Cedar Shake Siding Vs. Vinyl: Which One Is Better?
If you take a look at most suburban homes, vinyl siding is the classic go-to. It’s everywhere! Though vinyl is going to be one of the most common siding types you may see, cedar shake is still fairly popular in upscale neighborhoods. They tend to get a good rep. If you’re ready to upgrade your home’s exterior, then you might be wondering what you should choose. Honestly, it’s a rough debate.
Cedar shake is more expensive than vinyl and often requires more maintenance than it too. However, it tends to be more durable than vinyl is. With that said, vinyl is more resistant to termite damage and mold. Cedar shake tends to be limited in the colors that you can choose, as well as the cuts. Most people prefer vinyl for their homes as a result.
Getting that perfect type of siding can be rough. Even getting the right material for your siding can prove to be challenging if you don’t know what each type offers you. However, our comparison will make it easier on you.
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Before We Begin: An Introduction To Cedar Shake And Vinyl
Both cedar shake and vinyl have their perks and pitfalls. Both are a type of siding that you can use on the outside of your home. Cedar shake is made of wood chips derived from cedar trees. Meanwhile, vinyl is made of polymer vinyl plastic. One is made from nature, the other is manufactured. Both will have similar installation techniques.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Having Cedar Shake?
Among many communities, having cedar shake siding is a great way to have a little status symbol among the community. Here’s why people tend to prefer cedar in many places:
- It’s all-natural. As our society progresses towards more eco-friendly options, we’ve begun to stigmatize plastic and vinyl. This is true, even if it’s misplaced. Since cedar is more biodegradable than vinyl, it’s a major plus.
- It can be painted any color you want. While this can be rough to do in practice, it’s a good perk in theory.
- Cedar shake is stronger and tends to stick to homes better than vinyl. This is the big upside to having cedar shake that everyone knows. It’s strong and will be able to handle impacts from falling branches better. If you live in a windy area, cedar makes a ton of sense.
- Unfortunately, cedar shake tends to be a pest magnet. While moths and fleas might hate cedar, termites and woodpeckers adore it.
- Like other woods, cedar can also get prone to mold. It’s mold-resistant, but not as much as vinyl.
- It’s also high maintenance. Regular treatments and replacing shingles is a must here. This can turn cedar into a headache.
- Cedar has a very strict aesthetic. Most cedar shakes will give your home an old school “log cabin” look. There’s no way to get the clean and modern look that many vinyl sidings offer. If you are okay with that, cedar could be right for you.
- Many people find the budget for cedar to be too high. This is the big drawback that most people hate about cedar. Wood prices are through the roof!
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Having Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is considered to be the “default” in most communities. It’s amazingly popular, and for the right reasons too. While it’s the go-to choice for most, it’s still not for everyone. Here’s what you need to know about vinyl:
- Vinyl is generally the more durable option for nature-related problems. When it comes to mold and pest control, you can’t get better than vinyl. Vinyl has nothing that attracts pests in it. It’s plastic, and neither woodpeckers nor termites can eat that!
- It also happens to be available in a wide range of different colors and styles. Even if you are one of the most persnickety and picky people on the siding market, you will find one that works well for you.
- Most types of vinyl are made to be low-maintenance. Cedar can require regular shingle treatments and sealants. With vinyl, a quick power washing and the occasional wipe down is all you need to keep it pristine. It’s the ultimate low
- Vinyl is more affordable too. Vinyl is affordable across the board, from installation to maintenance. This means that repairs are also going to be more affordable in the event of a break.
- The problem with vinyl often deals with warping. Vinyl can warp pretty easily if it’s exposed to the wrong temperatures or moisture levels. This is doubly true for vinyl that isn’t properly installed.
- Some people feel iffy about vinyl since it’s synthetic. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it is less biodegradable.
How Much Does Each Option Cost?
The price point of installing cedar shingles versus vinyl is a huge difference. Cedar shake can cost between $6 to $22 per square foot of coverage. This makes cedar a pricey option no matter who you are. Vinyl siding will cost between $4 to $11 per square foot, making it a drastically more affordable option.
Related Questions
Why is wood siding so expensive these days?
The demand for wood siding is one of many things that was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While demand has always been high, suppliers were not able to make ends meet and actually send wood to stores. There are still major shipment delays throughout the country. Moreover, the lumber industry is grossly understaffed.Moreover, overlogging has caused some wood to become rare and/or endangered. This caused many types of wood to be banned from logging, leaving reserves to be sold at a premium price. Until there is enough wood to go around and the supply chains start to stabilize, the high prices will continue.
Should you remove siding before installing new siding?
Regardless of the type of siding that you want to install, removing old siding before you install new siding is always a smart idea. This gives you a clean slate to work with and also reduces the chance that mold could damage the new siding from the inside out. Whenever possible, remove the old siding first. It’s a smart and safe way to make sure your new siding will be able to last longer and stay more durable too.
Is it possible to get vinyl siding that looks like cedar shake?
While it’s not the most common type of vinyl siding on the market, there are several companies that make vinyl siding that resembles cedar. You can often find it in major hardware stores like Home Depot, or in specialty siding stores. If you are hiring a professional builder, then you can request that they use it specifically. Most builders have connections that let them get cedar-like siding at a good discount, too!
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Which Is Better: Vinyl Or Cedar Shake?
It’s clear that cedar shake has a lot of diehard fans, especially when it comes to the eco-friendly community. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s the best option. Most people who are looking to install new siding aren’t looking for a status symbol. They are looking for a low-cost, low-maintenance option that offers durability and style.
Don’t get me wrong. Cedar is a decent material for a house. However, when it comes to the overall benefits that you get, it’s clear that vinyl siding is going to win this one. It’s more versatile, can withstand humid areas better, and also happens to be cheaper. The reason why it’s so popular is because people won’t have to worry about too much maintenance and because it will stay looking good.
Life is already going to be filled with chores. By choosing vinyl, you can make sure that you won’t have to deal with any additional things to do. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what we all really want?
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Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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