Using cedar has many benefits and is the iconic New England look commonly found on Nantucket and Cape Cod style homes. It gives your home the upscale, classic coastal New England beauty. You can choose from cedar shingles or cedar shake. They are not the same. Cedar shingles are milled and look smoother with a more precise cut. Shake looks rougher and has slight variations in size and shape. Giving it a rustic New England look.
The history of using cedar dates back hundreds of years in New England. The natural composition of cedar is insect and rot resistant. Because of these beneficial qualities, Native Americans used to build their canoes with cedar. Even if cedar is untreated, the cedar will outperform other wood standing up to the elements. Over time, the harshness of New England weather will wear down even the fiercest siding. It is recommended that cedar is stained using a clear coat every 2-3 years to maximize its durability and lifetime.
Installing cedar shake or cedar shingles will add value to your home. However, it does come with a cost. Cedar is higher maintenance than most other siding options and requires the homeowner to regularly maintain. This can prove costly if you add a new coat of stain every 2-3 years.
The upfront cost of cedar is also a deterrent for many homeowners. The cost of the wood is substantially higher than other siding options. It can cost 2x, 3x, 4x the price of siding alternatives. Cedar is usually chosen by homeowners who aren’t too worried about the price or cost of upkeep. Generally, it takes about 1-2 weeks to rip off old siding and install cedar. This of course depends on the size of the house, if the cedar is pre-finished, and if there are unexpected repairs to the sheathing beneath the siding.
For optimal results, I recommend you speak to a siding contractor that has experience installing cedar shingles or cedar shake. If you’re spending this much money on your siding, choose someone you trust to install it correctly. Call Savage Builders today for a FREE estimate to install your siding. We would be excited to at the opportunity to discuss your project with you!