Western red cedar offers natural beauty, durability, and weather resistance for exterior siding, shingles, and cladding. This article highlights five relevant products and compares options based on material quality, finish, and application. Whether you’re restoring a historic home or starting a new project, these selections provide diverse pricing tiers and performance. Use the buying guide at the end to match features to your project needs and climate conditions.
| Product | Brand | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24″ #1 Royals Certigrade Western Red Cedar Shingles | A&R | Shingles | Smooth sawn, 0.50″ thickness |
| Penofin F3MWRGA Western Red Cedar Red Label Stain | Penofin | Stain | Non-film forming, UV protection |
| Penofin F3EWRGA Western Red Cedar Blue Label Stain | Penofin | Stain | Transparent blue label finish |
| Generic Western Red Cedar 24″ X 5/8″ Tapersawn Certi-Sawn | Generic | Shakes/Shingles | Certi-Sawn, 100% edge-grain cedar |
| Summary Note | Selections range from shingles to high-quality stains for cedar preservation and curb appeal. |
24″ #1 Royals Certigrade Western Red Cedar Shingles
The 24″ Royals Certigrade shingles are designed for residential and light commercial use, featuring smooth sawn faces and uniform cedar shading. They measure a nominal thickness of 0.50 inches and offer a random width profile ranging from 4 to 14 inches (100 to 355 mm). This combination supports a classic cedar look with controlled variability, ideal for traditional shake siding, soffits, and exterior facades that require a refined finish with durable protection from the elements.
Penofin Western Red Cedar Red Label Stain (250-VOC)
Penofin Red Label is a premium exterior stain formulated for Western Red Cedar. This 1-gallon option emphasizes non-film forming protection with strong UV resistance, helping preserve natural color while resisting fading and weathering. The 250 VOC formulation is designed for outdoor use in varied climates, providing durable penetration that enhances grain texture without forming a glossy film on the surface.
Penofin Western Red Cedar Blue Label Premium Transparent Stain
The Blue Label Premium Transparent Stain from Penofin provides a lighter, more natural cedar appearance with enhanced grain visibility. This 1-gallon option is designed for exterior Cedar surfaces and offers UV protection and weather resistance while preserving a clear, true-to-wood look. It is suitable for projects where the cedar’s natural tones are a focal design element, and it complements both older homes and new builds.
Generic Western Red Cedar 24 X 5/8″ Tapersawn Certi-Sawn
These Certi-Sawn shingles are cut on both sides for a smoother, uniform appearance while maintaining the textured look of traditional shakes. Manufactured from 100% edge-grain, clear heartwood Western Red Cedar, they bring natural decay and insect resistance with enhanced durability. The lasting color starts reddish-brown and weathers toward a silvery gray, offering a timeless aesthetic for exterior walls and roofs with a distinctive shadow line and beauty.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Material quality and grade: Certi-Sawn or Certigrade products emphasize uniform texture and better edge stability, improving installation ease and final appearance. For historical or high-end projects, premium grades yield cleaner lines and longer life.
- Finish and protection: Stains and finishes vary from penetrating, non-film coatings to transparent premiums. Consider climate exposure (sun, rain, humidity) and maintenance willingness when selecting products to balance appearance with longevity.
- Thickness and profile: A 0.50″ thickness and 4″–14″ random widths create a traditional cedar look with compatible shadow lines. Shingle and shake profiles influence moisture management and roof/wall aesthetics; choose based on roof pitch and siding design.
- VOC and environmental factors: Look for low to moderate VOC formulations if indoor air quality and environmental impact are priorities. Exterior products should provide durable UV protection to minimize color fade.
- Application and installation: Verify compatibility with substrate, underlayment, and climate. Some cedar products require preconditioning or specific fasteners to prevent splitting and ensure long-term performance.
- Maintenance schedule: Staining intervals depend on product type and climate. Transparent stains may require more frequent reapplication than solid or semi-transparent finishes, though they maintain cedar’s natural hue.
- Cost versus value: While premium shingles and stain systems cost more upfront, their durability, appearance, and ease of maintenance can reduce lifetime costs. Compare warranty terms and maintenance requirements to gauge value.
- Climate considerations: Humid or coastal areas face higher moisture and salt exposure; choose products with proven resistance to rot, insects, and weathering to extend service life in these environments.
- Color and aging: Cedar naturally weathers to silvery gray. Decide whether to preserve warm cedar tones or allow weathering for a rustic, aged look, and select finishes accordingly.