Reader support keeps this site open, opinionated, and happily independent. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.9 Best Asphalt Shingles That Look Like Cedar Shakes | Cedar Look

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The CertainTeed Cedar Impressions Double 9in. panel delivers the most convincing hand-split cedar aesthetic of any engineered shingle on the market. Its True Texture finish technology reproduces grain, knot patterns, and rough-split edges by injection-molding directly from real cedar shakes. The staggered double 9-inch design creates deep shadow lines that break up the surface and prevent the flat, cookie-cutter look that plagues cheaper vinyl panels.

This polymer siding is engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds thanks to its continuous perimeter lock, which engages on all edges to resist uplift. The panel projection is 1 inch, meaning it requires a 1-inch J-channel — a detail worth confirming before you start framing. At 0.125 inches thick, these panels are substantially sturdier than standard vinyl, cutting cleanly with a fine-tooth saw but resisting denting from impacts.

Each carton covers half a square (7 panels) and weighs 50 pounds — a manageable load for one installer. The Sterling Gray color is baked in, not painted on, so minor scratches won’t reveal a contrasting substrate. One reviewer noted the panels locked together with a satisfying click and looked fantastic after installation. The limited lifetime warranty adds long-term peace of mind.

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The Double 7 Inch Straight Edge Perfection variant from CertainTeed shares the same True Texture finish and Continuous Perimeter Lock as the Rough Split, but with a cleaner, more uniform edge profile. This makes it an ideal choice for homeowners who want the grain texture of cedar but prefer a more orderly, straight-laid pattern — think Colonial Revival or Craftsman bungalows where symmetry matters.

At 0.090 inches thick, this panel is slightly thinner than the Rough Split (0.125 inches), but the Molded Continuous Perimeter Lock compensates by distributing stress evenly across the panel. The panel projection is 0.75 inches, accepting a standard 0.75-inch J-channel — a more common size that simplifies retrofitting onto existing sheathing. Each carton holds 11 pieces and weighs 42 pounds.

One caution from a five-year review: the Herringbone color faded unevenly across panels, revealing their polymer nature. This appears to be a batch-specific issue, but it is worth noting if your home faces intense southern sun. For most buyers, the ease of installation and firm locking action make this a strong mid-range contender.

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The Foundry’s 10-inch staggered shake panels offer a full square per carton (23 panels), making them the most coverage-efficient vinyl option in this lineup. The 0.050-inch nominal thickness is standard for entry-level vinyl siding — functional but noticeably lighter than premium panels. The staggered pattern helps break up repetitive lines, and the color options like Oceanside provide a rich, solid hue.

Installation requires patience, especially in cooler weather. Reviews note that vinyl becomes stiff below 50°F, making the starter strip hooking difficult. Warming panels in the sun before installation helps. The single-course design means each row overlaps the one below cleanly, but gaps at row ends must be hidden with 1-inch J-channel. The product works well as a top accent band on white siding, adding visual interest without covering an entire elevation.

One buyer used it to trim a gable and received many compliments on the unique look. Another pointed out that the material cuts easily with tin snips but can crack if worked too aggressively near nail heads. For large-scale whole-home siding, the thin gauge may not convey the depth of real cedar. But for decorative bands, bay windows, or smaller accent areas, it delivers strong visual impact per dollar.

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The Polaris Homeside Select line stands out among vinyl options for its textured finish — molded directly from dozens of real cedar shakes. The Savannah Wicker color blends warm brown and tan tones, creating a natural wood-like appearance that fools the eye at a glance. At 0.13 inches thick, these panels are significantly beefier than standard vinyl, approaching the heft of polymer siding.

The Tru-Lock system engages at multiple points along each panel edge, creating a tight seal that prevents wind-driven rain infiltration. However, that same robust locking mechanism makes installation demanding. Multiple reviewers noted that clicking the bottom and side connections together required considerable force, especially around windows and outlets. Starter strip attachment was described as extremely hard — expect to need a siding tool or a helper to press panels into place.

Each box covers half a square (50 square feet) and weighs 37 pounds — manageable but the thick vinyl resists cutting cleanly with standard snips. A fine-tooth circular saw blade yields straighter edges. The limited lifetime warranty covers fading and cracking, but one buyer noted the Pacific Blue color looked deep and attractive once fully installed. For a vinyl product, the texture-to-price ratio is excellent.

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The GAF WeatherSide Purity line is the only Class A non-combustible option in this list, meeting ASTM E136 standards for zero flame spread. This matters for homeowners in wildfire-prone regions or those facing strict municipal building codes that ban wood siding outright. The fiber-cement formulation resists warping, rotting, UV degradation, and termite damage — outlasting real wood by decades.

