary for larger homes.
Polaris Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding Savannah Wicker
Product overview: This Polaris Homeside Select option uses the Tru-Lock locking system with random seams to simulate natural cedar shakes. Availability in Savannah Wicker adds warmth and a multifaceted look that shifts with light. The product line emphasizes low maintenance and a varied color palette to suit different architectural styles.
Key considerations: Random seams help reduce a manufactured appearance; ensure color consistency across runs and sunlight exposure. Verify compatibility with existing trim and soffit materials, and consider warranty coverage for colorfastness and impact resistance in your region.
GAF WeatherSide Purity Wavy Fiber-Cement Shingles
Product overview: GAF WeatherSide Purity Shingles combine the look of authentic vintage shakes with modern fiber-cement durability. These 12×24 shingles come in an 18-bundle package, offering a textured surface that resembles traditional asbestos-based shingles but without asbestos. They are UL Classified and non-combustible per ASTM E136, emphasizing safety and long-term performance.
Key considerations: Fiber-cement shingles resist warping, rot, UV degradation, and termites, making them suitable for harsh climates. Fire resistance is a strong selling point, but installation requires attention to nailing patterns and proper flashing. Bias toward long-term warranties and manufacturer guidance for cutting and seam alignment.
Cedar Impressions Double 9in Staggered Rough Split Shakes Sable Brown
Product overview: CertainTeed’s Cedar Impressions line uses Double 9in staggered rough split shakes with a True Texture finish and panel-based design. It features distinctive shadow lines and shingle definition, engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds. The system includes Quick Reference nail mark indicators to simplify installation and reduce measuring errors, enhancing consistency across projects.
Key considerations: Look for hurricane-grade performance in regions with high winds. The integrated PanelThermometer helps with precise installation, but ensure compatibility with existing siding thickness. This product is made in the USA and emphasizes a high-quality polymer composition for durability and color retention.
Cedar Impressions Double 9in Staggered Rough Split Shakes Pacific Blue
Product overview: This CertainTeed option mirrors the blue-hued cedar shake aesthetic with True Texture finish technology. The double 9-inch staggered shakes provide depth and shading to mimic real wood while delivering the durability and low maintenance of vinyl or composite materials. It emphasizes the same PanelThermometer-based installation guidance and hurricane resilience.
CertainTeed Cedar Impressions Double 7 Inch Straight Edge Perfection Shingle Siding
Product overview: This CertainTeed option features Double 7 Inch Straight Edge Perfection Shingle Siding with a Molded Continuous Perimeter Lock design. The panel uses True Texture finish and is designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. The product is made from high-quality polymer material and is manufactured in the USA, emphasizing durability and secure seam performance.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations
- Aesthetic match: Consider the scale and texture of the shakes to align with your home’s architectural style. Shaker shingles range from a rustic cedar look to more classic, uniform patterns.
- Durability and climate: Fiber-cement options like GAF WeatherSide offer excellent weather resistance and fire safety, while polymer shakes from CertainTeed emphasize impact resistance and long-term color stability.
- Installation and tools: Some products include installation aids such as PanelThermometer indicators or True Texture finishes. Ensure your contractor is familiar with the product’s nailing patterns and required underlayment or flashing.
- Maintenance and warranty: Vinyl and fiber-cement shakes typically require little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. Review warranty terms for color fade, seam performance, and wind resistance.
- Weight and delivery: Boxes vary in coverage and weight per box. Plan for adequate material quantities and safe handling during installation to avoid gaps or misalignments.
Comparative notes
- Polaris Cedar Shake options (Granite Gray, Savannah Wicker) emphasize fast, secure installs with random seams and deep cedar textures for authenticity, but colors may fade with sun exposure; ensure color-fast options for long-term appearance.
- GAF WeatherSide offers a robust asbestos-free fiber-cement alternative, balancing authentic shake aesthetics with strong fire resistance and durability, though installation can require specific spacing and cutting precision.
- CertainTeed Cedar Impressions provide refined textures, strong wind performance, and protective perimeter locking; they’re well-suited to homes in hurricane-prone areas but may have a higher upfront cost.
Overall, selecting the best shaker shingle siding involves balancing authentic cedar aesthetics with long-term durability, maintenance, and local climate needs. The featured options cover wood-look vinyl and engineered alternatives to fit different budgets and design goals while maintaining curb appeal across American neighborhoods.