Each bundle covers a small area and weighs just 0.23 kilograms per shingle, making individual pieces easy to handle. The wavy textured surface is pre-primed at the factory, ready for paint within 24 hours. One reviewer called them a perfect match for old asbestos siding — visually indistinguishable after painting. However, the fiber-cement is noticeably brittle; another reviewer warned that it chips more easily than vinyl or polymer. Always drill pilot holes rather than nailing directly through the face.

Installation is straightforward: remove old siding, nail shingles into place, and paint. No caulking is required at the joints since the overlap design sheds water naturally. The 12×24-inch panel size is narrower than polymer or vinyl options, requiring more pieces per square and a longer installation time. For the fire rating alone, this material justifies its selection over real cedar in high-risk zones.

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If nothing less than authentic Western Red Cedar will satisfy your design vision, the WRC #1 Medium Handspilts are the real deal. Each shake features a handspit face that produces a rugged, irregular grain pattern impossible to replicate in molded polymers. The resawn back provides a flat mounting surface, and the 3/4-inch thickness delivers the heft and acoustic performance homeowners expect from real wood siding.

One reviewer reported these shakes matched the cedar on their house perfectly, blending seamlessly with existing material. Another praised their endurance after years of exposure to rain and sun. However, the #1 grade does not include fire retardant treatment — you must apply a Class A or B fire-retardant coating separately to meet code. The bundle packaging was criticized in one case as poorly assembled, with butt ends not squared and the box coming apart during shipping.

Each bundle covers half a square (24-inch length) and weighs 45 pounds. The natural rot and insect resistance of Western Red Cedar is well-documented, but annual cleaning and re-sealing are required to maintain color and prevent graying. For a repair job needing just a few matching pieces, this is the most reliable source. For a full-roof or whole-wall replacement, budget for the fire treatment and ongoing maintenance.

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Miller Shingle’s Rebutted and Rejointed (R&R) cedar shingles are machined to precise uniformity — each edge is squared and the faces are grooved on one side for a decorative shadow line. This precision makes them ideal for historical restoration projects where original shingles must be matched exactly. One reviewer confirmed they matched their 60-year-old shingles perfectly, with crisp lines and uniform machining that simplified the repair.

The #1 high grade ensures minimal knots and defects, reducing waste during installation. Each half-square carton covers 50 square feet at a 14-inch exposure when double-coursed, or 28.5 square feet at an 8-inch exposure when single-coursed. The 18-inch length is standard for sidewall applications, and the natural groove adds a subtle texture that catches light differently throughout the day.

One detail to note: the primed version shipped with some areas lacking paint coverage, requiring touch-up priming before the final coat. This appears to be a surface-preparation issue rather than a structural one. On the positive side, the shingles arrived in pristine condition, well-packaged and without cracks. At 30 pounds per carton, these are easy to move around the job site. If you value historical accuracy over fire ratings, this is the shingle to buy.

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The #4 Undercourse shingle from Miller Shingle serves a specific role: it is designed for undercoursing in double-coursed sidewall installations and for starter courses. The utility grade means it contains knots and imperfections that make it unsuitable for visible finish work, but it performs perfectly as a hidden base layer. One reviewer noted that while some knots complicate trimming, the overall quality was surprisingly good for the grade.

Each carton covers 100 square feet at a 14-inch exposure when used as undercourse, or 50 square feet at a 7-inch exposure. The kiln-dried Western Red Cedar resists warping better than green wood, and the natural character adds a rustic charm to outbuildings and sheds. However, the shingles are not recommended for roofing — they are strictly sidewall material.

Multiple buyers ordered repeat shipments for ongoing projects, indicating consistent quality across batches. The straight-on price at local hardware stores may be lower, but Amazon’s delivery convenience (including shipping to your garage) saves a trip. If you are installing double-coursed cedar siding, this undercourse shingle is exactly what the system needs.

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The MasterCut Fish Scale shingles are a specialty accent product, cut from #1 grade 18-inch Rebutted and Rejointed cedar into a scalloped fish-scale profile. Each shingle measures 4.94 inches wide and 17 inches long, creating a decorative band that works beautifully on gable ends, dormers, or chimney surrounds. One reviewer confirmed they perfectly matched woodpecker-damaged shakes on a 1992 house.

The sanded face provides a smooth surface for painting, though the natural red cedar bleeds through lighter paint colors — plan for an extra coat of high-quality primer. The carton contains 104 shingles, which covers approximately half a square depending on exposure. Reviewers noted that some pieces have rough edges or are slightly thinner than others, but the majority are ready to install without trimming.

Packaging deserves special mention: one buyer reported zero damaged pieces out of 104, with the box arriving in pristine condition. That speaks to careful handling during shipping. For decorative accents where the aesthetic impact outweighs the premium, this is the shingle. The fish-scale pattern adds a historic, handcrafted feel that cannot be achieved with standard rectangular panels.